STAND UP: Write to Senators re Iran

Those of us in the U.S. can support our sisters and brothers in Iran by using our individual and collective voice to advocate within our own political system.  Your voice matters more than you know.

Activity: Writing a letter to key Senators

Purpose: Giving voice to the Iranian people that are struggling in Iran to have their voices heard around the world

Recipients: Senators McCain, Graham, Kerry and Feinstein

Call on U.S. lawmakers/politicians to:

*NOT use the Iranian crisis and sacrifice of the Iranian protesters to score political points. ASK their colleagues in Congress to stop using the Iranian crisis as a domestic political football.

*REMEMBER that words of U.S. lawmakers have deep and strong historical meaning in Iran. Ask that they BE CONSCIOUS of the Iranian government’s accusations of Western meddling in its internal affairs and allegations for domestic and international consumption.

*NOT allow their words as an American leader to be used against the people in Iran. REJECT these allegations forcefully.

*SUPPORT President Obama’s measured and strong words of support for the human rights of the people of Iran. ASK that he take a stronger position in condemning the violence, killings and human rights abuses.

*CONTINUE highlighting the human rights violations of the Iranian security forces and their proxies, the Basij militia forces.

*NOT press President Obama to take drastic political action or make statements that will strengthen the hardliners and allow them to justify their brutal crackdown.

Sample Letter:

Dear Senators McCain, Graham, Kerry, Feinstein

As an Iranian American with family in Iran [or: As a concerned American], I have been glued to the news like many people around the world and horrified by the massive human rights violations and grotesque brutality of the Iranian government’s security forces on its own citizens.

But my horror is too often turned to deep concern when I see my elected officials turning this struggle for the realization of universal human rights into a political football to score partisan political points. Please do not use the sacrifices of the Iranian people as an excuse to attack the President. I urge you to work with your colleagues in the Senate to support President Obama’s measured, forward-thinking and sophisticated approach to handling this very challenging situation.

While the United States must be careful in its public statements, it has an important role to play. It must continue to condemn the lethal violence being perpetrated against the people of Iran and the violations of the right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. The Unites States must not take any sides in the political conflict inside country, but only urge Iranian authorities to respect the basic human rights of their citizens – as universally defined by international law.

Most importantly, the United States should work with other countries to ensure that those that have leverage with the Iranian government use it to achieve the best outcome for the Iranian people. We urge you to work with your friends in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia to pressure the Iranian government. Now is not the time to invoke our own rich history of defending human rights and democracy and try to join the struggle. The temptation is great, but keeping our eye on the prize is far more important.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Name

Email/Phone

Address

Contact info for Senators:

Senator McCain:

web: http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm

snailmail: United States Senate, 241 Russell Senate Ofc. Bldg. Washington, DC 20510

Senator Graham:

web: http://lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=contact.emailsenatorgraham

snailmail: United States Senate, 290 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

Senator Kerry:

web: http://kerry.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm

snailmail: United States Senate, 218 Russell Bldg., Second Floor, Washington D.C. 20510

Senator Feinstein:

web: http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactUs.EmailMe

snailmail: United States Senate, 331 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510

Tips for letter-writing:

*Always remain respectful. Never use foul language. Do not exaggerate or give any false information. Don’t use ALL CAPS. It is fine to show emotion but don’t be rude or demanding.

*Include personal stories. Have you talked to/have family in Iran? Are you reading blogs or twittering? Glued to your computer or TV for news? Have you become politically active for the first time? These types of personal stories are the most compelling and have the farthest-reaching impact.

*Use your own words and write in your own voice. If possible, don’t just copy the talking points or the sample letter – use it as a guide for your own work.

These materials were shared at protests organized by the Iranian American community in Washington DC.