MATERIALS

One-page summary to spread the word!

The 2008 Summer Olympics is an event that stands for peace and global unity. Unfortunately, next summer’s Olympic host country – China - is helping to facilitate the ongoing genocide in Darfur, Sudan. Hundreds of thousands are dead in Darfur, and millions have been displaced from their homes.

Because of China’s significant economic, political, and military ties to the government of Sudan, China has the leverage to make the Sudanese government refrain from committing mass atrocities in Darfur. China is in a unique position to exert its enormous influence and bring an end to the genocide in Darfur.

STAND, in partnership with the Save Darfur Coalition and the Olympic Dream for Darfur, is organizing an Olympic Torch Relay across the United States to raise awareness of this deadly link and pressure China to stop the genocide in Darfur. The Relay will bring new media attention to China’s role in the genocide in Darfur, and encourage American elected officials to pressure China to use its influence in a positive way.

The Olympic Torch Relays will take place across more than 21 states and involve thousands of students, local activists, celebrities, community groups, faith-based organizations, Olympic athletes, and legislators. STAND students will play an integral role in organizing the Olympic Torch relays.

Help STAND bring the Olympic dream of peace and global unity to the people in Darfur. Get involved in the U.S. Olympic Torch Relay today! For more information on the Dream for Darfur Olympic Torch Relay, please visit http://www.savedarfur.org/page/content/torchrun or e-mail info@standnow.org.

If there is not a major rally date close to you and you'd like to organize a rally at your school, you can download instructions here.

MAJOR RELAY SITES

New York, New York – September 9th

Burlington, Vermont – September 29th

Concord, New Hampshire – September 30th

Boston, Massachusetts – October 7th

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Penn. – October 7th

Cincinnati, Ohio – October 13th

Indianapolis, Indiana – October 14th

Chicago, Illinois – October 21st

Des Moines, Iowa – October 21st

Lincoln, Nebraska – October 27th