My beloved Tibet....will be free with our cooperation

Dear ani Yeshe,

It’s a brand new year and Tibetans need your help and compassion now more than ever.

Last November, the Dalai Lama called together Tibetans from across the globe for an historic discussion in Dharamsala about Tibet’s future. Although the Special Meeting closed with a strong endorsement of this Middle Way Approach—Tibetans overwhelmingly voted to support the continued drive for autonomy—participants also stated that exiled Tibetans might promote outright independence for Tibet if results of engagement with China weren’t evident soon.

What we can take away from this is clear:

Our role as allies to the Tibetan people is even more critical now, and your support of our work together is essential. Tibet needs her friends now—and I’m counting on you to stand with us.

Please give a special gift today in support of our work for Tibetans.

There is a new mood of international optimism about political leadership in the U.S. and strong signals the U.S. is headed toward more multilateral approaches to world political problems. We must be ready to make sure Tibet remains an important part of the agenda.

With your help, we’ll be able to implement our 2009 Action Plan to influence these five important areas on behalf of Tibetans:

• We must work closely with the Obama Administration to make fresh headway on this issue.
• We must encourage international cooperation, attention, and advocacy for Tibet.
• We must demand and secure the release of Tibet’s political prisoners.
• We must ensure safe passage and humanitarian assistance for Tibetan refugees.
• We must reach out to thousands of new allies inside of China.

The Importance of Your Support

During this time of change and uncertainty, your importance as a strong supporter simply can’t be understated. Our role as advocate, ally, and champion of Tibet is more important now than ever before—and we continue to rely on you to make that possible.

I can’t tell you how grateful I am to know I have you standing with us as we move ahead. Our work on behalf of Tibetans is only possible with your help.

With thanks,

John Ackerly