The Palestine Right to Return Coalition (
http://Al-awda.org) is the
largest network of activists for Palestinian human rights. Its media
committee works to ensure fair and accurate reporting Palestine and
Palestinian human rights. 2003 was a difficult year for Palestinians
suffering under Israeli colonization and occupation. Our media
committee was very active. Here is a glimpse of our accomplishments
and a call for your support.
- Members of the media committee provided content for Al-Awda.org
webpage. The web beamed a dynamic resource for activists that is
regularly updated.
http://Al-Awda.org now receives over 7000 hits per
day. The number of hits has been increasing steadily (see
http://www.al-awda.org/stats ).
- In 2003, members of the media committee submitted over 8000 letters
and op-eds (average over 700/month). Over 200 were published. Outlets
range from local to regional to national and to international. This
included local newspapers (e.g. The Day), campus newspapers, and
national and international outlets (like the New York Times and Time
Magazine).
- Members of Al-Awda media committee interviewed and appeared regularly
in both broadcast and print media (estimated appearances over 200
times). This includes both US and International outlets(examples of the
variety of outlets include MSNBC, NY Times, Voice of Palestine, The
Forward, Hartford Courant, Philadelphia Enquirer, WPKN, Iran Radio,
South African Radio, etc.
- We compiled a list of 48 speakers who can articulate a human rights
perspective. This list was printed in a foldout with lamination and
sent with a cover letter to over 50 key media outlets (sent in
December). We plan to send more in January.
- Members of the media committee were invited to speak as well as
organized over 400 teach-ins and panels that reached literally
thousands of people.
- Our members printed buttons and brochures and distributed these at
local and national events.
- We started a book program. Books are obtained from publishers and
distributed at events. Currently participating publishers include
Pluto Press, Southend Press, and Institute for Palestine Study.
- We started a program to print informative booklets. The first one
began to be distributed in 2003. A literature advisory committee was
established by Al-Awda Coordinating Committee.
- Our members were key in making sure direct action events receive good
and fair media coverage.
- Our members put dozens of videos on public access TV and participated
in promoting and working with alternative media outlets.
- Members of Al-Awda media committee were key in facilitating work and
publicity for the Wheels of Justice Tour (see
http://justicewheels.org).
- For earlier accomplishments [and information about supporting the organization] see
Al-awda.org/mediaaccomplishmentscumulative
