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March 10th is TIBETAN NATIONAL UPRISING DAY.

50,000 EMAILS AND FAXES HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE CHINESE EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES THIS WEEK -- SEND YOURS NOW

Thanks to everyone who participated in the March 10th email alerts and rallies around the country!

Below are updates on the rally in New York, the action alerts, and the Tibetan Women¹s Association fast and candlelight vigil for Tibetan Women¹s Day in New York.

1. MARCH 10TH RALLY IN NYC
In New York, 1,500 Tibetans and Tibet supporters came out on Sunday in the freezing cold to commemorate the 43rd anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising in 1959 and urge the UN and the Chinese government to free Tibet.

Following several inspiring speeches by the likes of Representative Nawang Rabgyal, Professor Robert Thurman, and USTC Chairman Sonam Wangdu in front of the UN, the entire crowd began their march down 42nd Street to the Chinese Consulate across town. The marchers spread across blocks and blocks, shouting slogans such as ³What do we want? Free Tibet! When do we want it? Now!² and ³Tibet for Tibetans!²

Once the freedom fighters arrived at the Chinese consulate, occupants of the building were forced to gaze down at the amazing number of protesters continuing their shouts for a free Tibet. Though it was blustery and freezing down by the river, the feeling of unity and strength among the crowd was amazing.

2. EMAIL UPDATE
Thank you again to everyone who was able to make it to the rally, and also to those who participated in the email actions! About 62,000 emails were sent to Chinese Embassies and Consulates around the world. We definitely made our voices heard!

3. TWA FAST AND CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
Today, the Tibetan Women¹s Association of NY/NJ is commemorating the 43rd anniversary of the Women¹s Uprising in Tibet with an all-day fast and a candlelight vigil at the United Nations. On March 12th, 1959, thousands of women across Tibet rose up to oppose the Chinese invasion and occupation of their country. Since then, Tibetan women have played a vital role in the Tibetan resistance against Chinese oppression. Nuns and lay women alike continue to fight for human rights and religious freedom, inspired by Kunsang la, Gyaling Shar Choela and Pekong Dolma, revered leaders of the Tibetan women¹s resistance.

The Tibetan Women¹s Association is calling on the United Nations to pressure the Chinese government to begin immediate and unconditional negotiations with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Since the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949, the United Nations has failed to take any action to alleviate the worsening plight of the Tibetan people.

Please come out and show your support!

WHAT: All-day Fast & Candlelight Vigil
WHEN: March 12th 10:00am ­ 7:00pm
WHERE: Ralph Bunche Park, 42nd St. & 1st Ave. (10 ­ 5pm)
Dag Hammerskjöld Plaza, 47th St. & 1st Ave. (5 ­ 7pm

[ photo | nancy jo johnson ]

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