Here's a message Freedom Speakers International co-founder and Giving Tuesday (Korea) national co-leader Casey Lartigue Jr. wrote to FSI's email list:
There's an old Korean saying: “Frogs often forget they were once tadpoles."
Today is GivingTuesday! It is a day that reminds me and FSI co-founder Eunkoo Lee that FSI was once a tadpole named TNKR. We aren't fully grown, perhaps we are froglets (the stage between being a tadpole and an adult frog).
Eunkoo and I are the volunteer co-national leaders of GivingTuesday’s Korea chapter. Even though FSI is still growing, we became the leaders of GivingTuesday because of its mission of encouraging generosity.
Even if Freedom Speakers International is not your preferred organization, GivingTuesday is a great day to show your support for an organization that is in the tadpole or froglet stage.
I say it often but I guess people don't believe me when I say that participation is more important than how much you donate. Of course, a $1000 donation is great for people who can give that much, but giving $10 a month and staying connected long-term is also really valuable for an organization's long-term health.
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You can make a difference by donating today to Freedom Speakers International (FSI).
Your support for FSI can help empower more North Korean refugees to tell their stories around the world.
Double your impact this Giving Tuesday by donating to Freedom Speakers International and having your gift matched dollar for dollar up to $5,00!
FSI empowers North Korean refugees to tell their stories. Join us in furthering FSI's mission by partnering with us this Giving Tuesday!
Public speaking
In a typical year we have at least 50 events with North Korean refugees giving speeches in English. Many of those events are in South Korea, but during 2023 we have also had events in New York City, Washington D.C., Geneva, and London. Your support can help FSI with its international events in 2024.
Books
In 2022, FSI published two books by North Korean refugees. In 2024, we will be publishing two more books by North Korean refugees.
English Speech Contest
FSI has held 18 North Korean Refugee English Speech Contests since 2013. Our contests have been held locally, but from 2024 we hope to hold the contest abroad so we can reach more people.
Almost 34,000 North Korean refugees have escaped to South Korea since the late 1990s. They often risk their lives during the escape from the totalitarian regime. A handful of them have told their stories in books and speeches.
Make a tax-deductible donation this Giving Tuesday to support Freedom Speakers International. Be sure to check our video to see the kind of work that South Korean high school students have done to support FSI and also to publicize Giving Tuesday.
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