Sunday, December 25, 2011

Cogressman Mr. Ted Deutch expressed his support for Taiwan's democracy and freedom - used with permission


"I write to express my support for the people of Taiwan and their right to self determination and my strong support for ensuring a free and fair democratic election in January.

In 1979, the U.S. Congress affirmed its commitment to sustaining freedom, security, and economic opportunity in Taiwan through the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act. Over the last three decades, Taiwan has developed into a strong democracy that serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking freedom in the region.

In November 2011, the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs passed the Taiwan Policy Act which reaffirmed our support for Taiwan, its democracy, and the human rights of its people. Additionally, I, along with 180 of my colleagues signed a letter supporting the sale of F-16 C/D's to Taiwan.

It is my hope that January's presidential elections will be free from outside influence and reflect the will of the people of Taiwan and their strong commitment to upholding democracy.

As a Member of Congress, I will work to ensure that our nation is committed to fulfilling the Six Assurances and to continuing a strong economic and strategic relationship with Taiwan and her people.

Sincerely

Ted Deutch
Member of Congress"

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Apply Now for the Formosa Foundation's 2012 Ambassador's Program in D.C.


APPLY TODAY!
2012 Ambassador Program

The Formosa Foundation is accepting applications for the 2012 Ambassador Program from now through March 15, 2012. The 2012 Program will take place in Washington, D.C. from June 18 through 29. Up to 30 college/graduate students and young professionals will be selected from the United States and Taiwan to participate in this highly competitive “congressional boot camp.”

Application forms are now available. The U.S. applicants please complete the 2012 U.S. Application Form; Applicants who are currently in Taiwan and/or are Taiwanese national please use the 2012 TW Form.

The Ambassador Program, in its 10th year, has over 250 future leaders graduate and held over a thousand meetings with individual members of Congress and their staff. With each passing year the program has grown stronger, attracting not only some of the foremost authorities on Taiwan and Asia-Pacific issues from across America, but also garnering the attention of powerful lawmakers as well. The Ambassador Program teaches skills to help change the hearts and minds of our elected leaders and policymakers in Washington on the most critical issues concerning Taiwan. Formosa Foundation ambassadors have received praises as being Capitol Hill's most articulate and effective advocates for the U.S.-Taiwan bilateral relations.

Detailed program description and previous program reports are available on our website.

Sincerely,


Formosa Foundation
www.formosafoundation.org
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Tel: 213.625.1991

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About the Ambassador Program

The Formosa Foundation offers three factors critical to social movements: political opportunity, organizational capacity and framing ability. Through its Ambassador Program the Foundation offers the best hands-on training for students to develop grassroots and campaign skills and to become leaders.

The Ambassador Program combines in-house training with on-the-ground activist work. Participants in the Program develop the expertise, analytical framework, and network they need to effectively promote Taiwan. Up-and-coming activists can learn about the issues affecting Taiwan first-hand.

The 2012 Ambassador Program will take place in Washington D.C. June 18- 29. The Formosa Foundation will provide for participants' training, workshops and lodging for the duration of the Program. Participants are responsible for their own meals and travel expenses. See the 2011 Program report and former ambassadors in action here.

BECOME EFFECTIVE ORGANIZERS FOR JUSTICE

The Formosa Foundation seeks to preserve the American values of democracy and human rights through broadened involvement of future leaders in the making of U.S. policy. The Ambassador Program uses U.S. foreign policies on Taiwan and China as case studies to provide participants with opportunities to:

Understand the intricacies of U.S. foreign policy making and its impact;
Gain insight from experienced professionals on the art of advocacy;
Acquire skills to effectively present views to policy makers, media and the public.

MEET FACE TO FACE WITH U.S. LAW MAKERS

The Ambassador Program is a unique training program of its kind. We recruit students from the United States and Taiwan, who will work together to help develop a closer relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan. The Program provides opportunities to meet with United States Congressmen and Senators to discuss U.S. policies toward Taiwan.

DEVELOP GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN SKILLS AND NETWORKS

The Ambassador Program has demonstrated results from participants that extends beyond the two-week program. The Program prepares tomorrow's leaders towards building a pro-Taiwan community on and beyond the college campus. These congressional visits put Taiwan on the forefront of America's political agenda, and change the hearts and minds of American policy makers about Taiwan.


QUALIFICATION AND SELECTION

The Program is designed primarily for recent college graduate or current college and/or graduate students who support the advancement of human rights, democracy and the right of self-determination for the people of Taiwan. Selection criteria include academic excellence, extracurricular activities, participation in community affairs, and interest in promoting U.S.-Taiwan relations.

Up to 30 applicants will be selected for the 2012 Program, including up to 7 to be recruited from Taiwan. Applicant can be US citizens, permanent residents, or Taiwanese national.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Program application package includes the following requirements. See page 4 of application form for mailing instructions.

1. 2012 Application Form (Applicants who are currently studying/residing in Taiwan, use the 2012 TW Form.)
2. 500-word Personal Statement
3. Copy of most recent Transcript
4. Two Letters of Recommendation