Today, Sunday March 9,
2014 is Global Day of Prayer for Burma. Yesterday,
I picked up a beautiful 24 page booklet which was prepared largely by the Free
Burma Rangers. I don’t normally mention
publications I find at the Burma Study Center, but this one is
exceptional. It contains much
information, presented in factual yet hopeful light. Your electronic copy is waiting for you at www.prayforburma.org
Of course, one of the main
purposes for the Burma Study Center is to serve as a library of information
related to Burma and the many people who are affected by the continuing
political / military situation inside the country and along the borders. The facility is available for research by
academics, journalists and really anyone genuinely interested in learning. They have several books available for
checkout and many others which can be read on site. A collection of lending DVD’s is also
available. Language classes taught at
the center offer migrant an opportunity to improve their life skills. The center is always buzzing with activities.
The Burma Study Center
coordinates and sponsors many interesting and timely events. Today there is a daylong event at Chiang Mai
University. Happily the event was well publicized
in the Chiang Mai area.
Although the posting is
too late for most, I’ll include it:
Sunday, March 9: "The
'New Myanmar?: Reforms, Ethnic Groups, and Ceasefires" A
full-day of lectures, presentations, and discussions exploring Burma's
transition. Presentations will include an overview of changes in Burma since
2010 by Garrett Kostin (Burma Study Center), "Rohingya in Transit: Human
Trafficking and Statelessness" by Ekraj Sabu (Asian Muslim Action
Network), "Dignity Amidst the Rubbish" by photojournalist Jeffrey
Warner, "Burma's Transition: Prospects for Peace and National
Reconciliation" by Alex James (Burma Partnership), a screening of "Guns,
Briefcases, and Inequality: The Neglected War in Kachin State", two
photography exhibitions, and more. All presentations will be in English. Free
and open to the public. 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at
CMU's Faculty of Humanities, 8th Floor.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Thursday,
March 13: "Understanding
Thailand's Political Stalemate: Causes, Prospects, and Meanings" a lecture by Dr. Paul Chambers,
followed by discussion/Q&A, organized by Burma Study Center and Chiang Mai
University. Intended for an international audience, Dr. Chambers will present
on the background, primary stakeholders, different factions, and fundamental
issues surrounding the current political crisis in Thailand, including a
discussion of the implications prolonged instability in Thailand could have for
Burma and Thai-Burma relations. Free and open to the public (presentation in
English). 2–4 p.m. at CMU's Faculty of Social Sciences,
Lecture Hall 4107. More information: https://www.facebook.com/
___________________________________________________________
Thursday, March 20: "Aung San Suu Kyi: The Face of
Burma's Resistance" Join
Aung Zaw, founder of The
Irrawaddy news organization
and winner of numerous international journalism awards, for a presentation of
his new book The Face of Resistance: Aung San
Suu Kyi and Burma's Fight for Freedom, including an evaluation
of the democracy icon's legacy, credibility, and potential. The author will
also discuss issues currently affecting Burma during this unprecedented time in
its history, including prospects for next year's national elections. Free and
open to the public (presentation in English). 2–4 p.m. at CMU's Faculty of Social Sciences,
Lecture Hall 4107.
___________________________________________________________
Thursday, March 27: "Dignity Amidst the
Rubbish" book launch,
presentation, and discussion with author Jeffrey Warner. Dignity Amidst the Rubbish is a new book of powerful images and
text depicting the daily lives of members of a migrant community from Burma
living and working on a rubbish dump in Mae Sot, Thailand. Join the author for
a discussion of his work, including a presentation by members of Compasio
Relief & Development about what is currently being done to assist the
refugees. Books will be available for purchase with all proceeds supporting projects
for migrants and refugees from Burma living in Thailand. Free and open to the
public. 2–4 p.m.at CMU's Faculty of Social
Sciences, Lecture Hall 4107.
Friday, March 28: "Dignity Amidst the
Rubbish" book launch,
presentation, and discussion with author Jeffrey Warner. Dignity Amidst the Rubbish is a new book of powerful images and
text depicting the daily lives of members of a migrant community from Burma
living and working on a rubbish dump in Mae Sot, Thailand. Join the author for
a discussion of his work, including a presentation by members of Compasio
Relief & Development about what is currently being done to assist the
refugees. Books will be available for purchase with all proceeds supporting
projects for migrants and refugees from Burma living in Thailand. Free and open
to the public. 7 p.m. at
Documentary Arts Asia, 12/7 Wualai Road, Soi 3.
Friday,
April 4: "Dignity
Amidst the Rubbish" book
launch, presentation, and discussion with author Jeffrey Warner. Dignity Amidst the Rubbish is a new book of powerful images and
text depicting the daily lives of members of a migrant community from Burma
living and working on a rubbish dump in Mae Sot, Thailand. Join the author for
a discussion of his work, including a presentation by members of Compasio
Relief & Development about what is currently being done to assist the
refugees. Books will be available for purchase with all proceeds supporting
projects for migrants and refugees from Burma living in Thailand. Free and open
to the public. 6:30 p.m. at
Borderline Gallery, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand.
Saturday,
April 5: "Dignity
Amidst the Rubbish" book
launch, presentation, and discussion with author Jeffrey Warner. Dignity Amidst the Rubbish is a new book of powerful images and
text depicting the daily lives of members of a migrant community from Burma
living and working on a rubbish dump in Mae Sot, Thailand. Join the author for
a discussion of his work, including a presentation by members of Compasio
Relief & Development about what is currently being done to assist the
refugees. Books will be available for purchase with all proceeds supporting
projects for migrants and refugees from Burma living in Thailand. Free and open
to the public. 6:30 p.m. at
Wadee Restaurant , Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand.
Yes
there are several book launch events for “Dignity Amidst the Rubbish”. I have seen the mock-ups and look forward
to having my own copy soon. If you can’t
make one of the events copies will soon be available for purchase at the Burma
Study Center, Chiang Mai.
Abundant
Blessings,
Jerry
