2009 Walk for Tibet to Cover Over 700 Miles
About a month ago, I wrote about one of my very favorite charities – the International Tibet Independence Movement (ITIM). Committed to securing freedom and basic human rights for all Tibetans inside of Tibet and around the world, the non-profit organization serves as a perfect role model for organizations that want to combine athletic charity events with social activism.
ITIM walkers and bike riders have compiled approximately 3,625 miles since 1995. Their events have taken them from Toronto to New York City; Delray Beach to Miami Beach, Florida; Charlottesville, Virginia to Washington, DC; and many other destinations.
When they walk or ride, participants carry Tibetan flags and signs urging for freedom and basic human rights for all Tibetans. Businesses, non-profit organizations, churches, and individuals offer food and shelter along the route. Participants – particularly Tibetans-in-exile – speak at schools and to the media throughout the event.
When I first learned about ITIM, I was so inspired by its efforts that in 1998 I helped co-found a Students for a Free Tibet chapter at Indiana University and organized a 90+ mile walk across Indiana that took place over spring break. It was a fantastic experience, but it paled in comparison to what ITIM has done over the years.
ITIM’s next major event will be a walk from Indiana to New York. Here are the details:
-
When: The event begins March 10, 2009, the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising in Lhasa, Tibet. The event will conclude approximately 10 weeks later.
-
Where: TBA, but the event will start in the Indianapolis area and end at China’s Consulate in New York City.
-
Cost: This is a different kind of fundraiser. Much of the fundraising is geared toward funding the event itself, which bears unique costs due to the miles and days associated with it.
-
Notes: During this event, walkers are invited to participate at the beginning and end of the walk. The majority of miles will be covered solely by Jigme Norbu, the son of Takster Rinpoche, co-founder of ITIM. Norbu is also the nephew of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
If you’ve participated in one of ITIM’s events or another athletic charity event geared toward social activism, tell us about it! Post a comment to this blog, or start a new discussion in the forum.
Where does it start and what time…they are staying in Greenfield at my home on the way perhaps tonight or tomorrow night?? I would like the Greenfield paper the Daily Reporter to cover this too any info you want to share Helping in any way we can is very improtant…It is a really blessed cause…Namaste’ Jerrilee
Jerrilee,
I just checked the ITIM website at http://www.rangzen.org and unfortunately, it says that this event was cancelled due to logistical and resource challenges. I appreciate your dedication to the cause, though, and I encourage you to stay involved, because I am sure that ITIM will be coordinating another event as soon as possible.
Take care,
Carrie
Saw a walker just crossing the county line into Hancock County this afternoon and talked with him. It’s a wonderful act for a great cause. I hope it brings greater awareness about the plight of all Tibetans. Please support this worthy cause!
All the best and warmest wishes,
Cynthia
Cynthia,
That is very interesting since the website indicated that the walk was cancelled! Perhaps they are just doing a shorter version of what they had planned?
Thanks so much,
Carrie