The Three Minute Activist
I have received a few notes from people who are grateful, and, in some cases, a little incensed to have a daily resource for human rights news. The common question I get is, well, okay, I'm concered, but what can I do about it?
You would be amazed at what a letter to the appropriate representative can do. One reason why human rights violations persist has much to do with the fact that, other than the major human rights organizations who weigh in on everything, the violator doesn't think anyone, particularly ordinary people, know or care about what they do. It is the same excuse why our own bodies, our embassies, diplomatic bodies and continental unions, remain publicly mute on the subject. They think you are too busy to notice and, even if you do, are too self involved to care. And for those who have expressed a powerlessness, not knowing what you can do to make a difference, as I said a well timed letter of support or condemnation can work wonders and make a difference.
For those who don't know what or how to write, I have drafted a very simple letter that is applicable for most circumstances. It can make you a three minute activist.
Start by doing a google search of your nation's embassy in that country. Find the Ambassador or, if that post is vacant, find the name of the Charge D'Affaires or Chief of Mission. Sometimes they have an e-mail listed, sometimes not. If not, use the Public Diplomacy or Information Officer mail address if listed or the general mail. Either way it will get to the person you wish to contact.
If there is no Embassy or Consular in that country, use google and type the country name and UN Mission. Find the Mission Chief and repeat the process. If you can't find the name or contact info, drop me a line and I'll be happy to find it.
Cut and paste this letter and keep it in a doc file. You can modify it as you need to.
State the specific issue you are writing about in the subject line
Dear (title and last name),
As an American citizen (or your country) I wish to express my (select one: support for, condemnation of, disappointment in) (agency name, eg., the embassy's, the State Department's, the United Nations', etc.) (select one: support of, inattention to, condemnation of) (state the specific issue as mentioned in your e-mail subject line).
As a representative of (my country, a world body, an American ally, the human race), it is vital that human rights, civil liberties and democratic values be at the forefront of every official decision we make. With the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, our world, our nation made a conscious effort to make human dignity and freedom the foundation of world peace and civil order.
I (applaud, feel it my duty to remind) you, and hope you will use this as a basis for all of your official decisions, public statements and private discussion concerning (state the specific issue as mentioned in your e-mail subject line) and all other matters in the future. I would likewise appreciate a response hearing your position on the matter and how I, as an American citizen, can assist you in your efforts.
The world is watching. So am I.
Respectfully,
Your Name
City and State
E-mail address
All agencies are required to maintain these letters in their files as part of their annual reporting. If you are passionate about the subject and encourage others to write as well, you can make a difference.
Three minutes a day and you can change the world. Now, where do YOU begin?
posted by Dave Carroll @ 12/19/2006 06:09:00 PM
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