Departing ICT
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As you may already know, I’m departing the International Campaign for Tibet after 21 years and 10 years as President.
As I leave ICT, several things give me hope. First, the movement inside Tibet is stronger than ever, as evidenced by the extraordinary mobilization in March of 2008 and also during the winter of 2009. Secondly, new generations of young and active Tibetans (including impressive leaders such as the Karmapa) are coming of age. Lastly, as a mountaineer I have always had great respect for Tibet’s timeless defense—its altitude and remoteness, which makes long-term settlement by non-Tibetans a constant and forbidding challenge.
I cannot overstress just how wonderful it has been to work at ICT. You and ICT’s extended circle of friends and colleagues have motivated me and enabled us all to continue the fight on behalf of Tibetans. I have been constantly inspired in my work with Lodi, Mary Beth, Bhuchung, the heads of our European offices and so many others. Most of all, the opportunity to serve in such an important human rights movement and to serve one of the greatest leaders of all time, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, has been immeasurably rewarding. But change is good for organizations and it will be for ICT too—and for me.
ICT’s Board of Directors has asked me to join them and I wholeheartedly accepted as this organization and this movement mean so much to me. I will also stay on the Rowell Fund Board of Advisors and help lead the annual Teton benefit climbs.
The Board has been conducting a search for ICT’s next President over the past six months since I submitted my notice, and there are some exciting candidates. In the coming months, ICT will be under the extremely capable leadership of Mary Beth Markey, Vice President of International Advocacy, who will temporarily take over my responsibilities.
As of next week, I will be heading up a non-profit renewable energy organization called Alliance for Green Heat. We promote policies and solutions for biomass to be a mainstream renewable, carbon-neutral thermal energy source, and a way for low-income populations to secure affordable and renewable heat. This is also something that has been close to my heart and I am extremely excited about it.
Thank you for your friendship and support and I look forward to staying in touch.
In solidarity,
John Ackerly
3 Responses to “Departing ICT”
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Visit ICT's website to find out more about Tibet and Tibetan issues.
Thank you for your dedication and effort for the cause of Tibetan people. We sincerely thank you and wish you and your family all the best and happiness.
“Mazol Tov” on your 21 successful years at ICT (ten years as President) and your new beginning in Environmental advocacy.
You have in your low key style been an indomitable and tenacious force as you have advocated for religious freedom and human rights for the people of Tibet. All of us who have served on the Board and worked with you stand in awe of you.
I wish you all the best in your new endeavor and feel secure knowing that you will continue to provide leadership to the cause in a new role as a lay leader of ICT.
Warmest regards,
Mark Handelman
So many thanks for leading up ICT and your contribution to thousands of people growing awareness in favor of the Tibetan cause.
Wishing you good luck for Alliance for Green Heat, and we shall be backing you there also!
Glad we remain friends through James Hopkins
From CTC Board to ICT Board now on!
Muriel