SAVE DARFUR COALITION
2008 ANNUAL REPORT
We stand together
and unite our voices to raise public awareness
and mobilize a massive response
to the atrocities
in Sudan’s western region
of Darfur.
— Opening line from the Save Darfur Coalition Unity Statement
Darfuri woman in refugee village in Chad.
LETTER FROM JERRY FOWLER PRESIDENT, SAVE DARFUR COALITION
Dear Friends, When we started working on the Darfur crisis in 2004, few of us thought our work would remain necessary today. But as millions of Darfuris still seek peace, protection and accountability, we must continue to insist that their suffering cannot stand. We will not give up.
its militia allies, it caused hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths — either through violence or the effects of disease and malnutrition. A major moral issue of our time is whether “humanity” is in fact concerned with the suffering of people in far away, difficult to understand places. Is there something in our shared humanity that can bind us together, that can stimulate a response? Many have stood with the Darfuri refugees I met in Chad — people who were desperate not to be abandoned, people who believed that the world would not allow their lives and communities to be consumed by flames and remain silent. Although the lives of many Darfuris still hang in the balance, the hopes of those refugees have not been futile. There has been an outcry from a broad and growing constituency of conscience in the United States and increasingly around the world. Pressure on the Sudanese government has prevented the loss of life in greater numbers. The lifeline for Darfuris is tenuous, but it is a lifeline, and it has been made possible by the advocacy efforts of this constituency of conscience that has refused to abandon the Darfuri people in their time of need. Together, we are making a difference. Our advocacy remains vital, because the fact is that governments will not act to protect civilians in another country — absent a compelling geopolitical reason — unless there is a constituency of conscience that demands it. And that may ultimately be the historical significance of the movement that is responding to Darfur. It not only is responding to the needs and hopes of displaced and suffering Darfuris, but it is unifying voices to demonstrate that the constituency of conscience exists. This constituency represents hope for a future without genocide and crimes against humanity. And it serves to remind governments everywhere that mass murder can be confronted with mass empathy, and that those who are suffering will not be abandoned. Sincerely,
Jerry Fowler President, Save Darfur Coalition
3 SAVE DARFUR COALITION
against the civilian population of particular ethnic groups as a counterinsurgency strategy. Along with
2008 ANNUAL REPORT
The conflict in Darfur and in Sudan is complex, yet at the same time, we should not lose sight of the moral contours of the situation. The Sudanese government launched a sustained campaign of destruction
Galap women gather to request a well.
DARFUR BY THE NUMBERS 5
300,000
1,000,000+
Number of years since the crisis in Darfur was labeled a genocide by the U.S. government
Death toll from both direct and indirect causes estimated by the United Nations
Number of people who have joined the Save Darfur online advocacy movement
Save Darfur’s efforts to
pressure the administration and Congress
and keep the issue alive
have had a tremendous impact. — Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
BACKGROUND on the Genocide in Darfur
ABOUT the Save Darfur Coalition
In 2003, after decades of neglect, drought, oppression
Coalition was founded at the Darfur Emergency
and small-scale conflicts in Sudan’s western region
Summit at CUNY Graduate Center in New York City on
of Darfur, two rebel groups mounted an insurgency
July 14, 2004. What began as a meeting organized by
against Sudan’s central government. In response, the
the United States Holocaust Museum and American
regime of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and its
Jewish World Service has grown into a network of more
allied militia, known as the Janjaweed, launched a
than 190 faith-based, advocacy and human rights
campaign of destruction against civilians of similar
organizations with more than 1 million activists and
ethnic background as the rebels. They wiped out
hundreds of community groups committed to ending
entire villages, destroyed food and water supplies,
the genocide in Darfur. awareness and mobilize a massive response to the
thousands of Darfuris. Few Darfuris have been spared the violence, which
atrocities in Darfur. By engaging and educating
continues today. The United Nations estimates that
Americans on the situation in Darfur, the coalition
this campaign of destruction has claimed hundreds
applies political pressure on elected leaders to end
of thousands of lives. As many as 2.7 million Darfuris
the first genocide of the 21st century.
have fled their homes and reside in dangerous internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Darfur, and another 300,000 are refugees in neighboring Chad. These Darfuris are completely dependent on the United
Save Darfur Coalition is headquartered in Washington D.C., with a staff of 25 professional organizers, policy advisors and communications specialists.
Nations and other humanitarian organizations for even their basic needs — food, water, shelter and health care. Approximately 3 million Darfuris still live in their villages, under the threat of bombings, raids, murder, rape and torture.
3,000,000
3,500,000+
130,000,000
Number of Darfuris, estimated by the United Nations, who have lost their homes since the start of the conflict
Number of men, women and children in the Darfur region reliant on humanitarian aid
Number of people represented by the coalition’s more than 190 member organizations
2008 ANNUAL REPORT
The mission of the coalition is to raise public
5 SAVE DARFUR COALITION
and systematically murdered, tortured and raped
In response to the crisis in Darfur, the Save Darfur
Unifying Voices.
Building the Constituency of Conscience. PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS 6
The Save Darfur Coalition works with a network of more than 190 community and organizational partners representing 130 million Americans. Partner groups include national human rights, justice, faith and advocacy organizations that contribute their subject expertise, diverse networks and resources to ending the Darfur genocide. Though the groups represent different political beliefs, religious backgrounds and ethnicities, they are united in their efforts to end the Darfur genocide. Partners such as the ENOUGH Project and Genocide Intervention Network collaborate with the coalition to develop policy positions and papers. Organizations such as Amnesty International USA and Human Rights First encourage their networks to sign petitions, write letters and host awareness-building events across the country.
All partner organizations are committed to the following Save Darfur Coalition goals:
7 Ending the violence against civilians; 7 Facilitating adequate and unhindered humanitarian aid; 7 Establishing conditions for the safe and voluntary return of displaced people to their homes;
7 Promoting the long-term sustainable development of Darfur; and 7 Holding the perpetrators accountable.
Though the groups represent different political beliefs, religious backgrounds, and ethnicities,
they are united in their efforts
to end the Darfur genocide.
COMMUNITIES UNITED FOR DARFUR & DARFUR ACTIVIST LEADERS Individuals working together are more effective than individuals working alone, which is why the coalition created the Communities United to Save Darfur program. This network of hundreds of local groups represents a diverse mix of people across the country who have joined together to advocate for the people of Darfur and to educate their
movement to strategize, build capacity and create effective advocacy. In their communities, these Darfur Activist Leaders share their expertise in organizing, mobilize people to take action, and actively shape the Darfur movement. The coalition provides these activists with tools and resources to help them organize effective advocacy activities in their communities. The coalition encourages activists to plan events, write persuasive opinion pieces and lobby elected officials.
INTERFAITH ACTIVISM
ONLINE ADVOCACY
Faith communities have played a critical role in the
The coalition’s community of online activists has grown
development of the Save Darfur Coalition, feeling
from 30,000 in January 2006 to more than 1 million
compelled by their faiths to respond to the genocide
people. A mix of grassroots organizing, rapid-response
in Darfur. The Islamic Society of North America, the
e-advocacy efforts, online advertising campaigns,
National Council of Churches, American Jewish World
high levels of friend-to-friend recruitment and the
Service and Sojourners are among the faith-based
coordination of television, print, TV and radio advertising
groups that make up nearly half of the coalition’s
campaigns powered the growth. The Save Darfur
partner organizations. The coalition provides tailored,
Coalition also uses new media and social networking
faith-related materials to these partners so that they
sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to spread
can effectively engage their communities in Darfur
awareness and engage larger audiences. Through
activism. Whether through sermons, prayer services,
online advocacy efforts, millions of messages related
petition signing or rally attendance, these congregations
to Darfur policy have been delivered to U.N. and U.S.
of conscience stand with the people of Darfur and call
government officials. To sign up for our e-mail list,
on the U.S. government to take action.
visit www.SaveDarfur.org.
(Top) Left photo, Darfuris rally on the National Mall; (Top) Right photo, Advocates rally in front of the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C.; (Bottom) Left photo, Then-Sen. Barack Obama speaks at Save Darfur rally; (Bottom) Right photo, 2008 Save Darfur Coalition Activist Conference.
7 SAVE DARFUR COALITION
The Save Darfur Coalition provides an online forum and in-person opportunities for leaders in the Darfur
2008 ANNUAL REPORT
communities about the ongoing conflict.
Darfuri boy in refugee village in Chad.
We all have the power
to make an immediate impact,
and help others around the world.
We just need to open our eyes,
take risks and challenge the status quo. — Miriam and Jacob Hodesh
DARFUR HEROES Each month, the coalition honors one outstanding activist as a Darfur Hero and features the activist’s story on the Save Darfur blog. By recognizing those individuals who have helped build the movement, people across the country are inspired to develop unique awareness and fundraising
project and additional sponsorships. In total, A Car for
Massachusetts, high school students Ana Slavin and
Darfur raised more than $2,000 for Darfur advocacy. “The
Nick Anderson created Dollars for Darfur as a way to have
most important lesson that we took away from this project
young people’s voices heard on Capitol Hill and in the
was that the best way to help the world at large is through
camps and villages of Darfur. Using emerging technology,
a medium that you are interested in,” wrote Jon. “For us,
social networking sites and creative campaigns — concerts,
the best way was through the automotive world.”
walk-a-thons and raffles — high school and middle school students across the country raised $148,883 for both humanitarian organizations and advocacy efforts of the Save Darfur Coalition during the 2007-2008 school year. In the words of Ana and Nick, “Dollars for Darfur has proven to the world that our generation has a profound desire to make a difference. We will inherit a world full of problems, and we have shown that we are ready for the challenge.” While Jon Brian was a high school student, he started the
A few months before their wedding, Miriam and Jacob Hodesh of Savannah, Georgia made the spontaneous decision to delete their wedding registry and instead request that their guests, if they so chose, make a donation to the Save Darfur Coalition. In total, their friends and family raised more than $20,000. “Some people didn’t understand why two white Jewish kids from the Midwest would suggest donations be made to their black African brothers and sisters many miles away,” said Miriam and Jacob. “Our answer was that we are all brothers and sisters.”
non-profit organization A Car for Darfur (www.acarfordarfur. com) with the help of several of his classmates. The organization’s mission was to restore a 1998 Chevrolet Camero to be sold at an auction, with the proceeds benefiting Save Darfur. Jon partnered with Goodguys Rod and Custom Association, and his organization was able to set up a booth at local events to solicit donations for the
(Top) Left photo, Miriam and Jacob Hodesh (photo by David A. Ziser); (Bottom) Left photo, Jon Brian and classmates; (Bottom) Right photo, Nick Anderson and Ana Slavin.
9 SAVE DARFUR COALITION
While eating at an Applebee’s restaurant in rural western
2008 ANNUAL REPORT
tactics for Darfur advocacy.
AMPLIFYING Voices. DARFURI DIASPORA The Save Darfur Coalition continuously works to amplify the voices of Darfuris, which are often drowned out. Darfuri and Sudanese leaders are an instrumental part of the coalition’s staff, board, and partner and activist networks. These leaders and their communities, both in the U.S. and in Sudan, play a key role in developing the coalition’s
10
policy objectives and campaign strategies. In 2007, Save Darfur helped form the Darfuri Leaders Network (DLN), which connects Darfuri communities across the U.S. and allows them to advocate on Darfur with a united voice. The coalition regularly facilitates the DLN’s release of joint statements on timely issues and helps promote Darfuri spokespeople in the media. The goal of these efforts is to provide forums for Darfuris to articulate a way forward for their own country. In July 2008, the Save Darfur Coalition worked with the Darfur Relief and Documentation Center to organize a conference of Darfuri civil society leaders in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to discuss ways to advance the peace process. In September 2008, the coalition also assisted in hosting a Ramadan iftar — or breaking of the fast — with the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court during the U.N. General Assembly in New York.
If peace and security for the people of Sudan are not in place when one of us is inaugurated
as President on January 20, 2009
we pledge that the next Administration
will pursue these goals
with unstinting resolve.
DOMESTIC ADVOCACY
MEDIA RELATIONS
The Save Darfur Coalition works closely with Congress
In an effort to expand and amplify advocacy efforts,
to help ensure that elected leaders support policies
the coalition’s media outreach increases the profile of
helpful to the people of Darfur. The coalition has
the Darfur crisis for activists as well as policy makers.
helped develop and advocate for the deployment
Coalition staff, briefing materials and journalist trips
of peacekeeping forces in Darfur, U.S. funding for
to the region guide and inform Darfur media coverage
humanitarian support, and increased awareness in
— consistently pressing for sound policy positions
Congress of how violence against women is used as
that help the people of Darfur. Informative, timely
a weapon of genocide.
and impactful news articles and editorials have been published in leading print publications, including The
Engagement of the U.S. government alone will not suffice to find a solution to the Darfur conflict. To build a multilateral push to bring peace to Darfur and all of Sudan, the coalition works closely with international
Washington Post, The New York Times and Los Angeles Times. Additionally, Save Darfur representatives and partners have appeared on leading news outlets including CNN, ABC News, Al-Jazeera, BBC World News and CNBC.
11
partner and civil society organizations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and provides advice and support
(Top) Left photo, Save Darfur Coalition officials present a
for the U.N. chief mediator on the peace process in
petition signed by 55,000 activists asking the U.N. Security
Doha. Coalition staff members also meet with high-level
Council to keep its promises to Darfur; (Bottom) Left photo,
officials at NATO, the European Union, the African Union,
Darfuris attend iftar in New York with chief prosecutor of the
the Arab League, the U.N. Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the U.N. Human Rights Council. These efforts, coupled with participation in international conferences, help promote the coalition’s policies.
International Criminal Court; (Bottom) Center photo, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) meets with Dollars for Darfur activists (photo by Pete Muller); (Bottom) Right photo, International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo receives words of support and thanks from Darfuri diaspora leaders in New York (photo by Meryl Tihanyi).
Key 2008 Accomplishments: • Led
efforts to secure hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. funding for peacekeeping and diplomatic efforts in Darfur
• Secured
a joint statement on Darfur from then-Sens. Obama, Clinton and Sen. McCain. This was the first presidential candidate foreign policy joint statement since FDR and Dewey in 1944, and empowers activists to hold President Obama and his administration accountable for his promises
• Organized
the Arab Coalition for Darfur, the first international coalition of Arab NGOs working together to press their governments for strong, positive action on Darfur
SAVE DARFUR COALITION
INTERNATIONAL ADVOCACY
2008 ANNUAL REPORT
– Then Sens. Obama, Clinton and Sen. McCain (May 2008)
COALITION PARTNERS National Organizations Affiliation of Christian Engineers AFL-CIO American Federation of Teachers AFL-CIO Solidarity Center Africa Faith and Justice Network Alliance of Baptists American Anti-Slavery Group American Humanist Association American Islamic Congress American Islamic Forum for Democracy American Jewish Committee American Jewish World Service American Society for Muslim Advancement
12
Darfur Association in the USA
Metropolitan Community of Churches
Darfur Community Organization
Muslim Public Affairs Council
Darfur Human Rights Organization of the U.S.A
My Sister’s Keeper
Darfur Peace and Development Organization
NAACP
Darfur Rehabilitation Project Dear Sudan
NA’AMAT USA National Association of Evangelicals National Black Church Initiative
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
Union for Reform Judaism Union for Traditional Judaism
National Jewish Democratic Council
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Faithful America Foundation for Defense of Democracies Foundation for Ethnic Understanding
National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness NetAid
Open Doors USA Operation Sudan
Amnesty International USA
Global Justice
Operation USA
Anti-Defamation League
Hadassah
ORT America
Arab American Institute
Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society
Passion of the Present
Armenian Assembly of America
Help Darfur Now, Inc.
Pax Christi USA
Armenian Church of America
Hillel
Armenian National Committee of America
Human Rights First
Peace Action and Peace Action Education Fund
B’nai B’rith International
Institute for the Study of Genocide
Bread for the World
International Justice Mission
IKAR
Buddhist Peace Fellowship
Investors Against Genocide
Central Conference of American Rabbis
Islamic Society of North America
Christian Solidarity International
Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights
Church Alliance for a New Sudan – Institute for Religion and Democracy
Jewish Council for Public Affairs
Congress of Secular Jewish Organizations Council for Secular Humanism Council on American-Islamic Relations
TransAfrica Forum
Episcopal Church, USA
Genocide Watch
Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations
Tikkun Ukrainian American Coordinating Council
Genocide Intervention Network
Conference of Major Superiors of Men
The Shalom Center
National Council of Jewish Women
Americans for Democratic Action
Community of Christ
The Hunger Site
The Enough Project
Freedom Quest International
Coalition for American Leadership Abroad (COLEAD)
The E.T.H.I.C.
National Black Law Students Association
Americans for Democracy in the Middle-East
Citizens for Global Solutions
Teachers Against Prejudice
Edah, Inc.
NETWORK: A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby
Church World Service
Sudan Human Rights Organization (SHRO)
Jewish Healthcare International Jewish Labor Committee Jewish Reconstruction Federation Jewish World Watch Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice Jubilee Campaign
Physicians for Human Rights Presbyterian Church USA Project Islamic H.O.P.E. Rabbinical Assembly
Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UU-UNO) United Jewish Communities United Macedonian Diaspora United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) United States Conference of Catholic Bishops United States Holocaust Memorial Museum United States-Armenia Public Affairs Committee (USAPAC) United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Vaishnava Center for Enlightenment
Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association
Western Sudan Aid Relief in the USA
Refugees International Religions for Peace USA
Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring
Res Publica – 24 Hours for Darfur
Yenza
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Associates Social Action Committee of the Congress of Secular Judaism
Leadership Conference of Women Religious
SocialAction.com
Lott Carey International
Society for Threatened Peoples
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
Rabbis for Human Rights North America
Kesher
Lutheran World Relief
Unitarian Universalist Association
Society for Humanistic Judaism Sojourners Southern Sudanese Voices for Freedom
Cush Community Relief International
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
Dallas Peace Center
Medjugorje International Relief
STAND: A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition
Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy
Mennonite Central Committee
Stop Genocide Now
Ve’ahavta Women of Reform Judaism
World Evangelical Alliance Young Democrats of America Jewish Caucus
REGIONAL Organizations African Mutual Assistance Association of Missouri All Saints Church in Pasadena Board of Rabbis of Northern California Canadian Aid for Southern Sudan Canadian Council for Reform Judaism Canadian Federation of Jewish Students Canadian Jewish Congress CASTS (Canadians Against Slavery and Torture in Sudan)
2008 Board of Directors* Officers of the Board
DIRECTORS
Chairperson
Dr. Mahmoud Braima Darfuri Leaders Network
Rev. Gloria White-Hammond, M.D. My Sister’s Keeper Vice-Chairperson
Rev. Richard Cizik National Association of Evangelicals
Sam Bell Genocide Intervention Network
Dr. Stephen Colecchi United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Congregation Beth Or
Secretary
Connecticut Coalition to Save Darfur
Omer Ismail Darfur Peace and Development
Zeinab Eyega Sauti Yetu Center for African Women
Chicago Coalition to Save Darfur
Democrats for Life of New York District of Columbia Baptist Convention
Treasurer
Holocaust Museum and Study Center (NY)
Mike Edington Wellspring Advisors
Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington Interfaith Council of the Inland Northwest Jewish Community Federation of Richmond Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Dallas Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Miami Jewish Federation Jewish Community Relations Council of San Francisco Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey Jewish Federation of Greater Houston Jewish Federation of Tulsa Mason-Dixon Darfur Alliance Massachusetts Coalition to Save Darfur New Vision Partners, Inc. New York Board of Rabbis New York Society for Ethical Culture
Rev. David Emmanuel Goatley, Ph.D. Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention Rabbi Steve Gutow Jewish Council for Public Affairs Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos National Council of Churches Ruth Messinger American Jewish World Service John Prendergast The Enough Project at the Center for American Progress Jill Savitt Dream for Darfur Scott Warren STAND, A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition Dr. James Zogby Arab American Institute
Pittsburgh Darfur Emergency Coalition Progressive Jewish Alliance Save Darfur Coalition of South Palm Beach STAND Canada Texans for Peace UJA Federation of New York Washington Buddhist Peace Fellowship Western Massachusetts Darfur Coalition
* Affiliations for identification purposes only.
13 SAVE DARFUR COALITION
Darfur Alert Coalition
2008 ANNUAL REPORT
Cleveland Diocesan Social Action Office & Diocese
Statement of Activities for the Year Ended: September 30, 2008 Support and Revenue
OVERHEAD RATE
Contributions: Individual
5,978,982
Direct Mail
1,141,350
Merchandise sales:
442,123
Less: cost of goods sold
(174,836)
Interest income and other
120,105
TOTAL
24.67%
7,507,724
Expenses
75.33%
Programs: Policy and government relations
1,252,294
Education and awareness
2,874,856
Advocacy
3,336,360
Supporting services: Management and general Fundraising TOTAL Change in net assets
802,788 1,049,392
TOTAL REVENUE
7,507,724
9,315,690
G&A/Fundraising
1,852,180
Policy, Education, Advocacy
5,655,544
(1,807,966)
Net assets, beginning of year
4,663,720
Net assets, end of year
2,855,754
Statement of Financial Position: September 30, 2008 ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents Account receivable – Team Darfur Inventory Property and Equipment, net Other assets – Deposit Total Assets
3,287,390 36,156 177,657 110,877 10,415 3,622,495
Liabilities and Net Assets Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses
766,741
Net Assets: Unrestricted Total Liabilities and Net Assets
2,855,754 3,622,495 Many of the photos selected for this publication were included with permission from Mia Farrow.
Business card here
SAVE DARFUR COALITION 1025 Connecticut Ave., NW P 800.917.2034
I Suite 310 I Washington, D.C. 20036
I 202.556.2100
EMAIL info@savedarfur.org
www.savedarfur.org