Why do it?
Contacting your political representatives is one of the most effective ways you can help Tibet. They have a critical role to play in all of SFT’s campaigns.
SFT’s strength as a grassroots organization is that its members – people like you – live all over the world. You have government representatives whose job it is to represent you, their constituent, and letting them know that you are concerned about Tibet and want them to act is the most direct way you can get your government to help.
In the United States, where SFT has the most members, former congressional staffers have told SFT that constituents’ letters, phone calls and meetings really do make a difference. Due to grassroots pressure, for example, the U.S. Congress declared that Tibet is an illegally occupied country, has forcefully called on China to release Tibetan political prisoners, and passed the Tibetan Policy Act. Officials in the U.S. government have told Tibet activists that they want to do more for Tibet, but can only take strong action if they are under pressure from constituents. The same is true for UK and any other countries – governments respond to the concerns and pressure of the people who vote for them.
How do I start?
First, you need to find out who your representatives are. For suggestions on how to look them up, see the bottom of this page. Then you can write them a letter, either on your own or based on a sample letter (see links below). We strongly encourage you to ask for a meeting in your letter, as a face-to-face meeting is the best way to inform your representatives about your concerns and ask them to act on your behalf. Alternatively, you can use the letter to discuss the issues you want to raise and tell your representative what you would like him/her to do.
For your meeting:
- Make a list of the issues you want to discuss and the request you want to make. For meetings about a political prisoner, ask them to write a letter to Chinese President Hu Jintao, care of the closest embassy or consulate (contact info for these is below). Also ask them to urge your country’s Foreign Ministry or State Department to pressure China about his or her case.
- Be brief: they will appreciate it if you get to the point quickly and respect their time.
- Stick to the facts you know – if you don’t know the answer to a question, say so and offer to find out and get back to them.
- Be polite! Being abrasive is almost always counterproductive, and it provides a good excuse to ignore your request.
Find your MP
- Find your out your MP’s contact details here or by calling the House of Commons Information Office on 020 7219 4272
- Make an appointment to visit them at Parliament by using email, post or telephone. Explain why you would like to visit your MP. Please note that your MP or his or her representative will have to come to meet you even without a confirmation of your appointment. So you can visit even if your appointment is not confirmed.
- If you do set up a meeting (and we hope you will!), for help in preparing, or suggestions of what to bring with you or following up after your meeting, please contact: Liam, SFT UK Politcal Lobbying Coordinatror – liam@sftuk.org
SFT members are natural advocates because they are dedicated and well informed. But changing government policy – doing battle with bureaucracy and high-priced lobbyists – is hard work. Don’t be intimidated or discouraged.
Good luck!
Find the Chinese embassy or consulate nearest you:
.jpg)
