Buddy's Place
Let's Effect Positive Change
RECEIVED Thu., Nov. 19, 2009
Dear Editor,
Let’s effect some positive change, shall we? As International Human Rights Day approaches (Dec. 10), I’m drafting letters to foreign heads of state on behalf of prisoners of conscience all over the globe. From Mexico to Nepal, Uzbekistan to China, folks endure prison for documenting incidences of rape, for protesting the demolition of their homes, or, in the case of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, winning a landslide election.
Personally, I’m considered the “radical” minority; friends dismiss such calls to action. I’ve heard, “Why waste your time?” or “Letter writing is passé and ineffective,” or best of all, “That stuff makes me uncomfortable.” (Me too!) So thanks to the naysayers, I’m thinking bigger: Austinites, can you spare five minutes to improve the life of a global community member? Got a stamp? More resources at: www.amnestyusa.org/writeathon.
Let’s effect some positive change, shall we? As International Human Rights Day approaches (Dec. 10), I’m drafting letters to foreign heads of state on behalf of prisoners of conscience all over the globe. From Mexico to Nepal, Uzbekistan to China, folks endure prison for documenting incidences of rape, for protesting the demolition of their homes, or, in the case of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, winning a landslide election.
Personally, I’m considered the “radical” minority; friends dismiss such calls to action. I’ve heard, “Why waste your time?” or “Letter writing is passé and ineffective,” or best of all, “That stuff makes me uncomfortable.” (Me too!) So thanks to the naysayers, I’m thinking bigger: Austinites, can you spare five minutes to improve the life of a global community member? Got a stamp? More resources at: www.amnestyusa.org/writeathon.
In solidarity,
Caroline Crary Elbert
Caroline Crary Elbert