| Take Action! |
So now that you know what’s going on in Darfur, the question becomes, “How can I help?”
Well, we’ve asked ourselves that same question and here is the advice we can offer.
o http://www.savedarfur.org
o http://www.darfurgenocide.org/
o Senator Sherrod Brown
425 Walnut Street
Suite 2310
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
(513) 684-1021
o Senator George Voinovich
36 East 7th Street
Room 2615
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 684-3265
o Steve Chabot
3003 Carew Tower
441 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 684-2723
o http://www.savedarfur.org/page/group/GreaterCincinnatiAdvocatesforDarfur
o http://www.cincyunitedfordarfur.org/
o http://www.savedarfur.org
o http://www.standnow.org/
Well, we’ve asked ourselves that same question and here is the advice we can offer.
- Get Informed: First things first, develop an understanding of the situation in Darfur so
that you can tell others how dire the need for change is. Use the History and FAQ pages on
our site, as well as any other resources you can find. Also, check back at our site periodically to
stay informed on current events in the Darfur region of Sudan. We recommend the following
sites for further information:
o http://www.savedarfur.org
o http://www.darfurgenocide.org/
- Let Your Representatives Know How You Feel: The United States government
can directly impact the situation in Darfur. Inundate your representatives with calls and letters
that you show care about the genocide. Call them over and over -- it's your right and duty as an
American citizen to make your voice heard. Urge them to make Darfur a priority on their
agenda. If you do urge them to take action repeatedly, they will. In this way, one person really
can make a difference. - If you want to send your representative a letter, we can help. Detailed instructions on how to
write letters to a member of congress or other politician can be found below. If you want
immediate feedback, phone calls to your representatives are the way to go. One phone call is
great, but multiple phone calls to the same politician have proven to be an effective method for
bringing change. The phone numbers and addresses of Ohio’s representatives in the U.S.
Senate, as well as Cincinnati’s district representative in the House are included on this page.
o Senator Sherrod Brown
425 Walnut Street
Suite 2310
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
(513) 684-1021
o Senator George Voinovich
36 East 7th Street
Room 2615
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 684-3265
o Steve Chabot
3003 Carew Tower
441 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 684-2723
- Raise Awareness: Whether it’s something as simple as talking about the situation in
Darfur with friends and family, or going the extra mile and organizing a rally or other event to
raise awareness, we need to inform the public. If you live in the Cincinnati area, the following
organizations are worth looking into:
o http://www.savedarfur.org/page/group/GreaterCincinnatiAdvocatesforDarfur
o http://www.cincyunitedfordarfur.org/
- Even if you live outside of the Cincinnati area, or simply want to work on a larger scale, there
are organizations geared toward helping you make a difference. Check out:
o http://www.savedarfur.org
- Become a Student Activist: A college campus is the perfect place to reach a large
audience quickly, and student activism is an effective tool for change on a large scale. Talk to
your professors about incorporating Darfur into your classroom discussions, post fliers around
campus, organize an informational meeting, lobby the student newspaper to write an article
about Darfur. The opportunities for students interested in activism are nearly limitless. For more
information on what can be done on your campus, look in to:
o http://www.standnow.org/
Cincinnati for Darfur |
| “If every member of the House and Senate had received 100 letters from people back home saying we have to do something about Rwanda, when the crisis was first developing, then...the response would have been different.” – the late U.S. Senator Paul Simon, 1994 |
One of the best ways to get involved is to write a letter to a political representative. This is a
simple task that can have a huge influence. Below are examples of some political letters. The first
is a model of an original letter. (Original letters add a personal touch, allow you to truly express
your concerns, and may exert more influence on those who read them.)
A set of letter templates follows the original letter; they're already written up and lack only your
signature. While these are not as personal, they only take a moment to sign and send -- and in
numbers, they make a huge impact. Print up several, and give them to your friends and relatives to
send!
Also, below are some links to organizations that may help inform you about current events
occurring in the political realm.
DarfurScores.org – This website is a driving force in the political campaign on Darfur. It gives a
report card for each member of the United States Senate and House of Representatives. The grades
are based on how each representative has voted on issues involving Sudan and Darfur. A detailed
history of the representatives’ actions is also available.
1800genocide.com – This website is about the first ever “anti-genocide hotline.” The hotline
serves a couple of different purposes. It has up-to-date information about current Darfur legislation
and other information about what government representatives can do. Also, anyone may call and
be directly connected to their representative, either senator or congressman. It is completely free
and all that you need is your zip code.
simple task that can have a huge influence. Below are examples of some political letters. The first
is a model of an original letter. (Original letters add a personal touch, allow you to truly express
your concerns, and may exert more influence on those who read them.)
A set of letter templates follows the original letter; they're already written up and lack only your
signature. While these are not as personal, they only take a moment to sign and send -- and in
numbers, they make a huge impact. Print up several, and give them to your friends and relatives to
send!
Also, below are some links to organizations that may help inform you about current events
occurring in the political realm.
DarfurScores.org – This website is a driving force in the political campaign on Darfur. It gives a
report card for each member of the United States Senate and House of Representatives. The grades
are based on how each representative has voted on issues involving Sudan and Darfur. A detailed
history of the representatives’ actions is also available.
1800genocide.com – This website is about the first ever “anti-genocide hotline.” The hotline
serves a couple of different purposes. It has up-to-date information about current Darfur legislation
and other information about what government representatives can do. Also, anyone may call and
be directly connected to their representative, either senator or congressman. It is completely free
and all that you need is your zip code.
| Letter Examples and Templates |
Congressman Steve Chabot Russ Gatermann
3003 Carew Tower Box 278
441 Vine Street 2634 Stratford Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45202 Cincinnati, OH 45247
October 21, 2007
Dear Congressman Chabot,
I am currently a student at the University of Cincinnati. I have recently attended two events on campus focused on the
genocide occurring in Darfur. The first was a torch-bearing rally in solemn remembrance of those suffering in Darfur, an inspiring
occasion for all those in attendance. I also had the opportunity to listen to a speech given by Darfur advocate Nick Clooney.
These occasions compelled me to write this letter.
As a young, active voter I urge you to do all that is in your power to create and support legislation in an effort to clean up the
horrible tragedy in Sudan. Omar Hassan al-Bashir and the Khartoum government are corrupt and horrendous people whose
actions, or lack thereof, are inexcusable. The United Nations is struggling right now to be an effective force in the region. They
have yet to even declare what is occurring genocide for fear of political implications. They need help and support from the world
community.
My hope in writing this is to simply make you aware others in the voting population and I want action to be taken on this issue.
It is a matter of great importance to me. I do not want to stand by and watch this horrible tragedy occur when what is happening
is clearly known. As my representative I see that you have supported several bills in funding and support for Darfur and even
co-sponsored the China Resolution on Darfur. I appreciate what you have done so far and I hope you use your role on the
Sudan Caucus to continue to help right this wrong occurring in the world today. Thank you for your time reading this letter and I
again urge you to continue supporting and sponsoring legislation for the people of Darfur.
Sincerely,
Russ Gatermann
3003 Carew Tower Box 278
441 Vine Street 2634 Stratford Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45202 Cincinnati, OH 45247
October 21, 2007
Dear Congressman Chabot,
I am currently a student at the University of Cincinnati. I have recently attended two events on campus focused on the
genocide occurring in Darfur. The first was a torch-bearing rally in solemn remembrance of those suffering in Darfur, an inspiring
occasion for all those in attendance. I also had the opportunity to listen to a speech given by Darfur advocate Nick Clooney.
These occasions compelled me to write this letter.
As a young, active voter I urge you to do all that is in your power to create and support legislation in an effort to clean up the
horrible tragedy in Sudan. Omar Hassan al-Bashir and the Khartoum government are corrupt and horrendous people whose
actions, or lack thereof, are inexcusable. The United Nations is struggling right now to be an effective force in the region. They
have yet to even declare what is occurring genocide for fear of political implications. They need help and support from the world
community.
My hope in writing this is to simply make you aware others in the voting population and I want action to be taken on this issue.
It is a matter of great importance to me. I do not want to stand by and watch this horrible tragedy occur when what is happening
is clearly known. As my representative I see that you have supported several bills in funding and support for Darfur and even
co-sponsored the China Resolution on Darfur. I appreciate what you have done so far and I hope you use your role on the
Sudan Caucus to continue to help right this wrong occurring in the world today. Thank you for your time reading this letter and I
again urge you to continue supporting and sponsoring legislation for the people of Darfur.
Sincerely,
Russ Gatermann
October 21, 2007
Representative Steve Chabot
129 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Chabot:
I am writing to you as a concerned student about the genocide in Darfur. Thank you for co-sponsoring the China Resolution
and your support with the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act and other legislations likewise to end the atrocities in Darfur. With
that in mind, there has been no change and death tolls of more than 400,000 and displacement of more than 2.2 million
refugees are increasing as we speak, it is time for America to take immediate action.
I urge you to:
• Support and Co-Sponsor the Genocide Accountability Act, House Bill 2489.
• Support additional funding in the 2008 Budget to ensure adequate funding for the peacekeeping mission in Darfur.
• Demand the President and Congress to pressure the United Nations to:
o Declare the “humanitarian crisis” in Darfur as genocide.
o Press the Sudanese government to disarm the Janjaweed and provide safety for the people in Darfur.
• Continue supporting legislation to aid the people of Darfur.
Thank you for your concern and extended efforts to end the suffering of Darfurians and human kind.
Most urgently,
Representative Steve Chabot
129 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Chabot:
I am writing to you as a concerned student about the genocide in Darfur. Thank you for co-sponsoring the China Resolution
and your support with the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act and other legislations likewise to end the atrocities in Darfur. With
that in mind, there has been no change and death tolls of more than 400,000 and displacement of more than 2.2 million
refugees are increasing as we speak, it is time for America to take immediate action.
I urge you to:
• Support and Co-Sponsor the Genocide Accountability Act, House Bill 2489.
• Support additional funding in the 2008 Budget to ensure adequate funding for the peacekeeping mission in Darfur.
• Demand the President and Congress to pressure the United Nations to:
o Declare the “humanitarian crisis” in Darfur as genocide.
o Press the Sudanese government to disarm the Janjaweed and provide safety for the people in Darfur.
• Continue supporting legislation to aid the people of Darfur.
Thank you for your concern and extended efforts to end the suffering of Darfurians and human kind.
Most urgently,
October 25, 2007
600 East Superior Avenue
Suite 2615
Cleveland, OH 44114
Dear Senator Brown:
I am writing you to call your attention to the current situation in the Darfur region of Sudan. Obviously, you are aware of the
genocide that is taking place, and probably know the details of the situation better than I do, so I will not repeat to you the
shocking death statistics, or try to convince you that this situation is one of the worst humanitarian crises the world has ever seen,
because I am sure that you recognize it as that. What I am writing to tell you is that I, along with an ever growing number of my
peers, are genuinely disturbed by what is going on in Darfur, and want to see our government take strong action to stop the
genocide.
When I was first taught about the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust, I remember being shocked by what had
occurred, and thinking that if the world had only known what was occurring, the genocide would have been prevented.
Unfortunately, I learned of these events approximately 50 years after the fact, and was powerless to change the past. Now that a
similar situation is taking place while the world has full knowledge of it, I cannot help but wonder why or how it has not yet
been stopped. Are the convictions that so many others, along with myself, felt about the world’s most notorious genocide only
strong because we know that it is in the past and can lose nothing personally by trying to stop it? Why do we not feel the same
sense of urgency to help a people who are literally being destroyed at this very moment, when something can actually be done
about it? Why have our hearts as a nation been cut deep enough only to arouse our interest in this awful human suffering,
without convincing us that immediate action needs to be taken?
I am not a politician, and will not be presumptuous enough to make specific suggestions as to what ought to be done to save
Darfur. This being said, I know that the United States has considerable international influence, and would most likely be able to
make an impact. However, this can only occur if our government makes Darfur a priority, and this is exactly what I am asking
you, as a representative of the people, to do. I know that I have only one voice, and it is a small one at that, with which I can
convince you of the worthiness and urgency of this cause. But I also know that I am not crying out alone, and that as more and
more Americans become aware of the genocide in Darfur, more and more Americans will cry out along side of me. I only ask
that you would hear the cries of the American people, before it is too late for the rest of Darfur.
Sincerely,
600 East Superior Avenue
Suite 2615
Cleveland, OH 44114
Dear Senator Brown:
I am writing you to call your attention to the current situation in the Darfur region of Sudan. Obviously, you are aware of the
genocide that is taking place, and probably know the details of the situation better than I do, so I will not repeat to you the
shocking death statistics, or try to convince you that this situation is one of the worst humanitarian crises the world has ever seen,
because I am sure that you recognize it as that. What I am writing to tell you is that I, along with an ever growing number of my
peers, are genuinely disturbed by what is going on in Darfur, and want to see our government take strong action to stop the
genocide.
When I was first taught about the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust, I remember being shocked by what had
occurred, and thinking that if the world had only known what was occurring, the genocide would have been prevented.
Unfortunately, I learned of these events approximately 50 years after the fact, and was powerless to change the past. Now that a
similar situation is taking place while the world has full knowledge of it, I cannot help but wonder why or how it has not yet
been stopped. Are the convictions that so many others, along with myself, felt about the world’s most notorious genocide only
strong because we know that it is in the past and can lose nothing personally by trying to stop it? Why do we not feel the same
sense of urgency to help a people who are literally being destroyed at this very moment, when something can actually be done
about it? Why have our hearts as a nation been cut deep enough only to arouse our interest in this awful human suffering,
without convincing us that immediate action needs to be taken?
I am not a politician, and will not be presumptuous enough to make specific suggestions as to what ought to be done to save
Darfur. This being said, I know that the United States has considerable international influence, and would most likely be able to
make an impact. However, this can only occur if our government makes Darfur a priority, and this is exactly what I am asking
you, as a representative of the people, to do. I know that I have only one voice, and it is a small one at that, with which I can
convince you of the worthiness and urgency of this cause. But I also know that I am not crying out alone, and that as more and
more Americans become aware of the genocide in Darfur, more and more Americans will cry out along side of me. I only ask
that you would hear the cries of the American people, before it is too late for the rest of Darfur.
Sincerely,
Address of Representative
Date
Dear Representative:
I am a registered voter in House District _____. I am writing to urge you to support House Bill 2489, the Genocide
Accountability Act. This bill closes a loophole that prevents the Justice Department from persecuting those people who have
committed genocide in our country.
As you may know, the Sudanese regime has been waging a genocidal campaign against African civilians of Darfur, a region
in Western Sudan. The regime has armed and supported the Janjaweed, an Arab militia that systematically kills, rapes, loots, and
burns entire villages to the ground. 400,000 have already died and close to 2 million have been driven from their homes.
Numerous federal officials have drawn attention the genocide. In July 2004, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives
unanimously adopted House Congressional Resolution 467, a joint decree declaring the atrocities in Darfur to be genocide.
President Bush has repeatedly stated that the US Government believes genocide is taking place in Darfur.
As a responsible citizen and ethical investor, I do not want my tax dollars supporting a regime committing genocide against its
own people. Without the revenue generated by foreign oil, telecommunications, and construction companies operating in
Sudan, the Sudanese government would not have the funds to support the janjaweed attacks in Darfur. As your constituent, I
believe that the current situation in Darfur must be addressed immediately.
By supporting Bill 2489 you will close a loophole currently present in U.S. genocide law. Under the current law, genocide is
only a crime if it is committed in the United States or by a U.S. citizen outside the United States. This is a The Justice Department
has detected individuals who participated in the Rwandan and Bosnian genocides who are living in the U.S. under false
pretenses. Because of the current loophole these individuals are unable to be persecuted. Recently, a Sudanese official, Salah
Abdallah Gosh, believed to be involved in the genocide in Darfur visited Washington D.C. FBI officials could not even
interrogate him because of this loophole. The Genocide Accountability Act would close this loophole.
As your constituent I strongly urge you to support this The Genocide Accountability Act. Thank you for your time and all you
have done on this matter so far.
Sincerely,
Name (signed)
Name(printed)
Phone Number
Date
Dear Representative:
I am a registered voter in House District _____. I am writing to urge you to support House Bill 2489, the Genocide
Accountability Act. This bill closes a loophole that prevents the Justice Department from persecuting those people who have
committed genocide in our country.
As you may know, the Sudanese regime has been waging a genocidal campaign against African civilians of Darfur, a region
in Western Sudan. The regime has armed and supported the Janjaweed, an Arab militia that systematically kills, rapes, loots, and
burns entire villages to the ground. 400,000 have already died and close to 2 million have been driven from their homes.
Numerous federal officials have drawn attention the genocide. In July 2004, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives
unanimously adopted House Congressional Resolution 467, a joint decree declaring the atrocities in Darfur to be genocide.
President Bush has repeatedly stated that the US Government believes genocide is taking place in Darfur.
As a responsible citizen and ethical investor, I do not want my tax dollars supporting a regime committing genocide against its
own people. Without the revenue generated by foreign oil, telecommunications, and construction companies operating in
Sudan, the Sudanese government would not have the funds to support the janjaweed attacks in Darfur. As your constituent, I
believe that the current situation in Darfur must be addressed immediately.
By supporting Bill 2489 you will close a loophole currently present in U.S. genocide law. Under the current law, genocide is
only a crime if it is committed in the United States or by a U.S. citizen outside the United States. This is a The Justice Department
has detected individuals who participated in the Rwandan and Bosnian genocides who are living in the U.S. under false
pretenses. Because of the current loophole these individuals are unable to be persecuted. Recently, a Sudanese official, Salah
Abdallah Gosh, believed to be involved in the genocide in Darfur visited Washington D.C. FBI officials could not even
interrogate him because of this loophole. The Genocide Accountability Act would close this loophole.
As your constituent I strongly urge you to support this The Genocide Accountability Act. Thank you for your time and all you
have done on this matter so far.
Sincerely,
Name (signed)
Name(printed)
Phone Number
| Help with Letters |