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MW5 2011
The 5th Annual Machik Weekend was held on Oct 28-30, 2011 in Washington DC. Despite the inclement weather, this year's event attracted an unprecedented number of participants with many new fresh faces in addition to former Machik Weekend attendees and supporters.The action-packed weekend commenced on Friday evening with a welcome dinner generously hosted by Wayne Silby at his residence. The main forum on Saturday, held at the True Reformer Building in the historic U Street corridor, focused on four key areas: (1) Education, (2) Summer Enrichment Program (SEP), (3) Making Social Impact: Business + Media and (4) Building Bridges. All sixteen panelists - Tibetan, Chinese and Americans - shared inspiring and stimulating information regarding the current and future direction of engagement in the Tibetan plateau. Their presentations provided plenty of thought-provoking discussions and exchanges among all participants, both individually and during small group discussions. The opportunity for further conversation and dialogue continued at the Machik Office for a traditional Tibetan dinner, generously prepared and donated by Dorje Tso, Chakmo Tso and Chiga. Saturday's events culminated in a benefit Music Night at the Black Fox Lounge in Dupont Circle. The concert was a tribute to the late Professor Sangye Gyal for his tireless efforts to empower Tibetans through education and language. Tenzing Thosam of Charlottesville VA, a former student of Professor Sangye Gyal, eloquently recited an original poem dedicated to his teacher. |
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In addition, the 2011 Machik Youth Spirit Award was presented to 2011 SEP Coordinator Elizabeth Tseng, for her continued dedication and service since joining Machik in 2008. Kesang Tashi , founder and CEO of Khawachen/InnerAsia, received the 2011 Machik Spirit Award for his genuine enthusiasm and commitment to Machik's mission. The music included performances by Tibetan artist Lobsang Tsering along with plenty of entertaining performances during the Open-Mic portion of the evening. The entire proceeds raised from the concert will benefit the Professor Sangye Gyal Education Foundation.The weekend concluded with a"farewell" brunch on Sunday at the Machik Office. Thank you to all participants for their enthusiasm and contribution to another successful Machik Weekend. We hope that the weekend provided an opportunity to learn more, exchange ideas, and explore possible avenues for strengthening communities in the Tibetan plateau.
We would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their time and support in contributing to the 2011 Machik Weekend:
Wayne Silby, Black Fox Lounge, Au Bon Pain, Firehook Bakery, ALL VOLUNTEERS, Rebecca Martin, Dorje Tso, Chakmo Tso, Chiga, Tenzin Thosom, Rapten, Lobsang Tsering
We would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their time and support in contributing to the 2011 Machik Weekend:
Wayne Silby, Black Fox Lounge, Au Bon Pain, Firehook Bakery, ALL VOLUNTEERS, Rebecca Martin, Dorje Tso, Chakmo Tso, Chiga, Tenzin Thosom, Rapten, Lobsang Tsering