Burma Global Action Network

The Burma Global Action Network, also known as BGAN, is a worldwide Internet-based organization at Facebook.com group, “Support the Monks’ Protest in Burma,”. It was founded by the "Support The Monks' Protest In Burma" group on Facebook.com with 400,000 members. Its motto states, "supporting the Burmese monks and civilians through internet activism by bringing solidarity and unity to the Free Burma Movement using the latest social networking and internet technology." Burma Global Action Network (BGAN) is a new organization promoting the struggle for justice and democracy in Burma, operating in conjunction with other, more established groups. Founded in the wake of the 2007 Burmese anti-government protests, BGAN has initiated and organized various actions designed to raise public awareness about the situation in Burma and put pressure on governments and other stakeholders to take action on Burmese issues.[1] It is composed of moderators from BGAN's Facebook.com group, “Support the Monks’ Protest in Burma,” founded by Jack Hidary, Imran Jamal, Sophie Lwin and other former BGAN's staff including Alex Bookbinder. Current members of the group includes Sophie Lwin, Imran Jamal, Nickie Sekera and Tim Aye-Hardy. This platform was established in late September, 2007, to raise awareness of the 2007 Burmese anti-government protests. It soon became an unfounded success: at its peak, it had nearly 500,000 members, and united disparate individuals and organizations around the globe working together for the goal of a free Burma. BGAN established an official website at Burma-watch.org which is no longer online: the website has been moved to its new address where comprehensive information on all Burma campaigns and movement are compiled on one site with directions linked to other Burma resources, functioning as a 'HUB' for the democracy movement. BGAN is composed of volunteers from around the world with different nationalities and backgrounds. In 2007 BGAN's Facebook group was the largest Facebook advocacy group and was one of the first organizations to utilize social media for global advocacy and action coordination.[2]

Mission

Overview

It serves as a hub group for the myriad of Burma organizations operating worldwide in disparate fields related to the Burmese democracy movement. Forging connections through networking and mutual cooperation and Improving the effectiveness and strengthening the voice of the movement around the world. Research, compile and distribute information about the humanitarian, judicial and political situation in Burma to pro-democracy stakeholders worldwide. Harnessing our members’ vast expertise in different areas to serve as a global think-tank dedicated solely to Burma-related issues. Disseminate updates and outcomes regarding Burma-related initiatives and continue to forge greater links with charitable organizations operating on the Burma-Thailand border, and maintain as a core priority fund raising for these organizations, so they may better serve those who are in desperate need. Continue to raise awareness of the issues of democracy, human rights, and freedom inside and outside Burma. Establish our place as the conduit for information for Burma related groups so that they are informed about ongoing activities and can more efficiently coordinate globalize campaigns in unity.

Achievements

Protesters march in London
Protesters march in Kitchener, Ontario

Messages Of Support

It received messages from Celebrities, politicians, and Nobel Peace Prize recipients.[8]

“I am thrilled to learn that so many young people, more than 350,000 so far, have so movingly responded to the Burmese people’s courageous struggle for freedom and dignity. You are their hope and ours.” - Elie Wiesel
"There is no way we will forget you. Now that your work of letting the world know is done, I wish you to stay alive in peace and health. The world desperately need your wise and gentle spirit. You help all people of this planet by just being. Please try to be alive for the world. I will try the same. With my deepest respect and love, Yoko Ono Lennon."

October 3, 2007

To a delegation that included BGAN's former UK Coordinator, Johnny Chatterton:

"I'll do everything I can to help the people of Burma"

Don't Forget Burma Campaign

Its most significant user-uploaded media campaign is the website Don’t Forget Burma. Designed to combat the lull in Burma-related coverage in the international media following the crackdown on demonstrators in October, Don’t Forget Burma was designed as a viral campaign where concerned citizens can upload messages of support for the Burmese cause and try to keep Burma in the media spotlight and public consciousness, the website currently has over 300 pictures from people around the world with a message 'Don't forget Burma'.[5] This campaign was launched in conjunction with the Burma Campaign UK, Canadian Friends of Burma, the US Campaign for Burma, and Avaaz.org.

Boycott Chevron and Total Oil Companies

BGAN has launched a campaign urging consumers to boycott oil companies Chevron Corporation and Total S.A., and encouraging those companies to divest of their substantial assets in the country, which provide a direct pipeline of support to the military dictatorship at the expense of the Burmese people.

Cyclone Nargis

It's recently created a Facebook.com page called Support the Relief Efforts for Burma (Myanmar) Cyclone Disaster Victims with 11,500 plus members in response to the Cyclone Nargis. This group is getting the latest pictures, and information out to the rest of the world of the apparent 'real' situation inside Burma of the Cyclone aftermath.[9]

In conjunction with the Burma Campaign UK, Canadian Friends of Burma, the US Campaign for Burma, Info Birmanie, as well as countless local partners, a Global Day of Action for Burma a call for Humanitarian Intervention was held on May 17, 2008, in cities worldwide. A response to Military Than Shwe and the junta's blockade of aid to the Cyclone Nargis aftermath victims, the international community called for a Humanitarian intervention to get aid into the hardest hit areas of Burma.[7]

External links

References

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