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We are all the same in our grief

I recently had the honor of speaking in Portland Oregon at the Rwandan Genocide Remembrance Day at Lewis & Clark College.  The Pacific Northwest Rwanda Association sponsored this important event.  Second Counselor Andrew Tusabe from the Rwandan Embassy in Washington DC was one of the speakers who talked about the challenges and success that Rwanda is having in their country. 

I am always humbled when asked to speak at such an event.  But I have learned we must each do our part no matter how small we believe it is.  Following is the text of my speech.  

 April 11, 2010

We are more alike than we are different. 

Grief is universal; laughter connects people and the decision to change the world lies within each of us.

If you wonder why a mazungu is speaking today, you are not alone.  I wonder myself.  But I am.  And so I'll share what I know - which I know is nothing compared to what many of you know.

I am here to commemorate and honor the people of Rwanda.  Those of you who are here today, and to remember those innocents who were killed, through no fault of their own.  Today, we honor those who suffered or died, more by our action than our grief. 

I just returned from my 7^th trip to Rwanda in less than five years.  I pay for these trips myself so if you ever consider donating to Itafari, know you're not paying for my seat on the plane!

If you don't know my story, I went to Rwanda because one woman asked me to come and speak about hope.  What do I know?  I know what hope can look like.  I know that healing can come over time.  That when we lose someone we love, we can choose to never let their goodness die if we choose to focus on the difference they made while they were here. 

Rwanda has changed tremendously in the five years since I've been traveling there.  There's tremendous progress, but a huge amount that's left to be done.  I was concerned on my last trip because the night before I was leaving, three grenades went off simultaneously in the city.  More innocent people were killed.  And the terrorists (my word) accomplished their goal:  to make people afraid.  And there have been more grenade attacks since.  So what can you or I do about it?  We continue on.  We don't become overwhelmed or intimidated by cowards who use violence to speak, rather than words.

You may not be able, willing or interested in getting involved in the politics of your country.  I can't blame you!  I'm not interested in becoming involved in the politics of this country.  But how you or I live our lives speaks volumes of what we truly believe. 

You're here today.  Some of you because you want to be.  Some of you may feel you should be here.  But you're here.  And this unique group of people will never be gathered again.  We represent different experiences, different attitudes, different goals, different hopes, and different dreams. 

We have different colors of skin, are of different faiths or of no faith at all.  We are men and women, boys and girls, young and old.  We have vastly different experiences.  Some of us want to talk about what is possible, others want to be silent.  Some have hope, some have lost all hope.  But what if who we are as a group, is just the group we need to be? 

The role John and I play here today is a small one.  I'm honored as always to be asked to speak.  I'm so inadequate for this job, but I do it anyway.  So know that I know I don't know much.  But I'm passionate about making a difference in the world and the part of the world that I care to make my difference is Rwanda. 

Some of the finest people I've ever met in the world are from Rwanda.  Rwanda has changed my life.  And so I do what I can to pay that forward.  To change lives as mine has been changed.

I'd like to conclude with the following thoughts:  your attitude and words have power.  Choose (and use) them wisely.  Don't wait until you're perfect to reach your goals and dreams.  Never stop believing in the goodness that is in the world.  Be vigilant in speaking out or taking action against those who would choose to tear down what is good.  Disagree with courage and respect.  Keep hold of your emotions so that you can be heard.   Know that forgiveness is for your soul, not the soul of the one that caused you or a loved one harm.  To find peace within yourself is the greatest gift you bring to the world. 

Murakoze cyane and "kora ibyiza buri munsi" -

in Kinyarwanda, "do good every day"

To read more about our work in Rwanda please go to Itafari Foundation

I'm on my way to Rwanda - where are you headed ?

 

Do you ever wonder where you'll be five years from now?  Wonder what life holds (good and bad) and if you could possibly truly imagine what it will be like?

The first time I was on my way to Rwanda in 2005 I journaled.   I knew I'd be doing more as I flew home from that first trip -but never did I imagine that less than five years later I'd begin my 7^th trip.  I SAID in those first journal entries I knew I could do more.  And while more was done, the "I" became a "we".

The time between my Women of Rwanda for World Vision event in May 2005 and my trip three weeks later in June 2005 was a world wind.  After our successful event, I met within the week with two women who had heard me speak and asked if I'd consider holding a similar fundraiser when I returned.

"We'll see" I said.  And see we did.  That June in Rwanda, I was struck by the resilience of a people who had suffered greatly yet often were sincerely grateful for every opportunity presented to them.   

The joy I felt, the acceptance and the responsibility to do what I could to help, was never a burden.  It was an honor.  And in these last five years, my enthusiasm has not wavered.  My fierce belief in the strength of the human spirit is not lessened. 

And with those two women, Karen Freelander and Bethe McChesney (and their spouses who supported them) we dared to dream that we could raise $50,000. And from that dream the Itafari Foundation was born.  Now thousands more have joined us.  We have raised over $350,000 and changed lives as our lives have changed through this work. 

John, my husband has been my greatest supporter - my confidant, my engineer on projects in Rwanda, the voice of reason during my most unreasonable time.  My most favorite traveling companion to Rwanda.  No one waits more anxiously for me to return -no one more willing to step aside and let me be "Madam Itafari".  He truly is the wind beneath my wings.  Without him I am a grounded bird - (think platypus!)

My friendships in Rwanda are some of the sweetest of my life.  I think it is the depth of character of these friends, our shared passion, their knowledge that I and Itafari are truly about Rwanda and what they want and need.

The women in Rwanda are magnificent.  They know they have no time to play small - the stakes are too high -the needs too great.  And someday, when their lives are over, while there might be regrets of what they couldn't do, what they did was more than most women in the US that I know could even dream of doing.  It is a gift that I never would have dreamed of - that these women would become my friends and that the color of our skin would not be a distraction.  And together our shared dreams, fears, doubts, and hopes could create something we never could have imagined creating apart. 

The men in Rwanda with whom I work, partner, laugh and share lifelong friendships are equally as impressive.  I am amazed at how hard everyone in Rwanda works.  And no one with whom I work, from leaders in government to the poorest of microloan recipients is waiting to have someone else make a difference in their lives.  They are determined to do it - and to be even a small part of their dreams is humbling and daunting (a good day for a friend and coach!)

The children of Rwanda have made me value my kids and grandkids even more.  I see in my grandchildren only possibility.  I don't know what they will do in their lives - but I believe they will live with great compassion and purpose. 

My sons were forced to endure me and my ideas from the time I met them in 1980.  Sometimes I would pack the holiday table with so many clients (from my days as a conservator/guardian for seniors) they would look at me - roll their eyes, and then be incredibly kind because I asked them to be.  And my daughter Tara?   I couldn't ask for a more loving daughter. We met when she was 17 and I was 23 - can you imagine?!   How do you thank people in your life who let you just be you?  In my case, it's by loving them every day and never forgetting the gift they gave, and continue to give to me of their support and love.  

All of this comes to mind on my 7^th journey to Rwanda.  This 2^nd leg, Newark to Brussels has such context of its greater purpose.  I love the adventure of travel.   Only anger and unkindness ruffle my feathers.  Delays, cramped quarters, solving the impossible, tiredness, etc., are just signs I'm out of my comfort zone.  And when did being in my comfort zone ever feel so comfortable to me? 

I thank God for this crazy life I lead.  I'm not pulled in a thousand directions, but I'm swept along in the directions I choose to go.  It's a wonderful life - full of trials and tribulations, exceeded expectations and lost opportunities.  Lessons, love and laughter.  Works for me. 

And from all of that comes a huge amount of accomplishment and satisfaction.  It is about a life well lived - one of success and significance.  And each of us get to define what those terms mean in our own lives.    

If you know me well, you know I challenge you to keep your eyes on your own paper - to do NOW what you want to do.  Build and sail that ship at the same time!!!  (Beats sitting on an island waiting for someone to rescue you.) 

Less self indulgent reading can be found on the Itafari website - it's good work - join us if you can.  But most importantly, run with your dreams.  If you need a rudder for the journey, coaching could be for you-I can provide it or give you some referrals.  But most importantly, never give up.  You matter, your dreams matter, and you can create something that will take your breath away.

Bon Voyage, and safe travels.

Accomplish the Extraordinary - will it be you?

My work in Rwanda has changed my life.   The Itafari Foundation and its work are a gift and a challenge. 

 My perspective on what is possible, the true meaning of the strength of the human spirit, my understanding of inhumanity and its consequences:   these ideas are no longer esoteric.  (Though I still know so little).  But I also clearly know that if we choose to step out, before we are “ready”, we can accomplish the extraordinary.

This morning in the New York Times Magazine, the profiles were the stories of people who died in 2009 who changed the world in one way or another.  I was reading about the passing of Alison Des Forges in February 2009 as written by Elizabeth Rubin. 

In the 1980’s  Des Forges joined Africa Watch and was one of the first to warn of the coming cataclysm in Rwanda.  Her personal friends died in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide.  While she tried to warn the U.S., the Europeans, and the U.N., her voice was faint in warning in comparison to the world’s conversation that the genocide was an African problem.   She must have suffered deeply knowing she was unable to force a world to turn and look upon its rwandan brothers and sisters. 

After the genocide she continued her work in Rwanda.  When the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda was established, she traveled back and forth to the court in Arusha, Tanzania to serve as an expert witness and strategist for the prosecutors.  A five foot lion of a woman.  And one of whom I had not heard except in context to her book Leave None to Tell the Story:  Genocide in Rwanda – Human Rights Watch et FIDH – 1999 – ISBN 1-56432-171-1.

Her comments were equally critical of all sides, including the Rwandan Patriotic Front which overthrew the genocidal leaders and went on to establish a stronger more peaceful country.  Her criticism lead to her twice being refused entrance into the country.  I understand the reasons by the Rwandan government and yet know that the result of her work has helped Rwanda in the long run. 

The same can be said of the movie Hotel Rwanda.  It turned out (sadly) that Paul Rusesabagina was not the man portrayed in the movie, yet the movie led to a great awareness of the genocide.  The movie allowed all of us to look back on the horror that was partially created through our lack of action.  And because of that, I have no criticism of the portrayal at the time. 

So I do what I know I must do.  Take the best, and leave the rest.  Des Forges was not perfect.  The movie was unknowingly flawed in its portrayal of an ordinary man.  Yet, we cannot ignore what comes from extraordinary efforts to change the world. 

Instead of dismissing someone or something in its entirety, we should continue to have conversation.  Enlighten those who are in the dark.  Thank those who take a lonely stand.  Be thoughtful in our approach to what is foreign to us.  And know we must never give up on what we are most passionate about.  We must never believe that we can’t make a difference.  That it’s too hard.  That no one cares. 

That no one cares.  Impossible in its logic.  If you care, that is enough.

I enter 2010 with a renewed sense of what is possible.  2009 was a very tough year.  I was unable to go to my beloved Rwanda.   Yet our work continued unabated through the Itafari Foundation.  Good and compassionate people stepped up to make a difference.  I am also blessed to call some of some of the finest people I have ever known my friends, though they live 10,000 miles from me. 

Happy New Year.  Be renewed.  Set impossibly high goals – and then work (not hope) to reach them.   Can you imagine what the new year can bring?  I can.  It will bring the extraordinary – and it will be accomplished by you and me.

Is it cold enough for you? (definitely - if you're homeless)

 

And yes, it was cold enough for me too. 

This past weekend I worked at the Itafari Booth at the Lake Oswego European Market selling the baskets of Rwanda.  From 9-4 on Saturday and 12-4 on Sunday, I stood in our little booth and talked about the amazing women of Rwanda.  The amazing resiliency of the Rwandan people.   What an amazing gift of $25 for a goat can be for a child headed household.  The amazing difference that can be made with such small amounts of money when applied in thoughtful ways.  And how damn (for those of you that don’t swear, that’s a coaching expression!) cold it was.

And it was cold.  We were in a tent but the bottom of the tent left about a foot gap.  Saturday, the temperature began around 31°F and over the course of the day reached 42°F.  Though the tent had this gaping hole, the sun came out; there was no wind in the morning and a slight wind in the afternoon from the NNE of 8 mph.  That evening I went to event and by the time I headed home at 10pm the temperature was back down to 37° and the wind was still gusty at 7 mph. (felt like 26°F) COLD.  But I was bundled up and could hurry to my car and then to my warm home.

Yesterday John and I arrived at the booth at 8:45am to a much harsher situation.  34°F with winds from the ENE at 16mph.  (wind chill made it feel like 24°F)   The wind was picking up our side of the tent and then slamming it back down.  John secured it as best he could and then we went out for a hot breakfast with our friends from Seattle – returning at noon. 

The sun came out but the wind continued to blow.  Shoppers hurried by our booth, everyone looked and felt COLD.  We were all remarking about the weather.  A bit too cold for the European festival we wanted.  And the coldness came through my underclothes, by sweater, my coat, my gloves, my hat, my socks, and my boots.  And all I could think about was the homeless in Portland.  Who were experiencing the same weather, without ANY of the comforts I know. 

Maybe a blanket, maybe a coat, hopefully a hot meal; but for many, another night on the street.  I really can’t imagine being in the weather that we’re experiencing and being much colder than I was yesterday -  ALL day -  with no relief.

So I’ll do something about it.  I’ll do what I can which is give a donation to the Portland Rescue Mission who every day choose to help our homeless.  I care not for your opinion on how they got there, if they deserve it, and if they could do more to help themselves.  That’s not the point of my point.  My point is that I want to help the homeless be warm. 

Today is colder than yesterday.  It’s 23°F with a wind chill that makes it feel like 9°.  So doing what I can is what I must do. 

Take an opportunity to complete your charitable giving this week.  Charities are really hurting this year.  I know.  The Itafari Foundation has received considerably fewer contributions – and we’re not alone. 

You are welcome to give to us:  Itafari Foundation.  If you’re giving needs to be more local, consider Portland Rescue Mission.  If you’re outside of Portland, who in your community could use some help?  With whom do you resonate?  What causes are dear to your heart?  Now is the time.

Give a gift.  Make a difference.  And bundle up:  it’s cold out there.

 

CEO Space: How can I help you today?

 

Finding hope and inspiration on a daily basis can be difficult even for the most optimistic of entrepreneurs.  We will be told no more often than yes in an environment when it appears easier to focus on the negative rather than the positive in our economy and society.  I recently had an experience that renewed my faith in my journey – my vision.  And it took place in a positive and productive environment in Henderson NV.

I had the great fortune of attending CEO Space a week ago.  You’re not alone if you’ve never heard of it.  CEO Space  is an organization focused on bringing together individuals who choose to cooperate rather than compete.  Who choose to learn rather than denounce.  Who choose to make a difference in the world through collaboration rather than go it alone.

I went to CEO Space for a number of reasons:  ◊ recharge my battery, i.e., get inspired; ◊ learn new business ideas and techniques in a supercharged learning environment; ◊ raise awareness and get financial and intellectual support for the Itafari Foundation; ◊ expand my network both nationally and internationally; ◊ acquire more speaking engagements; ◊ help others become their best; ◊ recharge my battery, i.e., get inspired (yes, I mention it twice because I really needed it!)

I now know my goals were limited.  I did not see the bigger picture of what was possible.  Now I’m seeing that CEO Space provided me with practical tools and contacts that increased my horizon of what I can accomplish.  (While accomplishing all of the initial goals I identified above).

CEO Space is a supercharged learning environment – a CEO level educational retreat; a CEO-to-CEO trade show; a university affiliated program, a place to connect with investors who will invest in your business or dream.  Endorsed by Jack Canfield, Bob Proctor, Lisa Nichols, Mark Victor Hanson, Les Brown, and over 350 corporate trainers and major law firms on faculty.  And now endorsed by me.  

I’m not a big conference fan.  Too many people, too many hidden agendas, too much competition.  But CEO Space did not have this theme.  There will always be people with hidden agendas, but CEO Space does not attract or endorse such behavior. 

The week is comprised of training described as “super teaching”  which delivers teaching from the best and brightest of teachers and trainers.  It is networking that accomplishes more in an hour than you’ve accomplished before in a day.  It is friendships, business relationships and partnerships that develop quickly and easily as you learn to ask for what you really need and are offered tangible ways to get those needs met.  

Once you’re a member of CEO Space you are a member for life.  I can attend any and all of the five meetings held every year for the rest of my life.  And I’ll return for the inspiration, training, collaboration, partnerships, business and investment opportunities and renewal for my spirit.  

I’ve learned to always begin a conversation with, “how can I help you today?”  And by giving my best, I receive the same from others.  Contact me for more information about how I can help you.  I'd also love to talk with you about CEO Space and your ability to be more effective, productive and successful.

Why We Fast for Darfur - Days 20 & 21

 

I am finishing up my fast today.  Tomorrow, I’ll slowly begin to add food back into my diet.  For me, the hardest part of this action is over.  For those for whom we fast, it’s not even close.  And that is heartbreaking as I watch the world continue to ignore this genocide.  Not unlike the world ignored the genocide of Rwanda in 1994 – because our media was focused on OJ Simpson.  

On June 17, 1994, over 1,000 reporters waited for Simpson at the police station as our nation watched the circus of Simpson driving down the LA Freeway during a 35 mph low-speed pursuit.  Over twenty helicopters followed the chase.  It was covered live by ABC News anchors Peter Jennings and Barbara Walters for ABC’s  five newsmagazines, which achieved some their highest-ever ratings that week.  And genocide in Rwanda continued unchecked.

One thousand reporters??!  Where are 1,000 reporters clamoring for more information about Darfur?  About the atrocities committed against the Darfurian people?!  Where is the outrage?  It doesn’t exist.  And the world waits for the crisis to become so big that it can’t be ignored.  And hundreds of thousands or a million more will die.  And the world leaders will turn to Darfur as they finally turned to Rwanda, and Cambodia, and Bosnia, and Armenia and the Nazi Holocaust and …. And say, “We must stop this senseless killing”.  And they will be right.  But they (and we) will be late again.  And rage will fill the souls of those who were left to die unattended as we cared about everything but them.

While my fast ends tonight, and I begin again tomorrow to eat, I will not forget what I learned during these 21 days.  I learned that we are not the first, nor the last to peacefully protest an untenable situation.  That this action is only a step of many that must be taken.  That community comes together and supports one another when given the chance and that this is not the solution, but inevitably only an action in itself.  That action must continue or it is just an exercise.

Tonight I gathered with new friends of StopGenocideNow to discuss the issues of genocide.  Tremendous speakers who shared their wisdom and came to speak on one of the most beautiful days drippy Portland has seen so far this year.  And we shared our faith in being able to make a difference and became a unique community for just today that will grow from this point.

Resources to consider for Darfur:

Save Darfur (non profit organization to help Darfur)

Jewish World Watch (a call to conscience for the Jewish Community for Darfur)

Darfur Scores (Calling on Congress to stop genocide) Divest for Darfur (Sudan Divestment Task Force)

Stop Genocide Now (non profit organization to help Darfur – Organized the Fast Darfur movement for 21 days)

Call 1-800-GENOCIDE (1-800-436-6243) (Updated recordings about what to tell your representatives.  Then it automatically connects you to your representative or the White house – DOES NOT TRACK YOUR NUMBER – SO YOU WON’T BE ADDED TO SOME PHONE LIST - it tallies the NUMBER of calls – and volume matters)

Finally, ending with a quote given to me tonight –

How profound.  But all is not what it seems.  You may never know your affect on others.  But you will always know whether or not it was important enough to do – and the sacrifice will make a difference in the world and make you stronger for the action you took.  

Why We Fast for Darfur - Day 19

 

My fast is quickly coming to a close.  It didn’t feel like that 19 days ago – but my “sacrifice” is only for 3 weeks.  It is truly nothing compared to what those who live day in and day out without food face.  In fact in some ways it feels like a mockery of what they endure.  I have no idea what it’s like not to have food to eat or water to drink.  My denial of food has been very intellectual in the physical sense.  While I’ve eaten nothing in 19 days, it’s only 19 days.  (that STARVING feeling we often feel when we haven’t eaten for hours – is not starvation at all – it’s hunger).   When you fast, you lose hunger pangs.  You’re just empty.  And in this society, that’s not a bad thing at all.  

So I’m empty.  But only of food.  Not of hope or focus or frustration.  I’m full of all of those.  The frustration is obviously with how little attention the media has given this issue.  I mean this sincerely:  shame on the media for not taking up this issue with more interest and care.  I know there are sexier issues, but this ranks at the top of any list.  And the list is tucked away to be replaced with celebrities, politics, and posturing.  It’s so embarrassing to be part of a nation that will not keep its promises to those who have no ability to get help without the world’s focus.  

So I continue – with more than a little bit of frustration.   Note:  right now:  biggest trending topic on Twitter?  Star Trek.  

Monday in Portland, an event called CAMP DARFUR will be happening.  I’ll be there in both the Rwanda tent and then in the Darfur tent.  To answer questions, to tell what I know of what Rwanda looks like as a country whose genocide was ignored.  And to bring encouragement that what each of us can do to make a difference.   Hope to see you there. 

Why We Fast for Darfur - Day 16

 

Today, I was discouraged.  Not about the fast.  About life in the US and a $$$$$ car repair bill!  When I got the call from my mechanic, and he told me the cost, I literally got sick to my stomach.  (Good thing it’s empty – that could have gone badly!!)

I became discouraged about figuring out how any of us get ahead with life doing its thing.  But one of the greatest gifts of this fast is to remember how “bad” I have it in comparison to those women in Darfur.  I turned to a daily meditation I’ve been reading for years called God Calling.  And the first paragraph for today held these words:  “Turn out all thoughts of doubt and of trouble.  Never tolerate them for one second.  Bar the windows and doors of your souls against them as you would bar your home against a thief who would steal in to take your treasures….”

I think about the people in Darfur who continue on despite monumental adversity.  And I remember to stay at peace.  To stay focused on what I can do, realize what I can’t control, and take action of what I want to change.  I can absolutely flip out about an unanticipated expense, or realize it’s just a consequence of owning a car.

The purpose of this fast is first and foremost for the people of Darfur.  But I am changing in profound ways through this – and none of it is bad.  

This fast is gathering more people.  There are now the following countries who have people declaring their solidarity with this movement:  Albania, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Chad, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Romania, Senegal, Spain, Sudan, Thailand, UK, USA.  

In all of these countries, people are pausing to look away from their issues, their concerns, their worries to say NO:  genocide must not be allowed to go unabated.  And so we fast.  And there are many who want no publicity.  Who may not have made it through the first day and had to stop.  And yet in that exercise they realized how difficult it must be not to eat at all.  And worse, not be able to ‘stop’ because they didn’t feel well.

I say this all the time:  the people with whom I work in Rwanda change my life.  They remind me of what they have overcome, and so I will overcome in my own way as well.  And the car expense?  Well that stinks – but it’s just money.  It’s not life.  It’s not food.  It’s not water.  It’s not safety.  It’s an inconvenience.  And I’ll be fine.  But we continue for those that will not be fine given their challenges.  We continue to fast for Darfur.  And I feel strongly that it matters.

Why We Fast for Darfur - Day 12

                          (child's drawing of the killer Janjaweed in Darfur)                         photo credit Mia Farrow

I am happy to be in double digits on this fast and for me the end is in sight:  I know that in 9 days it will be over, for me.  

This morning when I was thinking about that I realized that those in Darfur have no end in sight.  No belief that it will ever end.  And they have no idea we weep for them.  Or fear for them.  Or struggle to know if any of this will make a difference.  And as I write this, more than one child has died.  More than one woman has been brutally raped and humiliated.  More than one man has screamed in agony as he dies, unable to protect his family from the Janjaweed and the government backed killings.  As I write this I gasp at the horror of what I’ve written.  And the horror of it reaches my soul.  

I don’t usually write this graphically.  But I’ve seen the poverty in Rwanda, I’ve walked past genocide memorials where there are thousands of bones and skulls stacked neatly representing the dug up mass graves.  I’ve seen the skeletons frozen with lime and the faces of agony in death.  In Israel, I visited Yad Vashem over 25 years ago and saw the aftermath of the Holocaust.  And while seeing is believing, too much of that only causes people to look away.  Which doesn’t help.  So know I come from a place of knowing as well I can, considering I’m a white woman safely living in the U.S., who has seen enough to know we must do more.  I co-founded the foundation for Rwanda because I knew I must do more.  I have traveled to Rwanda six times in 3 1/2 years.

Richard Branson has taken over for Mia Farrow in the FastDarfur campaign.  She can no longer continue due to health reasons.  It is good she is stopping.  Richard Branson will become another spokesperson for this cause.  It is a sacrifice on his part. On the FastDarfur website he states:

“I’m honoured to be taking over the fast for the next three days from Mia Farrow in her courageous stance to support the people of Darfur. Over a year and a half ago, I travelled to Darfur and was horrified by the stories that people of all ages shared with us. Young children had watched their entire family get killed and then had to survive on their own in unimaginable conditions. I was humbled and inspired by the courage of the Darfuri people and the commitment of the aid organisations that were working on the frontlines. Now, with 13 aid organisations expelled from the country, over 1m people are at grave risk. We cannot stand and watch as 1m people suffer. We all need to stand up and demand that international aid is restored and that the people of Darfur are protected and given the chance to live in peace.”

This is not easy and no amount of money makes you feel better when you can’t eat.  And the people of Darfur can’t eat.  And so we stand in solidarity with them.  

To raise our voices and raise awareness.  

Have you been moved to call the White House?  (202)456-1111  Don’t worry if you don’t know what to say.  Say what you believe about the atrocities being committed in Darfur and ask the President to help restore humanitarian aid and end the genocide.  You cannot believe what a difference our calls are making.  My brother called and was told by the operator that they’re getting many many calls and THAT is what it will take:  the American people saying, “Enough”.  (you don’t leave your name – it’s the issues they’re tracking).  If you want to write the White House, go to my blog for Day 11 and get the info.  

Feel uneducated about Darfur?  Watch this 20 minute video on SaveDarfur.org for excellent background and history. Darfur:  A Call to Action – Lessons from Faith Leaders

Why We Fast for Darfur - Day 11

http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/

LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA SENT TO THE WHITE HOUSE (see link above)

Dear President Obama,

I am now on day 11 of a 21 day fast for Darfur.  Liquids only:  about 400 calories a day.  

I'm not sure what an activist is supposed to look like, but I never thought it would be me.  I can step aside no longer.

I'm a 51 year old professional woman who is moved to ask you to change the atrocities being committed in Darfur.  I co-founded the Itafari Foundation for the people of Rwanda and have spoken at the United Nations about our need to help those who have been ignored and abused.  Darfur continues to be the reality that nothing is truly being done.  

In addition to running a Foundation with no financial gain or recompense for my expenses or actions, I am an executive coach and international speaker.  My topic and passion:  communication and leadership.

I believe in you and ask for your focus and the focus of the Administration on this issue.  Please.  But I'm also a pragmatic businesswoman who knows this is not just a phone call or a speech.  Please put resources towards getting the humanitarian groups back into the Darfur region, and then, end this genocide.

Working in Rwanda teaches me that if action is not taken, we will look back and regret what we did not have time to correct.  

You can read more about my fast at:  http://victoriatrabosh.com/blog

To read more about the work in Rwanda, http://itafari.org

Thank you Mr. President.  I know you can do this.

Sincerely,

Victoria H. Trabosh