RESCUE
RESCUE TEAMS
RESCUE TEAMS EXIST TO. . . RESCUE REFUGEES & SHIFT PUBLIC PERCEPTION ON NORTH KOREA.
These are only a few of many refugees who are now living in freedom because of the dedication and creativity of Rescue Teams like you! It’s NOT about fundraising, it’s about the impact your dollars will make, and for these refugees, it changed their lives.
RESCUE TEAMS PROVIDE THE CRITICAL FUNDING NEEDED TO MAKE A RESCUE POSSIBLE. North Korea RESCUE JOURNEY
China
Southeast Asia Shelter Location
Resettlement | South Korea
Resettlement | United States
$2500 is what it takes to rescue one North Korean refugee hiding in China. 100% of the funds you raise will be used for their escape to freedom. You are fundraising to save a life. $2500 is more than a number, it’s the difference between a life in hiding or a life in freedom. Remember, fundraising isn’t about what you raise, but about who you impact. The photo above was taken of refugees during a rescue mission. This is what your funds will be going towards.
HOW YOUR $2500 IS SPENT
10% 20% 4%
54% 12%
BASIC NEEDS
RESCUE FEES
TRANSPORTATION
ACCOMMODATION
MISC.
MEET KYUNG AGE | 16 LOCATION | South Korea STATUS | Safe & Free As a young child, Kyung lost both of her parents and was raised by her loving grandparents as their sole grandchild. But when Kyung was around ten years old, her grandfather became mentally ill. Since their situation at home was not safe, she and her grandmother left to live with her aunt and later became so poor they made the decision to escape to China in order to earn money. Despite being in China illegally, Kyung was amazed at the freedom she experienced compared to her life back home. This newfound freedom opened her eyes to a whole new world outside North Korea, which eventually influenced her decision to leave China. The Glen A. Wilson High School Rescue Team rescued Kyung by hosting fun events throughout the year, including restaurant nights, swap meets, and candy sales.
With LiNK’s help, Kyung made it safely to South Korea, where she is finally attending school again! Although she finds her studies to be stressful at times, she’s eager to learn again and is grateful for the encouragement she receives from her teachers and fellow students. Despite the fact that she’s only been in South Korea for a short time, Kyung has already been recognized at school with certificates for her incredible efforts and academic accomplishments.
SAVE LIVES. SHIFT MINDS. Rescue Teams consist of you and your friends working together in your community to raise funds. By educating your community, your efforts are shifting public perception and empowering your friends and family to take action in saving a life.
YOUR OBJECTIVES RESCUE REFUGEES
SHIFT PERCEPTION
Raise $2500 to rescue one refugee. Host creative
This is about people, not politics. Your role as a Rescue
events such as concerts, competitions, garage sales,
Team is to bring the North Korean people to the
or invite LiNK to your town. Partner with small
forefront of this politically-dominated conversation.
businesses to match what you raise. Let people know their donations are changing lives. And in the
Engage your community in conversation about what
process, make sure you are having tons of fun!
their perception of North Korea is and act as a source of information about this issue. By shifting people’s
After you raise $2500, we will connect your team
perceptions, your team will show your community
with the refugee you rescued by sharing their story
there is hope for North Korea.
and providing you updates about how they are adjusting to their new life of freedom.
The University of San Diego Rescue Team held a Battle of the Bands and raised over $300 in raffle tickets alone.
MAKE YOUR RESCUE TEAM EFFECTIVE In order to best represent LiNK & convey our mission, every Rescue Team should embody the six values of the LiNK Rescue Team program.
BE ACTIVE Being active will make you recognizable to your community as a legitimate and passionate group. Whether you continually do smaller activities, or put on a few larger events every year, it’s important to always be working toward your goal. Remember, continuously being active means that you are one step closer to saving a life and changing perception on an issue that is often ignored.
BE INFORMED Your Rescue Team represents LiNK and advocates for the North Korean people in your community, so staying informed is very important. LiNK Headquarters will give you recent news about North Korea and update you on LiNK’s programs and campaigns. Share these updates with your community. The LiNK website is also a great way to stay informed on updates and recent news!
Any and all activities your Rescue Team does, is one step closer to saving a life and changing perception on an issue that is often ignored. The Syracuse University Rescue Team got people on their campus to “Sign the Orange Man!” and, for every signature, a local business donated 20 cents toward their goal of rescuing a refugee! In just one day, they raised over $800!
BE CREATIVE
BE CONNECTED
Creativity is essential. Although the crisis in North
It’s important for Rescue Teams to be available for
Korea is severe, it doesn’t have to be presented as
monthly check-ins so we can provide you with person-
academic or somber. Brainstorm with your teammates
al insight for your team. We want to hear about what
and think outside the box!
your team is up to and how you’re planning to impact your community.
BE INCLUSIVE
BE INSPIRED
Promote a collaborative environment among members
Change in North Korea is happening! When people
by incorporating each member’s talents. Reach out to
see how inspired you are about this issue, they will
as many people as possible within your community.
also be inspired to act.
HOW TO START A RESCUE TEAM
1
SIGN UP ONLINE Once you’ve signed up, Sarah, LiNK’s Rescue Team Coordinator, will follow up with you to make things official and provide you with more information and resources.
Meet Sarah, LiNK’s Rescue Team Coordinator Sarah is your go-to person when you have questions, need advice, or are looking for inspiration. She knows Rescue Teams firsthand after starting her own Rescue Team and rescuing a refugee. She’s always smiling, full of ideas, and only a phone call or e-mail away. EMAIL | rescueteams@libertyinnorthkorea.org
PHONE | 310-212-7190
AFTER I SIGN UP, WHAT’S NEXT? START HOSTING TEAMMATES 2 GATHER 3 EVENTS & MEET
4 RESCUE REFUGEES
Get organized, set goals for the
Plan, promote, and put on your
Remember why you are part of
year, and start brainstorming
first event! Use your networks
a Rescue Team. You are making
event ideas.
to make your event a success.
real impact!
YOUR EFFORTS WILL BRING REFUGEES TO FREEDOM SIGN UP AT LIBERTYINNORTHKOREA.ORG/RESCUETEAMS
on the people, while rescuing and providing resettlement support to North Korean refugees and pursuing an end to the North Korea crisis.
CONTACT US! 1751 Torrance Blvd, STE L Torrance, CA 90501 www.libertyinnorthkorea.org 310-212-7190 rescueteams@libertyinnorthkorea.org
GUIDE
Redefining North Korea by focusing