CALL TO ACTION: FIX AND PASS H.RES. 358
Rep. Karen Bass, the chair of the Black Congressional Caucus in the United States, has introduced a bill into the US House of Representatives which addresses the conflict between Ambazonia and Cameroon. In our opinion, this bill has the strongest potential of passing and becoming law as any bill introduced so far. It has many positive aspects, including a clear call to the government of Cameroon to “release human rights defenders, civil society activists, political prisoners, journalists, trade unionists, teachers, and any other citizens who have been arbitrarily arrested and detained without trial or charge.” APOCS applauds this language, and unites with Karen Bass to achieve this goal. However, the bill also has some serious shortcomings and outright misrepresentations of the Ambazonian struggle. Therefore, we are calling on all US-based Ambazonians and allies to call on your Congressional Representative to FIX AND PASS H.RES. 358!!!
WHAT: Grassroots lobbying campaign to FIX AND PASS H.RES. 358 — SUGGESTED REVISIONS OF H. RES. 358 WITH REFERENCES AND EXPLANATORY ANNOTATIONS
WHO: All US-based Ambazonians and US-based Peace and Human Rights advocates, especially those residing in the districts of the bill’s co-sponsors.
WHERE: Action can be taken via email and phone, or by visiting your congressperson’s local office.
WHEN: Lawmakers in both chambers will have a two-week recess beginning at the end of September. There is a very high possibly H.Res. 358 could be on the floor for passing anytime soon.
WHY: We must respect and respond to the concern that the bill demonstrates for our community’s suffering, while at the same time being vigilant about clarifying facts about our struggle. It is time to show the BCC the Force of Amba Argument!!!
HOW:
1- Download and review the attached outline of the fixes needed.
2- Send to your congressperson using the sample cover letters below, or a similar letter. Find Your Representative Here
3- Call or visit your congressperson’s office after sending the attachment to make sure they have received and reviewed the suggestions.
4- Ask your family friends, colleagues to do the same.
5- Bring your questions and ideas to a Campaign Conference on Wednesday July 17, details below
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SAMPLE COVER LETTER #1 — FOR CO-SPONSORS OF H.RES. 358
View Cosponsors Here
Dear Rep. [CONGRESSPERSON’S NAME]
Thank you very much for your work. My name is [YOUR NAME], and I am your constituent. I am writing with reference to H.Res.358, which concerns the escalating war in the English-speaking region of Cameroon. Thank you very much for signing onto this bill as a co-sponsor. As I’m sure you are aware, the urgency of this situation cannot be overstated and requires immediate international attention. I am eager to see the US House of Representatives act on this matter, and H.Res.358 is a good start toward that. However, I have some significant concerns about the content of the bill that I would like to share with you. Please review the attached document and let me know your thoughts. I would be eager to discuss any questions you might have. Thank you very much for your service and for taking the time to consider this matter. I trust in our nation’s commitment to promoting democracy and human rights for all people, and am honored to be able to make this request to you.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
P.S. Please act quickly to fix and pass H.RES. 358! Many lives are at stake.
SAMPLE COVER LETTER #2 — FOR ALL OTHERS
Dear Rep. [CONGRESSPERSON’S NAME]
Thank you very much for your work. My name is [YOUR NAME], and I am your constituent. I am writing to draw your attention to H.Res.358, which concerns the escalating war in the English-speaking region of Cameroon, which has affected more than 4 million people. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated and requires immediate international attention. I am eager to see the US House of Representatives act on this matter, and H.Res.358 is a good start toward that. However, I have some significant concerns about the content of the bill that I would like to share with you. Please review the attached document and let me know your thoughts. I would be eager to discuss any questions you might have. Thank you very much for your service and for taking the time to consider this matter. I trust in our nation’s commitment to promoting democracy and human rights for all people, and am honored to be able to make this request to you.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
P.S. Please act quickly to fix and pass H.RES. 358! Many lives are at stake.
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ONLINE Q&A CONFERENCE CALL FOR CAMPAIGN:
Phone: +1 571 732 2212
Email: info@ambazoniapocs.net
Twitter: @apocsnet
Join us online via Zoom:
https://zoom.us/j/157222667
Date: Wednesday July 17, 2019,
Time: 8:00 PM EST (1:00 AM Thursday Amba time)
Expert Assistance from:
- Prof. Anyangwe, Secretary of International Affairs of IG of Ambazonia
- Efi Tembon, Witness in the 2018 US Congressional Hearing on Cameroon
- Eben, Ambazonia Prisoners of Conscience Support Network organizer and researcher
Topic: ONLINE Q&A CONFERENCE CAll FOR FIX AND PASS H.RES. 358
Time: 8:00 PM EST (1:00 AM Thursday Amba time), Wednesday July 17, 2019,
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/157222667
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,157222667# US (New York)
+16699006833,,157222667# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 157 222 667
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adC6r3UOCt
Expert Assistance from:
- Prof. Anyangwe, Secretary of International Affairs of IG of Ambazonia
- Efi Tembon, Witness in the 2018 US Congressional Hearing on Cameroon
- Facilitated by Eben, Ambazonia Prisoners of Conscience Support Network(APoCsnet) organizer and researcher
