Search
An association of writers working to advance literature, defend free expression, and to foster international literary fellowship. JOIN PEN!  Become an Associate Member today. Sign the petition for free expression in China
Freedom to Write
honorary members
press releases
awards
WIPC caselist
PEN reports
rapid action
links
Contact Us

Get Involved!
>> Take action on behalf of imprisoned writers in China

>> Join the Freedom to Write Rapid Action Network

>> Sign on to the Core Freedoms Campaign

>> Offer your support to the Freedom to Write Program by making a donation to PEN

Home > Sample appeal | |

Sample Letter to Your Representative
Write a letter to your members of Congress, urging them to support and pass the Global Online Freedom Act, H.R. 275, which prohibits U.S. companies like Yahoo!, Google, and Skype from disclosing the names and information of individuals utilizing their services to foreign governments such as China, a chief offender. The bill passed unanimously in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and now needs a push to move it through the House Energy and Commerce Committee and then bring it to a full House vote.



[Date]

[Address: find your Representative here]

Dear [Name],

I am writing to urge you to support the Global Online Freedom Act of 2007 (H.R. 275), and end American companies’ complicity in the suppression of free expression on the internet in China.

As you know, Yahoo! provided user information of at least four Chinese dissidents, including Shi Tao, which led to their imprisonment. Shi Tao is currently serving a ten-year sentence for “illegally divulging state secrets abroad” for publishing information on media control plans in advance of the 10th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre.  The Global Online Freedom Act will ensure American internet service providers do not assist regimes like China that suppress free expression on the internet and persecute cyber-dissidents.

As the Beijing Olympics approach, I urge you to take a stand for individuals living under governments that curtail their fundamental right to freedom of expression, and support the Global Online Freedom Act.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name and Signature]

Grants & Awards online database.  Sign up today!Support PEN.org.  Every donation counts
Home | Site Map | Copyright / Privacy Policy | Contact Us © 2004-2008 PEN American Center. All rights reserved.