8/8/08 for Burma

China is not only an immediate neighbor of Burma’s, it is the biggest supporter of Burma’s military dictators - economically, militarily, and politically. China is also, however, host of the 2008 Olympics, which are supposed to stand for human dignity, brotherhood, and peace. 8-8-08 for Burma calls on China to use its unique leverage to help save lives and build freedom in Burma, and thereby honor the spirit and principles of the Olympics.

8-8-08: A Day for Burma

August 8, 2008 (8-8-08) is not only the day of the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Games; it is also the twentieth anniversary of historic protests that ignited a global movement for change in Burma.

8-8-08 for Burma exists to say that August 8, 2008 should be a day to celebrate human achievement and perseverance - in China, in Burma, everywhere.

8-8-08 for Burma is helping to frame and push forward the global discussion about Burma’s humanitarian and political crisis:

• Identifying key influencers like China and what they should do
• Giving people - activists, opinion leaders, and athletes - the tools to make their voices heard
• Bringing your message to key decision-makers

• Email the Chinese government, Olympic Committees, and Olympic corporate sponsors
• Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper
• Organize an event to raise awareness and funding for relief and advocacy efforts

All the tools are here, in our Action section.

Planning Resources

• Print out and read this EVENT PLANNING GUIDE for simple instructions on how to organize your event.

• Join our event host conference call on Wednesday, August 13 at 8PM Eastern Time.  Call 1-518-825-1300, and enter in the participant access code 222210# when prompted.

Event Materials

• Print 2 or 3 copies of this TABLE BANNER. This is a big, bold visual to draw people to your table. You’ll want to post these prominently on your table or booth.

• Print plenty of these FLYERS. The flyer describes Team Burma and chinlone; they’re for handing out to passersby. Print up to 30 copies per attendee you expect at your event.

• Use this SCRIPT to practice inviting people to join Team Burma!

• Print out 3 or 4 pages of these SIGN-UP SHEETS. Make sure to pass the sign-up sheets around to the volunteers before the event.

Media Materials

• Media Guide: A helpful start-to-finish guide on getting media coverage for your event.

• Media Advisory: Adapt this template press advisory and send it to local reporters to help get press coverage for your event.

• Reporter script: Use this reporter script to help you call reporters and ask them to come to your event.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why Chinlone?
The national sport of Burma, chinlone is played throughout Burma – across ethnic and religious lines – and embodies unity and partnership.

What are the rules for Chinlone?
The rules are simple: don’t let the ball touch the ground and don’t use your hands. There are no points and no teams – the game is about demonstrating athleticism, grace, and skill. For beginners, it’s more importantly about having fun! And because there are no competing teams, in the end, everybody wins.

Why is Than Shwe’s picture on Team Burma’s chinlone balls?
Every time someone gives our chinlone balls a kick, he or she makes a statement about military dictatorship in Burma – that it needs a good kick.

After overseeing decades of oppression and atrocities; cracking down on non-violent protests in 1988, 1996, and 2007; and denying humanitarian aid to 2.4 million people affected by Cyclone Nargis in May of this year, Than Shwe and his regime are devoid of legitimacy in the eyes of their own people and the international community