The Burma Study Center is Busy!

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/events/866162156732787/

___________________________________________________________

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