Thank you for visiting the Thailand-Burma Winter Alternative Break fundraising page!

 

This winter, we will be spending our winter break abroad on an Alternative Break through the American University Community Service Center .  The trip will be to the Thailand-Burma border to work on issues of human rights and social justice.  It is a great chance to translate what we learn in the classroom at American University to reality abroad and a wonderful opportunity to travel, learn, and contribute to an often overlooked society - Burma.  However, we cannot undertake this work without the support of family, friends, classmates, and colleagues- you! 

 

Our alternative break trip will take us to Chiang Mai and Mae Sot in Thailand.  As a group of 14 American University (AU) students and one faculty member, we will explore a number of human rights and social justice issues for the people of Burma. 

The Burmese people are extremely oppressed and need help getting their issues known to the outside world. All citizens have been stripped of their most basic human rights by the ruling military junta that runs the country. 3000 villages have been burned and the ethnic groups in have been forced to relocate.  As you’ve heard in the news lately, the situation there is heating up and our participation is needed now more than ever. 

 

While visiting the border on this Alternative Break, we will be on a fact finding mission that will include meeting with Burmese refugees at the Mae La Refugee Camp, who crossed into Thailand risking their life in an effort to obtain help for their fellow Burmese citizens.  We will also be meeting with organizations that work to further human rights and provide medical relief, such as the Free Burma Rangers, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, and many more. These brave individuals risk their lives in support of a democratic society. 

 

Upon returning to the States, we will try to raise awareness on their behalf and bring their plight to concerned citizens of the world.  The two student leaders of our trip, Anna Koval and Caitlin Burnett, are very involved in the Student Campaign for Burma Club on campus.  For more information regarding this group you can visit the website at auburma.blogspot.com.   

 

Unfortunately, Alternative Break participants do not receive any funding from the university.  That is why I am asking for your financial support to help defray the cost of travel and participation.  The total cost of the trip per person is about $1800.  Your help would make a world of difference! 

 

Please join me in supporting human rights and justice in Burma. 

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support our fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

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To learn more about the current situation in Burma, please visit the following links:

- US Campaign for Burma

- New York Times, "Monks' Protest is Challenging Burmese Junta"

- Time, "Burma's Faceless Leaders"