Amnesty International (AI) is an international human rights organization that has earned international respect and world-wide influence. Its members are kindhearted people who are very active on human rights issues. After understanding their system of operation (the district office is not a physical organization; all activities are done by each group individually), we decided to visit each of our eight local groups one by one and give them a detailed understanding of Falun Dafa, so that we can more effectively spread Dafa through their efforts. Upon communicating with them, we found out that they will be initiating a two-year "Stop Torture" campaign.. We got extra attention when we revealed the truth about the torture of Falun Dafa practitioners China.. After an introductory session lasting less than 2 hours (comprised of a brief introduction to Falun Dafa and its history, plus showing them the video "Falun Gong: The Real Story (part 2)"), we had a discussion. The topic was naturally on how to reveal the truth about Falun Gong to more people. The topics included enlisting the issue of the torture on Falun Gong practitioners in the "Stop Torture" campaign; writing to concerned individuals and communities; helping collect signatures for appeals; and inviting Falun Dafa practitioners to speak at their events, etc.
For example, once after we did an introduction for one of the groups, they immediately started a very active discussion. One member (a teacher) said that he would tell his students the truth about the persecution in China. He asked for a copy of the True Story tape right away. Not only did they sign our appeal letter, they also helped us collect more signatures. On the spot, we were invited by the organizer to attend their "Stop Torture" candle-light vigil two days later, and to give a speech. Our fellow practitioners actively participated in this event, by distributing flyers containing the truth both before and after the candle-light vigil. The speech given by our practitioners revealed how Falun Gong practitioners in China are sacrificing their lives to validate the truthful, benevolent and forbearant nature of their belief and practice, and deeply touched each attendee. Also in the course of this event, we had an opportunity to meet with the Mayor of the city and had a talk with him for quite a while, presenting him our Falun Gong flyers and the True Story videotape. Through this opportunity, the mayor endorsed our appeal letter with his signature and has now changed his original opinion towards Falun Gong.
Through these meetings with the Amnesty International members, we had also enhanced our connection to other human rights organizations. We are invited to give another speech during the up coming "Human Right Issues in the Petroleum Industry" conference to introduce the situation of Falun Gong in China -- how practitioners are being tortured and how their human rights are being trampled on.
Although this is just the beginning stage of this type of Dafa-spreading activity, we can already see the results. The truth has been revealed to these organizations -- like tiny sparks starting a prairie fire.
Teacher said, " Validate the Fa with reason, clarify the truth with wisdom, spread the Fa and offer people salvation with benevolence" (Rationality). The process in which we reveal the truth to people is to "lay a rock-solid foundation for Dafa in this world and have displayed in the human world the true manifestation of Dafa" (Towards Consummation), which is also being benevolent to people. We are giving them an opportunity to place themselves correctly. May all kindhearted people have a beautiful future!
Below is a web site that lists AI's offices and contact people:
http://www.web.amnesty.org/web/contacts.nsf
Canadian Falun Dafa Practitioners
October 26, 2000