Create a More Just World by December 10th - Tim Scheu

On September 29, 2009 the Gleitsman Program for Leadership in Social Change at the Harvard Kennedy School is honoring International Bridges to Justice Founder and CEO Karen Tse with the 2009 International Activist Award. The recognition honors Karen for her "determination and selfless efforts truly make a difference in improving the quality of life" for communities around the world.

Through her noble service to human rights, Karen has demonstrated that efforts to end torture in the 21st century are constrained more by resources than by politics.

Whether in the wake of genocide, ethnic cleansing, or endemic corruption, IBJ has bridged gaps of understanding, secured political will, and affected real change through its criminal defender programs in developing countries. IBJ's progress in the last eight years that gives me the audacity to believe that, together, we can end this scourge of the 21st century.

But too often, IBJ's programs stall. The momentum fades, and ordinary men and women continue to face the horrors of dysfunctional criminal justice systems.

IBJ is now facing greater demand for its services than ever, and its programs are no less ambitious. The organization needs additional resources to bring stability and continuity to its programs - a spark to ignite justice for vulnerable communities around the world.

My friends, I am asking you to be that spark. Make a tax-deductible contribution to IBJ and join Harvard and the Gleitsman Foundation in their support.

Fifty, five hundred, or one thousand dollars - whatever you can afford - is the difference. It is an affirmation not only of your belief in the power of the criminal defender, but also that torture can be overcome - just as we did with slavery in the 19th century and apartheid a few decades ago.

Thank you for your consideration, and my warmest regards to you and your family.

Tim