February 2010

Dear friends and supporters of Inter Pares,

I am thrilled to be writing today in my new role as co-manager of fundraising at Inter Pares. For many years now I have been motivated by the work of Inter Pares and our counterparts to promote social justice around the world. Many examples of this inspiring work are described in the attached February Bulletin. You can read about how you are part of a larger context, united with a community of supporters who are Learning and Acting Together with Inter Pares.

Like you, I am worried by economic and social inequality and political instability, as well as the challenges they create in bringing forward diverse perspectives. As a global nation, this diversity is central to our making informed, considered and sustainable decisions in Canada and abroad. Your political and financial solidarity empowers Inter Pares to encourage the Canadian government to play a progressive international role on issues such as civil and human rights, corporate social responsibility, and environmental sustainability.

In our February Bulletin we highlight the testimony of our colleague Charm Tong who was part of a delegation of democracy and human rights activists from Burma. Last September she testified before Canada’s Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development. I am inspired by the courage shown by our activist counterparts every day as they work to propose a democratic way forward in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Together we are paving the way for change at municipal, regional, national and international levels.

Sincerely,


Sophie Hargest

P.S. For those of us who supported us financially in 2009, please accept our sincere thanks. If you didn't get a chance, please consider starting off the year with a gift to support social justice.