As the Beijing Olympics in August 2008 draws closer and the world turns its focus to China, we have a unique opportunity to highlight the ongoing religious and cultural repression in Tibet and build support for the Dalai Lama’s Middle Way policy of genuine autonomy.

The coming year will be a time of great danger and great opportunity for Tibet. With your support we can make 2008 a pivotal year in the struggle for a free Tibet.

In early September the ATC Board met to discuss strategies and priorities for the coming year. We identified a number of key opportunities in the lead-up to the Beijing Olympics and have drawn up an extensive and ambitious program of activities, combining targeted media work, cyber activism, public events and political lobbying.

You can actively support this work by making a donation to ATC’s Olympics Campaign.

To maximise the impact of the Olympics Campaign, ATC recently added Dr. Simon Bradshaw, Campaigns Coordinator, to the team at the National Office. Simon recently completed a four-year research project on the importance of traditional Tibetan culture in the protection of Tibet’s environment. He has travelled extensively in rural Tibet and brings with him several years of campaigning experience with Greenpeace and other NGOs. Simon will be co-ordinating the rollout of our campaigns to ensure maximum impact.

A highlight of the year’s program will see ATC link up with Tibetan communities and Tibet support groups all over the world for the Tibetan Freedom Torch Relay. The Australian leg will take place in June and incorporate a string of major public events in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra. We will also be ensuring a strong show of support for Tibet when the official Olympic Torch Relay arrives in Canberra on April 24.

June will also see the Dalai Lama return to Australia for five days of teaching in Sydney. ATC will capitalise on the interest generated by the visit and ensure that it is turned into real and ongoing support for Tibet.

A key objective is to attain a similar show of solidarity from the Australian Parliament as that shown recently by the US, Germany and Canada, strengthening the international call for a resolution to the Tibet situation.

ATC’s website will continue to be a major campaigning tool, providing supporters like you with the means to engage in strategic actions targeting key decision-makers and keeping you up to speed with the latest developments in Tibet.

It is no exaggeration to state that without a dramatic shift in China’s policies, the unique people and culture of Tibet will soon be facing extinction, a loss for which the world would be much the poorer.

You can make a difference for Tibet by donating to support the Olympics campaign.

With your help, Australia Tibet Council will make the most of the unprecedented opportunities presented by the Beijing Olympics. There has never been a more important time to be pushing for an end to repression in Tibet.

It’s time for Tibet.