Perspective of a Tibetan Intern in Washington

I have been interning in the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) Washington office for two months in the communications department. My responsibilities have included gathering news from online sources and disseminating them to the ICT staff, updating sections of the ICT website, helping with the online photo gallery, and leading online discussions with alumni of the ICT Tibetan Youth Leadership Program. I have also been managing a few online social networks to spread awareness about the Tibetan struggle.

In my spare time I have been able to attend hearings and roundtable discussions on China issues on Capitol Hill. One of many perks of interning here has been meeting an array of hard-working, well-established scholars and professional advocates. It has been mind boggling to be a part of a team that is one of the top  lobbying organizations for Tibet and is also among the best sources for both US and international media to turn to when questions regarding Tibet arise. Last but not least, as an intern at ICT, I had a chance to help organize an ICT information session for Tibetan interns and Tibetan youths spending their summer in the DC area, which I really felt was especially rewarding personally. We were 16 participants from five different organizations. I was excited to hear the ICT staff talk about their work and hear the  interaction with Tibetan youth. The session was divided into an English and a Tibetan discussion.

The Tibetan session was intense. We dove right into Chinese outreach and then into the topic of “self-identification.” Outreach to the international community has always been a priority for Tibet supporters and activists. However, what gets overlooked sometimes or misunderstood is Chinese outreach. In this respect, ICT is commendable because it has had an active Chinese outreach program since its establishment in 1988.

Discussions further went on to self identification. How do you perceive yourself? Being a Tibetan who was born in India and who spent half of her years in the United States as a citizen, I would answer simply: Tibetan. The same applied for the majority of the participants at the session. However, then the real question was hammered  out: What have you as a Tibetan done to help with the Tibetan cause? Tibetan youth nowadays are very much conscious of responsibilities they have for Tibet and the Tibetan people. There has always been community involvement in events such as Tibetan festivals, teachings, protests and rallies, potlucks or talent shows. These were the avenues that were most familiar to the Tibetans. However, today Tibetan youths are more innovative and faced with more options.

In addition to ICT, other Tibetan organizations include Machik, which works directly inside Tibet helping the Tibetans in education and different fields, Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) and Students for a Free Tibet (SFT). Involvement in these organizations is a testament to the vigor of the Tibet movement. Furthermore, what is even more inspirational is the rise in the trend of Tibetan youth internships in these organizations, which shows the solid commitment of future generations to the Tibetan struggle.

When asked if we had ever written to our Congressmen and Congresswomen, I was a little timid. As an ICT intern, I should have been first to say yes. In March 2009, ICT organized a Tibet Lobby Day in Washington. Tibetan-Americans, some from as far as California, voiced their concerns to their congressional representatives to help the cause of the Tibetans. In truth, I have never once voiced my personal opinion to my Congressman. We were reminded that we ourselves must also utilize the American system. This effort in combination with our regular involvement in the Tibetan  community will bear more fruit for the Tibetan struggle. With this I can confidently conclude that I will write to my Congressman and pay him a visit!

Well so this was how the first joint Tibetan intern information session ended. Unfortunately, the end of this session also coincides with the end of my internship here at ICT. The skills I gained from this internship I can utilize in the future. I became more  internet savvy, sharpened my familiarity with the countless Tibet related websites, learned how to organize sessions in which skills range from setting of the conference room, establishing agenda for the sessions and spreading publicity of the event in order to achieve the maximum participants. Internet research and event organizational skills are essential today where information is periodically updated first on the  internet. As for event organizational skills it is helpful in every aspect of one’s life because it is all about time management and using one’s resources.

Passion is a must when it comes to success and it was abundant here at ICT. I do believe I am a changed person. I have a stronger drive to better myself and also contribute to the Tibetan struggle. I know that I have a long journey ahead of me and I am willing to work hard towards my goals. I thank ICT for giving me this opportunity.

(Photo Caption: 2006 Tibetan Youth Leadership Program Group)