Chinese New Year Cards
 New Years Fireworks in China |
Chinese New Year is the most important celebration in the Chinese culture. Sometimes called the Lunar New Year, the festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar (which is January 26 in 2009) and ends 15 days later.
This year, AIUSA is asking individuals to mark Chinese New Year by sending greeting cards to the Chinese authorities, wishing them a happy new year and asking them to release Shi Tao, a Chinese journalist imprisoned for sending an email to a pro-democracy website in the US. Greeting cards with messages of hope can also be sent to Shi Tao, in solidarity during this important holiday.
There are two ways to take action:
1. Send your cards to Shi Tao: Let
him know that he's not alone in his fight for human rights
2. Send your cards to Chinese authorities: Send them kind wishes
for the New Year, and ask for the release of Shi Tao
Cards for Shi Tao
 New Years Greeting Card |
Look for Chinese New Year greeting cards at your local Asian stores and send positive messages to Shi Tao. If you don't have access to an Asian market, you can make your own cards or try the following links (print the card in color, fold it, and use an envelope of appropriate size):
Sample Card A
Sample Card B
When you write to Shi Tao, please follow these guidelines:
- It is best to keep your comments simple and personal. DO NOT use Amnesty International cards or envelopes. DO NOT comment on his case or the political situation in China.
- Sample messages:
- "I wish you good health in the new year."
"We are thinking of you. You are not forgotten." - Amnesty International recommends sending cards to Shi Tao in a batch. Therefore, please collect the cards for your group and mail them to the Individuals at Risk Team at AIUSA by January 30th:
- Amnesty International USA
Individuals at Risk
600 Pennsylvania Ave SE
Washington DC, 20003
Cards for Chinese Authorities
Follow the instructions above when purchasing, creating or downloading Chinese New Year greeting cards.
When you write to Chinese government authorities, please follow these guidelines:
- Feel free to add your own words of concern about Shi Tao and about the restrictions on freedom of expression in China.
- Sample message:
- "You can help bring good news to a prisoner of conscience and his family in the New Year. Please release Shi Tao from prison."
- Airmail postage from the U.S. to China for a 1 or 2-sheet letter is 94 cents ($0.94).
- Mail cards to as many of the officials listed below as you can. While Chinese New Year begins on January 26, 2009, you can continue sending cards to the authorities through mid-February.
