connecting the disconnected: using your sweet social media skillz to free burma
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Learn about what is going on in Burma and what you can do to help improve the situation there and among Burmese refugees here in AustinTRANSCRIPT
Connecting the Disconnected: Use Your Sweet Social Media Skillz to Help the
Oppressed Burmese People
All of these people live right here in Austin. They came here after running through the Burmese jungle into Thailand, where they stayed at a refugee camp. They
were assigned to live here in Austin and came here with no possessions whatsoever.
*Note: There are no adults in these photosbecause showing their faces publicly couldendanger both their lives and the lives of
their families.
Today, you will find out:
• What is going on in Burma
• What is about to happen there
• Steps you can take to help the people who will be able help them
Who are these people?• men, women and children
• Christians, Muslims and Buddhists
Here is what they had to face
This is how the government silenced their voices
In May 2008, Burma will vote on a new constitution. Here are the people who
cannot vote on this issue:
• political prisoners currently in jail
• 400,000 monks currently living in Burma
• Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung Sang Suu Kyi
In 2010, Burma will elect a new parliament.
2/3 of the vote will come from the people. 1/3 will come from the military.
Remember though, political dissidents cannot vote.
What help can we provide to Burmese dissidents living here in Austin?
• offering jobs that provide a sustainable living wage
• shoes, including athletic and sturdy work shoes
• diapers
• rice cookers
• non-perishable food
• computers and calculators
So how can we use social mediato help?
• Get on Elaine’s mailing list for updates on refugees here by emailing [email protected]
• Sign the petition to end atrocities in Burma at the Democracy for Burma website and encourage others to do the same.
pictures courtesy of Jerry Hughes
www.artiststudio12.com