WEDNESDAY VIGIL FOR TIBET WHY DO IT "Let no-one be discouraged by the belief that there is nothing one man or woman can do against the enormous array of the world's ills; against misery and ignorance, injustice and violence. Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation. It is from the numberless divers act of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man [or a woman] stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends a tiny ripple of hope, and, crossing each other from a million different centres of energy and daring , these ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance" ---Robert F. Kennedy "The strength of the vigil comes from its consistency, from being there every week. It is part of the process of working for a liberated Tibet simply by being there. So you don't have to do anything special if you come, you've already done it just by turning up. It is a non-violent vigil. Those who wish to shout ,do; those who don't want to, don't. So if you object to what China has done to Tibet, or if you want to show your empathy for the Tibetan plight, or if you don't want to be associated with the UK's business before ethics stance, then just turn up. Don't leave it for a rainy day ( most days are rainy anyway! ) Do it this week. Then when Tibet is liberated you can know that you were one of those who were prepared to stand up and be counted. DECEMBER 2001 STATEMENT. As the saying goes -- ask not what Tibet can do for you ,ask what you can do for Tibet. Thats really the message from Tibet Vigil. We've heard a fair amount recently about what Tibetans in Tibet should or should not be doing to free Tibet. Well as far as we are concerned they are living under occupation and what they do for their freedom is their affair. Ours is to do what we can to help and because we are in the UK that means pushing for a more meaningful UK government policy towards Tibet. And that has been central to this past year on the Vigil, helping to develop a joint policy of UK Tibet Support Groups towards the UK Government, encouraging people to write to the Prime Minister and undertaking a weekly vigil at Downing Street. The Vigil continued outside the Chinese Embassy as usual every Wednesday in 2001.Its been a year of varying numbers on the vigil . From Jan-April we averaged just over 20 a week, from April-July approx 14 a week, July -Sept 11th about 20, and from Sept 11th just 12. Nevertheless special vigils have been well attended and the Human Rights Day vigil saw 65 people witness the flying of the Tibetan flag over the Embassy. During the course of the year approx 200 different people have attended the vigil. Three more people, Paula, Patricia and Migmar, passed the hundred vigil mark this year. Good for them. Unlike the year 2000 the core group has become small with Simon and Paula doing the majority of the functions on the vigil, and Dolly and Derek dealing with the website, thankfully for another year. Paula had another good year as Press Rep, keeping the Vigil in the news or keeping the media aware of the issues and Patricia, Elizabeth, and Michael gave valuable support as the other most regulars. Paula took over organising the Bp demos . Paula is now moving on and so very many thanks for all she has done . [And good luck to Alicia and the baby, Tsering in hospital, and Jane who's doing charity work in India] Simon concentrated on the Downing Street Vigil [with thanks to the 30 people who have so far attended that]. Please remember we always need help with photocopyong, placards, and fliers. It was also good to receive so many letters from Tibetan exiles in India wishing the Vigil long continued success. The Vigil remains an international flame of hope. We have been demonstrating for almost 13 years and we feel that this is a tremendous symbol of peaceful resistance and determination shown by Tibet supporters. Additionally an evening on the Vigil is certainly a night out with a difference. For your new year's resolution why don't you commit yourself to coming to the vigil a certain number of times during the year and resolve to introduce two friends to it. Maybe invite a friend for a drink afterwards ? It is quite amazing how many people have come to know about Tibet and are happy to come and wave a flag at the government of China even if they have no previous involvement. Look forward to seeing you soon.     "Giving up two hours a week seems nothing to help people that suffer every day." BEN "My reason for attending the vigil is quite simply that I can't comprehend how the Chinese Government has got away with its illegal occupation of Tibet for so long. I don't expect the governments of the World's most advanced countries to be sitting back and doing nothing about the appalling human rights situation in Tibet. My outrage on discovering this situation prompted me to shake off my apathy and get involved. Our link to the Chinese government is through the Embassy, and it is essential that they get reminded every week that people do care,and are prepared to act. Also, by being there ,and being vocal we are spreading awareness and the seeds of change." ------ALICIA