MYANMAR SPRING REVOLUTION PROTESTS 2021. FORT WAYNE, IN.
In America, we often don’t realize how lucky we are. My home country is currently under a military coup d'état. We’re fighting for our right to a free press and to be able to live our lives with basic human rights, like not being killed just because you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. I wanted to spread awareness of what is happening outside of the United States. I wanted to capture the united Burmese community that is based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and show that we stand with our country during these horrific times. As of May 2021, at least 818 protestors and bystanders, of at least 44 children, have been killed by the military and police forces and at least 4,296 people detained. Even to this day, most of the people I’ve asked have no idea this is happening back in my country.
Donate directly to a local organization on the ground in Myanmar
The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw is the country's democratically elected legislature, currently in exile since the coup. This GoFundMe account is run by the Citizen of Burma Award Organization and aims to support the growing civil disobedience movement in the country and abolish the junta dictatorship.
Funds donated to the Civil Disobedience Movement go directly toward supporting protesters on the ground in Myanmar who are taking part in acts of civil disobedience.
Donate to a humanitarian aid organization assisting in Myanmar
The International Rescue Committee first began working in Myanmar in 2008 in response to a natural disaster. Since then the organization has partnered with local aid organizations, providing health care, water and sanitation services, career training, and support for community development projects.
Doctors without Borders is a French international, non-governmental, medical organization that works in conflict zones to provide life-saving health care to those in need. The group was running projects throughout Myanmar before the coup and pandemic, specifically targeting those in hard-to-reach communities and people affected by interethnic displacements and violence.
Save the Children directs targeted assistance toward children living in difficult conditions around the globe. The organization was already involved in Myanmar before 2021, but it has become an outspoken voice against the violence and unrest that has led to more than 40 children's deaths since the coup.
Contact your representatives
The US government has already imposed some sanctions on Myanmar in response to the military coup, but activists are calling for more action from the international community.
Social justice groups like Chin Leaders of Tomorrow and International Campaign for the Rohingya have numerous letter campaigns organized through The Action Network, which will send a letter to your senator or representative demanding their help in supporting the fight for democracy in Myanmar, whether that's through co-sponsoring legislation or imposing more sanctions.
Some non-profit organizations also accept donations.
Donate directly to a local organization on the ground in Myanmar
Myanmar Now is an independent news outlet in the country, reporting tirelessly on the violence from the scene. The outlet's first-hand reporting has been instrumental in accurately conveying the realities of the coup.
Myanmar Now is asking for donations to help fund journalists' salaries and support the outlet's independent reporting.
Contact your representatives
If you don't have the funds to make monetary donations, getting active on social media is one way to help raise awareness of the coup and violence in Myanmar. Instagram pages like @standnow run social media awareness campaigns and collect donations on their pages.
Justice for Myanmar's verified Facebook page posts updates on online petitions, social media campaigns, and ways to help protesters.
