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Local Groups Guide
Thank you for giving your time to help Tibet
About us
Free Tibet is an international campaigns organisation. Our aims are self-determination for the Tibetan people, an end to China’s occupation of Tibet and for the human rights of Tibetans to be respected. We are independent of all governments and entirely rely on supporters and members of the public for our funds. We have about ten staff members in our office in London as well as volunteers.
What we do
• Undermine China’s lies and propaganda by bringing news from Tibet to the world’s media • Provide the United Nations with compelling, authoritative evidence of the abuse of Tibetans’ rights• Lobby world leaders to speak up for Tibet• Challenge corporations who are seeking to profit from the occupation• Drive international support for Tibetans’ tireless and peaceful struggle for freedom
Our recent successes
• Free Tibet brings news of repression and resistance to the world’s media. Our information and comment has been featured regularly in the world’s most important news outlets, including the New York Times, the Guardian, the BBC, CNN and many more.
• After a campaign exposing China’s use of fake personal accounts to spread Tibet propaganda, Twitter was forced to shut down spam Chinese accounts. The story made headlines across the world.
• The United Nations and national governments use our information to call China to account over human rights violations in Tibet. After we contacted the UN about jailed Tibetan musicians, it sent an urgent appeal to China. As a result China was forced to confirm that the musicians had been jailed for “separatist” activities and to reveal the fate and whereabouts of two singers who had disappeared.
But we must do more and we need your help!
What can Local Groups do?
Free Tibet’s Local Groups are run independently by members, with guidance from our London office. Some groups like to focus on campaigning and spreading awareness about Tibet; others concentrate on raising funds for our vital work - many do both. There are lots of fundraising ideas on the next pages. Campaigning activities that you can organise include:
• Public meetings to talk about Tibet or to show films• Information stalls in town centres or at community events • Writing letters about Tibet to your local media• Contacting your local MP or council• Writing letters in support of Tibetan political prisoners • Supporting our postcard or petition campaigns in your local area• Campaign events like photo opportunities or peaceful demonstrations
Many of these make great fundraising opportunities too.
We are always happy to support new ideas, so get your creative juices flowing.
How will Free Tibet support Local Groups?
We will provide:• The planning pack at the start of your Local Group, including materials such as leaflets, magazines and a Tibetan flag• Monthly actions that you can do as a group • Resources such as campaigns and fundraising materials• Topic suggestions for letters that your group can write to local politicians and media.• Free Tibet T-shirts at a special discount only for Local Group members
We will also promote your Local Group and any planned events on the local group pages of our website. Once your group is ready, we will get in touch with other supporters in your area to let them know they can get involved.
Caroline has organised an annual raising of the Tibetan flag in Northampton for more than 10 years. Attended by the mayor, this fantastic event gets great local publicity and puts Tibet in the spotlight.
Getting started
Fundraising ideasWhy fundraise for Free Tibet?
We rely on the generosity of the public to keep the campaign running. Local groups help Free Tibet to reach out and fundraise in local communities. There are so many ways that you kick start your fundraising and below we’ve listed a few suggestions.
ORGANISE A FUNDRAISER Have a think within your local group about what skills and talents you have. Could you use these to organise a fundraising event? Is there a budding chef within your midst? You could hold an evening of Tibetan inspired food (we’ll be happy to point you in the direction of some recipes!).
You could always ‘piggy-back’ someone else’s event. Have a look to see what else is happening in your area; are there any opportunities to hold a Free Tibet stall? Always remember to have some leaflets to hand whatever it is that you choose to do. We are always looking to recruit new supporters.
Organise your group You don’t need to have any particular structure for your group. Some groups have secretaries and treasurers, others are very informal. Most groups make decisions easily among themselves without the need for voting or other processes. You’ll need to decide somewhere to meet. That could be in someone’s house or a local pub at first – you may be able use a church hall or community centre.
You’ll need to nominate a contact person and set up an email account they can use – we recommend a simple name like [yourtown][email protected] Let us know the name of the contact person and a contact number (which we won’t make public without your permission). You can also set up a Facebook page, promoting your group and its activities. We can link to it from our website.
Let people know about you We’ll send an email to supporters in your area telling them about your group. You might also want to advertise locally, such as in the press noticeboards (Free Tibet can help with the cost), on community noticeboards, or in shops. If you want, you can publicise a specific meeting or you can just give people contact details.
Decide on something to doHave a look at the ideas in this pack. What seems best suited to your group? Maybe you’d like to start with something simple like letter-writing or you could go for a public event, like a talk or a stall. We can provide you with a sample press release for your local media, telling them about your group or event, and give you advice about how to send it.
If you want to do something like a stall, remember that places like shopping centres are private property and if you are on the street, you mustn’t block entrances or the pavement. It’s often a good idea to check with the council before planning that kind of event.
Go on to greatness!As you do more, you’ll get more confident and ambitious. High profile events like flag-raisings or benefit concerts take some organising but can be incredibly rewarding.
Lisa is a yoga instructor and held a yoga evening in London. Tibet supporters in Norway organised a music gig.
Free Tibet, 28 Charles Square, London, N1 6HT, United Kingdomwww.freetibet.org
@freetibetorg
/freetibetorg
ANNUAL RAFFLE Free Tibet holds an annual raffle which runs for about five months of the year. It’s a huge event and brings in a lot of money for our campaign work. Encourage your friends and family to buy a ticket or sell them at a local stall or event.
MERCHANDISEThe Free Tibet shop supports some fantastic fair trade initiatives and raises vital funds for our work. You could share our catalogue with your friends and family.
Are there any hot spots in your local area where you could put one to get noticed, for example a local café or the doctor’s surgery?
If you are holding a stall or event we would be happy to send some merchandise for you to sell. Get in touch to find out more.
ENJOY! Thank you again for your fantastic work supporting Free Tibet. We want to help Local Groups to be as strong, effective and enjoyable as we can. We would love to hear from you about any activities taking place and will feature them on our website. For the latest local groups news, keep checking the website at www.freetibet.org/localgroups Lastly, whether it’s fundraising advice, campaign materials, collection tins and thoughts about your event or anything else you need, we’re always happy to help. Please keep in touch!
GET SPONSORED Sponsorship is a great way to raise money and awareness. Why not take part in a locally organised run or walk and make Free Tibet your chosen cause?
If that’s not quite your style, you could slow the pace and organise a sponsored meditation. If that’s not quite your style, you could slow the pace and organise a sponsored meditation, or get pledges for every day that you go without your favourite indulgence. Hilary takes on the Monster Swim.
Contact us by email at [email protected]
or phone +44 (0)20 7324 4605 (office hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-18:00)
