"Spent the weekend discussing art, culture and how to reconnect to and grow our identities to serve and empower young Tibetans across the world with some of the most engaged and dynamic young Tibetans and informed non-Tibetans I've ever met. Whew!" "This year's Machik Weekend is the best I have participated in. I found the personal testimonials particularly compelling. I thank all the colleagues, friends and supporters who showed up, for the contagious enthusiasm which animated the event. Congratulations!" “Machik Weekend- how can I possibly put into words the energy, excitement, and passion for Tibet that bubbles out of these few days that are much too short? As a fellow Machik supporter said, we need more Machik weekends, not just in the fall and not just in Washington, DC! The very first Machik Weekend in 2007 was one of my first volunteer experiences with Machik, and over the past few years, it’s been incredible to see not just how the network of supporters expands, but also how the community ties deepen. Cheers to everyone who supports Machik’s vision and believes in a stronger, more vibrant future for Tibet.” – Elizabeth Tseng Former Machik Intern and 2011 SEP Coordinator “It was a wonderful experience and got meet many amazing people at Machik Weekend 2013 at NYC. Lastly I want to thank everyone at Machik for the great work inside in Tibet and helping build lasting friendship of trust with our fellow Chinese.” - Tsering Dorjee "One excellent weekend." |
“What I really took back from this experience is that making an impact even in a small way can lead to huge changes for society, which Machik exemplifies through its one initial primary school that impacted only one village but that will now be scaled up to impact the entire region!” Eleza, Jolkona Foundation |
"I am so thankful for an exhilarating Machik Weekend…meeting young Tibetan PhD students, a yak herder turned IT consultant turned social entrepreneur, women's rights activists, engineers, professionals and students from China, western supporters and educators - the list goes on…what a truly, truly amazing experience." |
“Since my first Machik Weekend 2008 I have had the privilege of watching this event grow, shift, and refocus. What ties each year together is the passion of the participants, an inspiring array of Tibetans, Chinese, Canadians, and Americans, old and young alike, working with the singular purpose to support Tibetan communities. Machik Weekend is a powerful reminder of how individuals from all walks of life and all areas of expertise can effect change for the people of Tibet.” – Julie Bowes Former Machik Staff and SEP Participant
"The 6th Machik Weekend opened my eyes and made me realize that despite the seeming impossibilities, there are still many things we can do to truly make a difference to the people on the Tibetan Plateau and to bridge the distance between China and Tibet." |
http://sites.middlebury.edu/communityengagement/2013/11/25/community-engagement-mini-grant-recipient-feature-sonam-choedon/"Before attending Machik Weekend, I had only watched documentaries about Tibet as it related to the independence movement or Buddhism, but during the conference I was exposed to a new wave of documentary filmmakers who focus on issues that affect Tibetans inside of Tibet. The most intriguing presentation was that by Lynn and Nelson Walker and their film “Summer Pasture,” focusing on the problem of displacement of nomadic lifestyle due to modernization and rangeland degradation via the story of a nomadic couple in the Zachuka grasslands. The movie puts a human face to the environmental problems facing Tibetans and the difficult decisions they must make." - Sonam Choedon (2013), Middlebury College ’14 Sonam writes about her experience at Machik Weekend here: "The 6th Annual Machik Weekend in DC this past weekend was truly inspiring!! What an amazing gathering of intelligent, inspiring, committed and courageous women and men! Thank you to everyone for the "group therapy" and especially the brilliant young organizers!! Still campaigning for MW7 to be held in the Bay Area!" |
"Held in the Subud Chelsea Center on Manhattan Island, the conference brought together 400 attendees from across North America, Europe, and Asia. Those at the event came from far and wide, with some having driven or flown many hours to reach their destination. The energy at the event was incredible and the level of interest and dedication displayed by the attendees was truly amazing. Virtually the entire conference organizing team were volunteers who had come to the event on their own dime....I was inspired by this event. I found it moving to see many young adults gathered on their own time and at their own expense to take part in such a constructive, balanced initiative to make the world a better place. The energy is something that had to be seen to be understood, but I can say it certainly has inspired me to continue with the work of trying to build new bridges of understanding between Canadians of Chinese and Tibetan background." - Stephen Zhao (2013), Project Associate, New Beginnings: Young Canadians’ Peace Dialogue on China and Tibet.
Read his blog about his experience at Machik Weekend 2013 here: http://mosaicinstitute.wordpress.com/2013/12/05/mosaic-at-machik-weekend-in-nyc/
“Machik Weekend was not only a wonderful chance to get to catch up with old friends, but it was also an amazing opportunity to meet others that believe in Machik’s mission. Listening to some of the speakers is awe-inspiring. The weekend is truly a reinvigorating experience!”
Sonia Jarrett Former Machik Intern, SEP Participant, and 2010 Machik Youth Spirit Award Winner
“Machik weekend inspires a community of people involved in meaningful work in Tibet. It’s a chance to connect with the most relevant professionals and experts working in a wide range of fields. Attending last years meetings enhanced my understanding of Machik’s goal of engagement, updated me on current events on the plateau, as well as provided meaningful dialogue around possible solutions to pressing issues.” – Jody Kemmerer, Filmmaker, Sky Dancer
“What Machik gives me : རེ་བ། (hope).”
Shenphen Sangpo (2013), Minnesota
“I am so happy to have attended the Machik event. It was so inspiring to witness all the anecdotal evidence, meeting with other young Tibetans, and seeing such a great diversity in the field of academic interest.” -Tenzin Choeden (2013) |
“Every Machik Weekend seems to be better than the previous and this years was no different. It was a blast catching up with old friends/meeting new ones. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event!” |