Category: Social Media

I have a new article up on Huffington Post Chicago , inspired by outreach from former iGive colleague Nassim Nazemi. She’s organizing a rally to express solidarity with Iran’s Democracy Saturday. Spread the word.

Press Contact:
Nassim Nazemi
nnazemi@gmail.com
For Immediate Release:

CHICAGOANS TO RALLY IN SOLIDARITY WITH IRANIAN PROTESTERS EVENT SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY JUNE 20, 2009, 4-6PM AT DALEY CENTER PLAZA

CHICAGO, IL – (June 18, 2008) – In the aftermath of Iran’s dramatic presidential election, protesters continue to march en masse through the streets of Iran demanding freedom and recognition of their votes. Half a world away, Iran’s expatriate community here in the U.S. has sprung into action, staging rallies and candlelight vigils to show solidarity and mourn the protesters who have been killed during the Iranian government crackdown. Supporters in Chicago have secured permission to stage a peaceful rally at Daley Plaza, where a crowd of approximately two-hundred is expected to gather. Rally participants will attempt to amplify the stifled voices of Iranian protesters who struggle to be heard amid a media clampdown in Iran.

The rally, which will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2009 from 4-6pm, is organized by a group of young Iranians who have become acutely aware of the power and value of their civil rights as U.S. citizens and residents. They understand that electoral fairness and freedom of assembly are precisely what the Iranian protesters are pursuing in the face of tear gas, police batons, and gunfire. Planned and carried out almost entirely through social networking sites, e-mail, and text messaging, the rally itself seeks to mirror the activities of Iranian protesters whose use of technology in furtherance of democratic ideals has captured the attention of the world.

“Peaceful Rally in Solidarity with the Iranian People” is the name given to this event on the social networking website Facebook®, where users are greeted with the following description:

“Join us in expressing solidarity with the freedom-seeking protesters in Iran. Many of our own friends and relatives are bravely marching on the streets, and we feel a duty to support them by keeping up the momentum and continuing to raise awareness of these important events in Iran.”

And:
“We all have different views on how best to reach the ultimate goal of freedom and democracy in Iran, and while one of us may believe in gradual reform, another may believe in more radical change. Diversity and a chorus of voices are what make a democracy beautiful, and effective. Let’s embrace the many voices rather than silencing them.”

more information on this event, please visit our Facebook page.