1-4
INTRODUCTION
Letter from the President Hannah Song
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Mission Statement
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The Underground TheHundred Liberty House
6 10 12
Letter from the Vice President 14 Justin Wheeler
Chapters Media Tours Interns Gala Partners
15 16 17 21 22 22
Letter from the Financial Manager 24 Amanda Moropoulos
Financials Impact Future
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5-12
ACTIVITY
13-22
AWARENESS
23-30
FINANCIALS IMPACT FUTURE
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Our Mission
Redefining the North Korea crisis through creative storytelling, while providing emergency relief to North Korean refugees and pursuing an end to the human rights crisis.
Image of the Tumen River which runs along the North Korea-China border, and over which refugees escape
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“ We experienced 106% growth in annual revenue between 2008 to 2009 and, as our financial means increased, all of our programs also evolved. It is an exciting time because we anticipate that this is only the beginning of our growth.”
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT It has been an extremely exciting time
financially and physically. Chapters
We will continue to offer real and
for LiNK. As I began 2009 as the new
launched not only in the US but
tangible ways for individuals to be
President, my nervous anticipation
all around the world, we had more
involved in effecting change and
for the challenges we would face
volunteers and interns in our office
impacting this issue, and will work
were matched with eager expectation
than ever before, we were engaging in
determinedly toward finding solutions
of new opportunities. We moved
new partnerships and being presented
to end the human rights crisis in North
our operations from Washington,
with unique opportunities, and all
Korea. And we are only able to do this
DC, to Los Angeles in January, thus
of these things translated into more
because of your remarkable support.
beginning a series of changes. Over
financial support for our programs. We
We thank you for your unwavering
the year we hired some of the most
experienced 106% growth in our fiscal
commitment to this issue and the
exceptional staff that helped to drive
budget between 2008 to 2009 and, as
opportunity you have given us to work
the organization’s new mission and
our financial means increased, all of our
tirelessly for the North Korean people.
strategy forward, and push us to
programs also evolved. It is an exciting
Together, we can re-write the future of
extraordinary levels of growth. We
time because we anticipate that this is
North Korea.
considered 2009 to be a foundational
only the beginning of our growth.
With hope,
year as we refocused our attention on establishing infrastructure and growing
We continue to learn new things every
our grassroots support - both key
day about this crisis and although
elements to sustaining the organization
the issue remains largely unchanged,
for the years to come.
we remain committed to bringing
awareness to the international
As we hit the road on tours across the
community by redefining this issue
Hannah Song
country, spreading awareness of this
and making it relevant, working hard
President/CEO
largely unknown crisis, the response
to protect and assist our North Korean
was tremendous - affirming that these
friends where they can be reached and
stories not only needed to be told but
supporting and empowering them in
were welcomed to be heard. We were
their new lives.
fueled by the response we saw both
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“Once I graduated high school, I crossed the border into China on my own and lived there for 9 years. Because I didn’t know any better, I was sold and married to a Korean-Chinese man. Even though I wasn’t sexually abused, I despised my husband, so I ran away with my dowry money to Southeast Asia where I heard about LiNK’s shelter. While I was waiting for my resettlement processing, I was taught English and computer skills to prepare for life in the US. After a year of much anticipation, I was resettled. I am no longer in deep anguish and am so happy to be reunited with my uncle again.” MARIA // AGE 30 // North Korean Refugee
Image of China near the border of North Korea
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THE UNDERGROUND
SHELTERS
For well over a decade, hundreds of thousands have fled North Korea seeking basic necessities such as food and medicine or even freedom. It is estimated that up to 300,000 are hiding in the underground today. Similar to the Underground Railroad of 19th century America that saved over 30,000 slaves, the modern day underground railroad comprises a network of safe houses and escape routes from North Korea to China, Mongolia, Russia and Southeast Asia. Refugees must traverse over mountains,
caught and sent back to North Korea or
deserts and other unfriendly terrains and
to escape abuse. Once the North Korean
families are frequently separated during the
mothers leave, the Chinese fathers often
journey in the underground. No outcome is
find themselves struggling or unable to
ever certain.
provide for their children, leaving these
Often left behind or lost along the way
“stateless� children to be cared for
are North Korean children whose parents
by relatives or altogether abandoned.
cannot return home or have separated or
Stateless children lack documentation that
abandoned them. These children end up
prove their citizenship and allow them to
illegally in China, homeless and without any
receive education, work legally or have
documentation, left to find a way to survive
basic rights, leaving them at high risk of
or to escape to another country where
exploitation or abuse.
they could be eligible for resettlement or asylum. Without protection or any rights, they are of the most vulnerable and are at high risk of exploitation or abuse. Of the North Korean refugees who are hiding or have come through China, the majority are women and over 80 percent are trafficked or voluntarily marry Chinese men. Some of these women, however, leave their families for fear of being
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LiNK’s Response in China In the latter part of 2009, we re-evaluated the greatest needs on the ground and areas of greatest potential impact. We began to focus our support and efforts to protect and provide for North Korean and stateless children - supporting the launch of several group homes (similar to orphanages) around the region for abandoned or orphaned children, some of whom were at high risk of being sold or abused. Working closely with our partners on
In the latter part of 2009, we re-evaluated
the ground, in 2009 we supported North
the greatest needs on the ground and
Korean women and their children in China.
areas of greatest potential impact. We
In the first half of the year, we provided
began to focus our support and efforts
a
including
to protect and provide for North Korean
scholarships for children to attend school
broad
range
of
and stateless children - supporting the
as well as small scholarships to families
launch of several group homes (similar
who needed financial assistance. We also
to orphanages) around the region for
provided medical care and agricultural
abandoned or orphaned children, some
assistance in the form of seeds and
of whom were at high risk of being sold
fertilizer, and established education and
or abused. We also supported dozens of
enrichment
in
children living with their fathers or families
addition to safe houses and shelters for
whose mothers had either escaped to
refugees in hiding. We also supported
seek safety or had been repatriated. With
women who had become victims of sex
this
trafficking by teaching them skills such
food, access to education, transportation
as cross-stitching, sewing basic goods
to school, scholarships and necessary
and making handicrafts including wood
paperwork when possible.
programs
support
for
children,
products (jewelry boxes). These goods were then sold in China and some even in the US on our early tours.
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support,
these
children
received
LiNK’s Response in Southeast Asia All refugees are placed under the care of LiNK staff (or Protection Officers) who live with the refugees and walk them through every step – from accompanying them to required medical exams to ensuring their interviews are on track. Protection Officers also prepare refugees for resettlement by beginning the acculturation process as soon as they step into our shelter.
At the end of 2007, LiNK established
beginning the acculturation process as
100 had made it to the US by the end of
a shelter in Southeast Asia to assist in
soon as they step into our shelter. A US-
2009. Although delays were attributed
processing refugees for resettlement by
bound refugee, for example, is taught
to a number of issues, through our
working closely with local embassies, and
English and American history, lives in an
concerted efforts and pressure to expedite
to provide basic education and services
environment that incorporates aspects of
processing, refugees arriving in 2009
during their time waiting. In 2008, LiNK’s
American and Korean culture, and learns
experienced an average processing time
operations became the only major shelter
different skills to widen their career options
of 6 to 8 months, standard for all refugees.
in Southeast Asia for US-bound North
once they have resettled. Ultimately, our
LiNK assisted in protecting, educating and
Korean refugees. This shelter – which also
goal is to equip North Koreans with the tools
processing 5 refugees who were resettled
assists North Koreans seeking to resettle in
they need to thrive once they move on.
in the US in 2009.
South Korea – provides protection, shelter, food, education, counseling and medical
Between 2007 to 2008, the processing
care before refugees are transferred to the
time for North Korean refugees who
care of free nations that will resettle them.
sought resettlement in South Korea was
All refugees are placed under the care of
on average about 3 to 4 months. For
LiNK staff (or Protection Officers) who live
those in the queue for US resettlement,
with the refugees and walk them through
processing was sometimes 1 to 2 years,
every step – from accompanying them to
possibly longer. Due to these delays -
required medical exams to ensuring their
although refugees began resettling in the
interviews are on track. Protection Officers
US after the passage of the North Korean
also prepare refugees for resettlement by
Human Rights Act in 2004 - less than
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“In North Korea, there is no trace of hope. You have to throw away the small amount of dignity you have left in order to survive, but I want to break out of poverty. I want to finish my studies and be my parents’ hands and feet.” MI-SUN // AGE 23 // North Korean Refugee
Image of Mi-Sun, a North Korean refugee hiding in one of our shelters in China
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THEHUNDRED
RESCUING REFUGEES At the end of 2009 we created TheHundred, an aggressive campaign to rescue 100 refugees out of hiding. We began working quickly with our partners on the ground to set up the proper networks and routes.
As we had been engaged in the
LiNK’s Response
underground for the past 5 years
At the end of 2009 we created TheHundred,
protecting, hiding and assisting North
an aggressive campaign to rescue 100
Korean refugees, we understood their
refugees out of hiding. We began working
greatest fear: being caught and sent
quickly with our partners on the ground to
back to North Korea to face punishment,
set up the proper networks and routes. It
imprisonment or possibly execution.
cost us about $2500 per person to cover
Constantly faced with the challenge of
the cost of their journey - transportation,
eluding authorities, avoiding raids, and
food, paperwork, fees, etc. - to bring them
keeping operations and communications
out of China and through the underground
covert, it was clear that hiding refugees
to our shelter in Southeast Asia where
in our shelters was only a temporary
we would then be able to assist them in
solution. We realized many refugees
finding resettlement in a third country. We
often stayed in China long enough to
began fundraising through our holiday
work and earn money to pay brokers to
campaign and LiNK Chapters and by
eventually help them find freedom - but
the end of the campaign raised over
this journey is costly and many found
$40,000 that would be put toward our
themselves staying longer than expected
rescue missions in 2010.
or in undesirable jobs in the sex industry. We saw a need to help refugees get out as soon as possible.
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“I escaped North Korea before I could graduate high school, so I’m studying English hard to earn my GED. I’m also searching for jobs, receiving counseling, being mentored by LiNK staff, and living with the interns and Nomads at the LiNK house. This December, I even had my first Christmas dinner with a LiNK staff’s family, and I’m making more friends at my church.” DANNY LEE // AGE 23 // North Korean Refugee
Image of Danny Lee, a North Korean refugee who has been resettled in the US
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LIBERTY HOUSE
RESETTLEMENT Through our extensive network of volunteers, partners and community resources, our Liberty House resettlement program provides case management services, micro-grants, scholarships, translation, tutoring, mentorship, and rehabilitation and career counseling. Newly resettled North Koreans
LiNK’s Response
often find themselves overwhelmed
Since 2006, we have assisted in rescuing
by the abundance of choices and
and resettling 24 refugees, working with
everyday challenges in their new
various governments to help refugees
lives. They must essentially relearn
reach safe nations such as the US and
many concepts taught in North
South Korea. Of the 94 North Korean
Korea, all the while discovering how
refugees resettled in the US, 15 were
to form opinions, make decisions,
rescued and resettled by LiNK. In
become financially independent,
South Korea, we rescued and resettled
learn a new language and continue
11 refugees.
working through trauma incurred in
Through
our
extensive
network
of
North Korea and during their escape.
volunteers,
Navigating this multitude of obstacles
resources, our Liberty House resettlement
in a drastically different culture inhibits
program provides case management
their ability to understand and enjoy
services, micro-grants, scholarships,
their newfound freedom.
translation, tutoring, mentorship, and
partners
and
community
rehabilitation and career counseling. We also develop North Koreans with leadership skills through our fellowship and internship programs, which train in advocacy and awareness building and provide an opportunity to assist fellow North Koreans.
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“ We began to focus more on building up our constituency and committed more resources to strengthening our grassroots programs to be more effective at spreading awareness and impacting lives in and around North Korea.�
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LETTER FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT 2009 has been a year of enormous
The beginning of 2009 also saw the
Our aggressive approach to raising
growth and development for LiNK.
launch of our Chapter program. Within
awareness for the North Korea crisis
With our move across the country,
the first six months, we enrolled over
is fueled by the real-life impact we are
we began to focus more on building
100 Chapters on universities and high
making in the field as a result of our
up our constituency and committed
school campuses across the nation
labor here in the States. It is because
more resources to strengthening
including 12 international Chapters
of LiNK’s innovative and holistic
our grassroots programs to be more
in over 10 countries. Through this
programs in China and Southeast
effective at spreading awareness
program, students were encouraged
Asia that North Korean refugees are
and impacting lives in and around
to use their voice for those who had
protected, rescued and given new
North Korea.
been silenced, and to raise funds
lives, and all of this would not be
to help protect and rescue North
possible without our strong grassroots
Korean refugees.
movement of diverse activists who
We launched two new initiatives – tours and Chapters – and saw
have funded these programs.
incredible return. The first was sparked
Our tours and Chapter program would
To this end, we must not remain silent
from a need to make this issue more
not have progressed if it were not for
until liberty comes to our North Korean
accessible to the general public. So
the development and creativity of our
friends.
we launched three tours across North
new media department. We knew that
Peace,
America and visited over 40 states and
in order to reach our demographic, we
Canada. We screened documentaries
would have to produce relevant media
about the human rights crisis in
that would redefine the North Korea
North Korea to over 500 venues and
crisis. Through the launch of a new
provided very tangible ways for people
website and the production of over
to respond. Through these efforts, we
25 videos along with our awareness
Justin Wheeler
were able to raise over $94,000 and
efforts, we were able to raise over
Vice President of Global Awareness
sign up over 1,000 individuals to our 9
$300,000 in the 2009 fiscal year which
LIVES recurring donation program.
doubled our entire 2008 revenue.
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CHAPTERS
The North Korean human rights crisis is
in the US in addition to 12 international
saturated with think tanks and experts
Chapters.
and does not leave much room for the
allowed us to protect, rescue and resettle
average person to engage. This is why
more North Korean refugees. 100% of the
our Chapter program is highly effective.
money raised by our Chapters worldwide
It allows students, regardless of their
directly funds our programs in China and
education level, to get involved and make
Southeast Asia.
a difference.
A Look at LiNK’s worldwide network of
We began the year with 25 Chapters
Chapters: USA, England, South Korea,
nationwide. After just six months, we saw
Japan, Portugal, Uruguay, Italy, Canada,
enormous growth and enrolled over 100
Australia, Scotland, Costa Rica
Chapters, ending 2009 with 150 Chapters
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Our
Chapter
program
has
Image of LiNK filming with Joseph, a North Korean refugee resettled in the US
MEDIA
We believe that the North Korea crisis
allowing the world to hear their stories
must be redefined. Misbranded by nuclear
of struggle and triumph. It is through
weapons, security threats and an erratic
these stories of hope that we have seen
dictator, this issue has proven difficult
an amazing response and have garnered
to win the empathy and attention of the
more support.
general public – leaving the people of
In 2009, we were able to produce 25
North Korea overlooked and the country
videos, launch a new website that provided
with a negative label.
accurate and engaging information, and
Through our media efforts, we hope to
implement over 10 ad campaigns that
continue to change this stereotype by
supported our mission of rebranding the
producing relevant media that places
North Korea crisis.
North Korean refugees in the spotlight,
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TOURS
Until recently, North Korea has received so
Every spring, summer and fall, LiNK
little attention, as gaining unfettered access
launches 4 teams of “Nomads” (full-time
into the country has proven to be extremely
volunteers trained by our staff) across
difficult. An equally great challenge has
North America to show documentaries
been providing avenues of involvement for
at high schools, colleges, churches and
those who are just discovering the North
community centers.
Korea crisis, Although this challenge has
During the 2009 fiscal year, we launched 3
been at the forefront of our minds since
North American tours and 1 European tour
our beginnings in 2004, we have made a
and reached over 45,000 individuals and
concerted effort in 2009 to find solutions.
held 570 movie screenings. However, we
We realized that we needed to get
did not stop with awareness. We asked
into people’s living rooms, dorms
and
our supporters to give their time, money
communities
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spread
and resources to enable us to help more
awareness and build up our grassroots
to
effectively
North Korean refugees. They responded
movement. From this idea, LiNK’s tour
and raised over $94,000 and established
program was born.
162 LiNK chapters worldwide.
2007 RECURRING DONATIONS
2008 RECURRING DONATIONS
2009 RECURRING DONATIONS
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19
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INTERN PROGRAM
NOMADS
INTERNS
We would not be able to accomplish
Nomads are the face of LiNK. They
LiNK interns will not be found making
our work without the committed
undergo 4 weeks of intensive training
copies, fetching coffee or washing CEOs’
support of interns and Nomads. Every
at our headquarters office in LA. During
cars. They are given real responsibilities
spring, summer and fall, we recruit
this time they learn everything they need
and are included on decisions related to
Nomads and interns for various
to know about the North Korean human
their projects. They work against timelines
departments in the organization.
rights crisis and LiNK, and are trained to
and are measured by their performance.
They work full-time for 3 to 4 months
speak in public, answer questions and
They are hired to work on everything from
without pay and are the lifeblood
build relationships. In the office they also
Chapters to media to resettlement and
of the organization, bringing new
help to book over 80 screenings and then
even fundraising. Our hope is to offer
and exciting energy. Here is more
spend 10 weeks on the open road bringing
significant ways to be involved in making
information on both positions:
this crisis to hundreds of communities
a real impact on this issue while providing
across the US.
“real world” work experience by preparing them for opportunities after LiNK.
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BENEFIT GALA On September 12, 2009, we celebrated
We shared the stories of North Korean
Representative Ed Royce (CA), US Senator
the hope, resilience and determination
refugees rescued and resettled by LiNK
Sam Brownback (KS), and DLA Piper
that has carried thousands of North
– and the dedicated individuals assisting
partner and Freedom Now president
Koreans in their search for freedom.
them – by debuting 5 new media pieces
Jared Genser.
We wanted to go beyond the statistics
and broadcasting live via web stream to
Hosted at The Times Center in New York
that crowd this issue and tell the real
those unable to attend. For the first time,
City, the event was attended by over 200
stories behind them.
we also interviewed live our Protection
guests including Current TV correspondent
Officers working in our refugee shelters
Laura Ling who was imprisoned for nearly
exclusively for online viewers who tuned in
5 months in North Korea; Dr. Paul Song,
from over 21 countries.
MD, of the John Wayne Cancer Institute
Notable figures working on this issue
at Saint John’s Health Center; “Escaping
also shared their insights and lessons
North Korea” author Mike Kim; NBC’s
learned
NEW PARTNERSHIPS
including
Oprah
Winfrey
Heroes actor James Kyson Lee; and “The
Show correspondent Lisa Ling, US
Hidden Gulag” report author David Hawk.
We are inspired and humbled by the
would like to join this network or learn
sacrifice and generosity of these partners
more about some of our critical needs
in sharing their resources, talents and
and ways we can partner, please contact
passions to help us further this important
us at info@linkglobal.org with the subject
work. We are most grateful for the pro-
headline “Friends and Partners.”
bono legal hours, donation boxes at franchise locations, catering for Nomad dinners, webcast services, viral profiles, office furniture, film set locations, and fashion shows, and look forward to continuing this work together. If you
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“Because 100% of LiNK’s overhead expenses were covered through specific grants, we were able to put 100% of donations directly into the field and toward raising awareness about the North Korea crisis.”
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LETTER FROM THE FINANCE MANAGER There is much to report on LiNK’s
numbers and definitive progress. We
financial progress in 2009. After
developed more stringent procedures
successfully resettling in Southern
by which programs and campaigns
California, we launched three
would be created, benchmarks that
consecutive nationwide tours, hosted
would justify the continued support of
a benefit gala and organized a
these programs/campaigns, and more
challenging holiday campaign. These
systematic methods of documenting
aggressive efforts coupled with the
and reporting results. Already, we have
continual generous support of our
increased efficiency and pro-activity,
donors made it possible for us to
and we enter 2010 more prepared and
experience our biggest year yet. With
eager than ever before.
106% growth from 2008, LiNK raised $695,464 in 2009.
You will see on the next page the breakdown and outline of how and
2009 also saw the implementation of
where we spend your money. As 2010
more structured methods of budgeting,
unfolds, we will continue to strive to
allocating and reporting of revenues.
ensure your donations go directly to
Because 100% of LiNK’s overhead
field and awareness operations.
expenses were covered through specific grants, we were able to put 100% of donations directly into the field and toward raising awareness about the North Korea crisis. While we have always operated with integrity, we
Amanda Moropoulos
believe there is room to improve in our
Finance Manager
transparency and accountability to hard
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25
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2009 OVERVIEW
REVENUE ONE-TIME DONATIONS 10 %
$66,573
RECURRING DONATIONS 8%
$57,381
CHAPTERS 1%
$5,455
TOURS 14 %
$94,752
ONLINE STORE 2%
$14,669
GALA 7%
$49,531
HOLIDAY CAMPAIGN 5%
$33,563
GRANTS 53 %
$373,540
TOTAL REVENUE 100 %
$695,464
EXPENSES
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GENERAL OPERATIONS 16 %
$100,896
SALARIES 20 %
$127,063
SOUTHEAST ASIA 6%
$37,217
CHINA 5%
$33,218
LIBERTY HOUSE 2%
$15,088
AWARENESS // MEDIA 35 %
$227,044
GRANT 16 %
$100,000
TOTAL EXPENSES 100 %
$640,526
IMPACT STATS // 2007-2009 REFUGEES REFUGEES PROTECTED OR ASSISTED IN THE UNDERGROUND
300+
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LiNK refugees in US // 13 LiNK refugees in South Korea // 11 FAMILIES REUNITED // 2 in US CHILDREN // 3 TEENS // 5 MALES // 7 FEMALES // 17 Families resettled together // 3
ADVOCACY Member of Refugee Council USA (Advocating for North Korean refugees) Helped support the passage of the North Korean Human Rights Act (2004/2008) International Hearings (US Congress, European Parliament, UN Human Rights Council)
AWARENESS
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A LOOK INTO
2010
TheHundred Rescue Missions Beginning in 2010, our goal is to rescue 32 North Korean refugees from hiding in the underground. Each rescue is conducted from China to Southeast Asia and costs $2,500 per person to cover necessary costs such as food, shelter, transit, guides, paperwork and other incurred expenses throughout the journey. All field operations are run solely by LiNK staff and partners and as a purely humanitarian endeavor, we do not accept any form of payment from refugees in exchange for protection or transit. To meet this goal, we will continually update TheHundred campaign website with videos and stories of the refugees we rescue to continue garnering support to eventually bring out 100 refugees.
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FUTURE
Chapter Campaign
Legalize Adoption
We will challenge our Chapters to raise
Both orphaned and stateless (half
$2,500 each in 2010 to bring out one
Chinese-half North Korean) children in the
refugee. One way to reach this goal will be
underground in China lack documentation
through “Solidarity Days” once a month,
that prove their citizenship and allow them
where all LiNK Chapters around the world
to receive education, work legally or have
host small fundraisers such as sports
basic rights, also leaving them at high risk
tournaments, auctions, bake sales, and
of exploitation or abuse.
collecting spare change – combining their
To work toward providing options
efforts to make a great impact.
for these children, LiNK will help to promote a new bill called “The North Korean Refugee Adoption Act of 2010” that will seek to develop a strategy for assisting stateless and orphaned North Korean children, to allow eligible children to be adopted in the US by wanting families.
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LiNK www.linkglobal.org 1751 Torrance Blvd, STE L Torrance, CA 90501 info@linkglobal.org 310.212.7190
LiNK [Liberty in North Korea] is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization based in Los Angeles, CA. All contributions are tax-deductible.
There are three ways to donate to LiNK: By Check Checks can be made out to LiNK and sent to our office (address can be found above). By Credit Card Please go to linkglobal.org/donate Wire Transfer Please call our office (310-212-7190) and speak to Andy for details.