Freedom Speakers International

I am Eben Appleton

For my 83rd birthday, I find myself again planning my annual birthday fundraiser as a gift to Freedom Speakers International (FSI). I would like to invite donations as the best way to celebrate with me and uplift a cause that I am deeply passionate about.

There are many forms of love in this world. I just happened to have fallen in love with an NGO in Seoul, South Korea. This amazing organization empowers North Korean refugees who were brave enough to exchange tyranny for freedom when they escaped NK.

FSI supports refugee resettlement in a myriad of ways - from publishing refugee accounts to tell the invisible stories of life under the Kim regime, to speaking at human rights engagements and calls to action around the world - all while maintaining tutoring resources as the foundation of this grassroots organization.

The organization has been sustained through grassroots donations from individuals like you and me. This is where the excitement begins for me! For over 10 years, FSI has been growing and empowering NK refugees to tell their stories by word of mouth, in book form, at events, workshops and conferences, and bringing awareness to the human rights crisis in North Korea. At the moment, teams of refugees have gone global with FSI and are now in the USA, having made plans to give speeches at places such as Harvard.

What makes this fundraiser unique? It is the power our donations carry to support refugees in making their invisible stories visible. It is the power to draw the world's attention to a human rights crisis often overlooked by news outlets and polititicians alike.it is the power to show that we care and we are not ignoring this crisis.

Please make my birthday fundraiser extra special by sharing and giving to this vital cause. Any amount truly helps to show that the suffering of the North Korean people is not invisible to us. Let's support them in telling their stories.

Please click on the link below to learn more about FSI.

www.fsi21.org

Hi my name is Eben, I am raising funds for Freedom Speakers International (FSI).

From grassroots to a global movement. In 2024, the spotlight is on Freedom Speakers International (FSI). It is a promising year for the NGO organization filled with opportunities and challenges.

In saying globally, I mean FSI will be traveling from its home-base in Seoul, South Korea, bound for other countries, bringing several North Korean refugees with them.

FSI empowers NK refugees by preparing them to speak publically as one of its main objectives. Many refugees will be telling stories of the reign of terror and human rights abuses existing in NK that forced them to leave their county. Your donation to this fundraiser for FSI could lead to future events and activities beyond the scope of those I have mentioned, that help NK refugees succeed in a free society.

From grassroots to a global movement. In 2024 the spotlight is on Freedom Speakers International (FSI). It is a promising year for the organization filled with opportunities and challenges.

In saying globally, I mean FSI will be traveling from its home-base of Seoul, South Korea, bound for other countries, bringing North Korean refugees with them.

FSI empowers NK refugees by preparing them to speak publically as one of its main objectives. Many refugees will be telling stories of the reign of terror and human rights abuses in NK that forced them to flee the country. Your donation to this fundraiser for FSI could lead to future events and activities beyond the scope of those I have menioned, that help NK refugees to succeed.

grassroots to a global movement. In 2024 the spotlight is on Freedom Speakers International (FSI). It is a promising year for the organization filled with opportunities and challenges.

In saying globally, I mean FSI will be traveling from its home-base of Seoul, South Korea, bound for other countries, bringing North Korean refugees with them.

FSI empowers NK refugees by preparing them to speak publically as one of its main objectives. Many refugees will be telling stories of the reign of terror and human rights abuses in NK that forced them to flee the country. Your donation to this fundraiser for FSI could lead to future events and activities beyond the scope of those I have menioned, that help NK refugees to succeed.

From grassroots to a global movement. In 2024 the spotlight is on Freedom Speakers International (FSI). It is a promising year for the organization filled with opportunities and challenges.

In saying globally, I mean FSI will be traveling from its home-base of Seoul, South Korea, bound for other countries, bringing North Korean refugees with them.

FSI empowers NK refugees by preparing them to speak publically as one of its main objectives. Many refugees will be telling stories of the reign of terror and human rights abuses in NK that forced them to flee the country. Your donation to this fundraiser for FSI could lead to future events and activities beyond the scope of those I have menioned, that help NK refugees to succeed.

From grassroots to a global movement. In 2024 the spotlight is on Freedom Speakers International (FSI). It is a promising year for the organization filled with opportunities and challenges.

In saying globally, I mean FSI will be traveling from its home-base of Seoul, South Korea, bound for other countries, bringing North Korean refugees with them.

FSI empowers NK refugees by preparing them to speak publically as one of its main objectives. Many refugees will be telling stories of the reign of terror and human rights abuses in NK that forced them to flee the country.

My name is Eben

From grassroots to a global movement. In 2024 the spotlight is on Freedom Speakers International (FSI). It is a promising year for the organization filled with opportunities and challenges.

In saying globally, I mean FSI will be traveling from its home-base of Seoul, South Korea, bound for other countries, bringing North Korean refugees with them.

FSI empowers NK refugees by preparing them to speak publically as one of its main objectives. Many refugees will be telling stories of the reign of terror and human

My name is Eben and I am raising money for FSI

From grassroots to a global movement. In 2024 the spotlight is on Freedom Speakers International (FSI). It is a promising year for the organization filled with opportunities and challenges.

In saying globally, I mean FSI will be traveling from its home-base of Seoul, South Korea, bound for other countries, bringing North Korean refugees with them.

FSI empowers NK refugees by preparing them to speak publically as one of its main objectives. Many refugees will be telling stories of the reign of terror and human rights abuses in NK that forced them to flee the country. Your donation to this fundraiser for FSI could lead to future events and activities beyond the scope of those I have menioned, that help NK refugees to succeed.

From grassroots to a global movement. In 2024 the spotlight is on Freedom Speakers International (FSI). It is a promising year for the organization filled with opportunities and challenges.

In saying globally, I mean FSI will be traveling from its home-base of Seoul, South Korea, bound for other countries, bringing North Korean refugees with them.

FSI empowers NK refugees by preparing them to speak publically as one of its main objectives. Many refugees will be telling stories of the reign of terror and human rights abuses in NK that forced them to flee the country. Your donation to this fundraiser for FSI could lead to future events and activities beyond the scope of those I have menioned, that help NK refugees to succeed.

From grassroots to a global movement. In 2024 the spotlight is on Freedom Speakers International (FSI). It is a promising year for the organization filled with opportunities and challenges.

In saying globally, I mean FSI will be traveling from its home-base of Seoul, South Korea, bound for other countries, bringing North Korean refugees with them.

FSI empowers NK refugees by preparing them to speak publically as one of its main objectives. Many refugees will be telling stories of the reign of terror and human rights abuses in NK that forced them to flee the country. Your donation to this fundraiser for FSI could lead to future events and activities beyond the scope of those I have menioned, that help NK refugees to succeed.

My name is Eben

Here's a message Freedom Speakers International co-founder and Giving Tuesday (Korea) national co-leader Casey Lartigue Jr. wrote to FSI's email list:

There's an old Korean saying: “Frogs often forget they were once tadpoles."

Today is GivingTuesday! It is a day that reminds me and FSI co-founder Eunkoo Lee that FSI was once a tadpole named TNKR. We aren't fully grown, perhaps we are froglets (the stage between being a tadpole and an adult frog).

Eunkoo and I are the volunteer co-national leaders of GivingTuesday’s Korea chapter. Even though FSI is still growing, we became the leaders of GivingTuesday because of its mission of encouraging generosity.

Even if Freedom Speakers International is not your preferred organization, GivingTuesday is a great day to show your support for an organization that is in the tadpole or froglet stage.

I say it often but I guess people don't believe me when I say that participation is more important than how much you donate. Of course, a $1000 donation is great for people who can give that much, but giving $10 a month and staying connected long-term is also really valuable for an organization's long-term health.

* * *

You can make a difference by donating today to Freedom Speakers International (FSI).

Your support for FSI can help empower more North Korean refugees to tell their stories around the world.

Double your impact this Giving Tuesday by donating to Freedom Speakers International and having your gift matched dollar for dollar up to $5,00!

FSI empowers North Korean refugees to tell their stories. Join us in furthering FSI's mission by partnering with us this Giving Tuesday!

Public speaking

In a typical year we have at least 50 events with North Korean refugees giving speeches in English. Many of those events are in South Korea, but during 2023 we have also had events in New York City, Washington D.C., Geneva, and London. Your support can help FSI with its international events in 2024.

Books

In 2022, FSI published two books by North Korean refugees. In 2024, we will be publishing two more books by North Korean refugees.

English Speech Contest

FSI has held 18 North Korean Refugee English Speech Contests since 2013. Our contests have been held locally, but from 2024 we hope to hold the contest abroad so we can reach more people.

Almost 34,000 North Korean refugees have escaped to South Korea since the late 1990s. They often risk their lives during the escape from the totalitarian regime. A handful of them have told their stories in books and speeches.

Make a tax-deductible donation this Giving Tuesday to support Freedom Speakers International. Be sure to check our video to see the kind of work that South Korean high school students have done to support FSI and also to publicize Giving Tuesday.

Dear FSI Supporters and Friends,

As my birthday approaches on February 10, 2024, I reflect on the journey we've embarked on with Freedom Speakers International (FSI). While I plan to celebrate this special day with my family and close colleagues, my heart is with the FSI community.

Thanks to your support, FSI has flourished beyond my expectations. We all started as volunteers, but now we have paid staff. We have hosted international speech events globally, from the USA to the UK and Switzerland, and of course in South Korea.

The dream of hosting our speech contest at HARVARD University, which Casey suggested several years ago, is now about to become a reality on April 13th

We struggled so much in FSI's early years that I could not have imagined this day would come. Next month I will join Casey as he leads his third workshop at the Harvard Graduate School of Education AOCC.

As we gear up for these special events, your support is more important than ever. This year, instead of traditional birthday celebrations, I'm dedicating my day to furthering our mission at FSI. I invite you to join me in making this dream a reality.

With heartfelt thanks,

Eunkoo Lee

I am launching a GoFundMe campaign to support a special project for Freedom Speakers International aimed at raising awareness within the Harvard University community about North Korean refugees.

V.O.I.C.E.S. - Voices of Inspiration, Courage, Empowerment, and Survival

H.A.R.V.A.R.D. - Harvard Alumnus Raising Voices and Advocacy for North Korean Refugee Development

I am initiating this project to engage as many members of the Harvard community as possible, including students, alumni, faculty, and staff. If we succeed, we aspire to rename it as H.A.R.V.A.R.D. (Harvard Associates Raising Voices and Advocacy for North Korean Refugee Development), pending permission from the relevant authorities at Harvard.

Project Activities:

Funding Support:

While we have received some support for upcoming events, our trips are not fully funded. Your contribution can significantly aid us in engaging with more members of the Harvard community, while also creating additional opportunities for North Korean refugees to speak before our Harvard community.

FAQ:

Q: Why Harvard University?

A: Why not Harvard University? As a double alum of Harvard, I can use my network and educational background to engage others within Harvard. If you believe a different university should be reached out to, please feel free to do so.

Q: Is this endorsed by Harvard University?

A: Not yet. But it should be! This project is not officially endorsed by Harvard University. It is a grassroots effort led by a Harvard alumnus attempting to collaborate with members of the Harvard community who share our passion for increasing freedom for North Koreans and raising the voices of North Korean refugees.

Q: What's the goal?

A: The goal is to approach Harvard University in a more strategic way as an alum. Over the years, I have heard about events organized at Harvard featuring North Korean refugees.

Q: How many Harvard University people do you hope will join this project?

A: There are about 19,000 undergraduate and graduate school students studying at Harvard. If we can engage 0.5 percent of them, that would be 38 Harvard students. There are 19,000 staff members at Harvard, and 0.1 percent of them would be 19 Harvard University staffers connected with us.

Q: How can I help support this project?

A: For Harvard students, alumni, faculty, and staff, please join either as a public advocate or as a behind-the-scenes supporter. For everyone else, become a regular donor to this project. Your consistent support can help us become stronger so we can hold more events. We will recognize your support to the extent allowed by Harvard.

Q: What difference will this project make?

A: There have been several events at Harvard University over the years, with two organized by my non-profit organization Freedom Speakers International. However, they have been episodic. This time, we aim to host multiple events and reach out to people affiliated with Harvard University. If we are successful, we can establish a regular event at Harvard University featuring North Korean refugees.

This project will incubate out of Freedom Speakers International. That means your donations to this project are tax-deductible in areas where FSI is recognized as a non-profit organization.

If you have more questions that provide clarity to this project, please feel free to ask.

A public note to Harvard University's legal team and trademark office:

This project is not presented as being endorsed by Harvard University. It is a non-profit grassroots effort led by a Harvard alumnus who seeks to engage with others in the Harvard University community. Our project operates on a non-profit basis, with no commercial activities involved. You are invited to join as attendees, volunteers, and supporters. I will follow up with an email to the Harvard trademark office to ensure they understand the genuine spirit of our project.

The day may come that Harvard gives its blessing to this project, but this project is just starting as a grassroots project.