On March 10th we will commemorate two defining events in Tibet's modern history - the Tibetan National Uprisings of 1959 and 2008.
In the lead up to this important day, we must redouble our efforts to focus international attention inside Tibet where the crackdown continues, and where, just last week, Chinese security forces beat 24-year old Pema Tsepak to death because he engaged in a peaceful protest. Read more and take action now. Read below to learn more on how you can help make this March 10 the largest-ever global display of solidarity for the Tibetan people. And remember to check out the daily profiles of Tibetan freedom fighters. Today, Day 43 in the Countdown, we pay tribute to the inspiring leadership and courage of Andruk Gonpo Tashi, Commander-General of Chushi Gangdrug - Tibet's volunteer resistance force.
1) MASS CONVERGENCES FOR TIBET IN GLOBAL CAPITALS: A demonstration of political strength after 50 years in exile
By taking to the streets of our national capitals on the eve of March 10, we will demonstrate the growing political strength of the Tibetan freedom movement and send a clear message to the Chinese government 
and the international community that 50 years is too long - we want action to end the occupation now.
In addition to the activities being planned in your area, SFT is appealing to Tibetans and supporters everywhere to unite and take to the streets of your national capital city as this is where the global decision makers are, and therefore where the Chinese government representatives and the political media are as well.
At this very moment, Chinese government officials are working overtime behind the scenes in Ottawa, Washington, London, Paris, Brussels, Berlin, New Delhi and national capitals everywhere to weaken international political support for Tibet. We must meet them there and demonstrate the strength of our movement.
If there is already a protest planned in your city on March 10, we recommend actions in your nation's capital on March 9. This year the 9th falls on a Monday and is the perfect day to take action to create "framing stories" that can run in your national media on the 10th itself.
If you live in the U.S. mark your calendars! Join us in Washington, D.C. on March 9th. Mass convergences are also being organized in Ottawa, New Delhi and London. For more details, please contact: grassroots@
2) NATIONAL LOBBYING FOR TIBET
Last year, when protests erupted across Tibet, many government leaders expressed concern over China's violent military response and called on the Chinese government to meet with the Dalai Lama. Now is the time for our politicians to go beyond just words and symbolic gestures - this March 10, we will call on our elected representatives to follow through with real political action that pressures China's leadership to end the occupation of Tibet.
On March 9 and 10, Tibetans and Tibet supporters will meet with their elected representatives in the halls of political power - from Capitol Hill to Downing Street and Parliament Hill - to show that Tibet continues to be a pressing global issue that must be addressed. After 50 years in exile, we will demonstrate the growing political strength and savvy of the Tibetan exile community and movement.
Join the national lobbying effort by scheduling meetings with your political representatives in the lead up to March 10. For more information on how to get involved, please contact: campaigns@
3) M10: RAISE THE TIBETAN FLAG IN YOUR TOWN
Last year, we were deeply inspired by the images of Tibetans inside Tibet carrying homemade flags in the streets and hoisting the Tibetan flag on top of Chinese government buildings and flagpoles.
This year, we encourage you to get your local town or city government to raise the Tibetan flag on March 10. This action builds invaluable public awareness and support for Tibet at the local level and is something that people everywhere can do. In France and Germany Tibet support groups do this every year, and as a result hundreds of cities and towns raise the Tibetan national flag on March 10.
4) THIS M10: BRING A FRIEND! Help make your March 10 rally bigger than ever before by pledging to bring a friend to the protest this year. In this simple way, we can double the numbers in the streets and make this March 10 an unprecedented global uprising for Tibet.
This year, we will demonstrate the international public support that has been built by Tibetans after living half a century in exile. Everyone, especially Tibetan community members, should bring a friend on M10!
5) UPDATE: TIBETANS AROUND THE WORLD CANCEL NEW YEARS CELEBRATIONS
In an unprecedented show of solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet, Tibetans everywhere are canceling Losar - Tibetan New Year - celebrations this year. They are doing this to mourn the deaths of more than two hundred Tibetans killed by Chinese forces in the aftermath of the March 2008 Uprising and to protest China's ongoing crackdown. In observance of the traditional one-year mourning period, Tibetans inside Tibet are refraining from public festivities on Tibetan New Year.
The first day of Losar this year falls on February 25. Candlelight and prayer vigils are being organized in place of the usual festivities, which typically lasts for at least three day. Read more about this unprecedented gesture of solidarity for Tibetans inside Tibet and get involved. To read what Tibetans inside Tibet are saying about this and other issues visit this incredible new blog: High Peaks Pure Earth.
We will send you more information on the 'No Losar' Movement in the coming days.
In solidarity,
Lhadon, Tendor, Kate, Heather, Sam and all of us at SFT HQ
