MW6 2012
The 6th Annual Machik Weekend was held in Washington, DC, November 2-4, 2012 at the George Washington University's Elliott School of International Studies. A diverse group of over 200 participants gathered to listen, share, interact, and engage on Tibet.
The 6th Annual Machik Weekend was held in Washington, DC, November 2-4, 2012 at the George Washington University's Elliott School of International Studies. A diverse group of over 200 participants gathered to listen, share, interact, and engage on Tibet.
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Creative, collaborative, insightful, energetic, provocative, progressive – these are just a few of the adjectives heard describing the 6th annual Machik Weekend (MW6), which took place November 2-4 at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Studies. A diverse group of over 180 participants gathered to listen, share, interact, and engage on Tibet as 37 presenters, moderators, and discussants offered information and insight from their varied lives and experiences. Machik’s co-founder and Strategic Director, Dr Tashi Rabgey, spoke about the current crisis in Tibet and the urgent need for ongoing engagement for a better future for the millions who live in Tibet. The structure of MW6 allowed ample opportunities to both absorb inspiring stories and complex information and to interact in both informal and structured ways. MW6 began on Friday evening with a casual gathering at Machik’s office for volunteers and attendees from out of town. Over pizza, connections and friendships were made and renewed, and the conversations began. Much thanks to all who contributed to the potluck: Ron Awde, Yandon Demo, Rob Ertel, Tencho Gyatso, Susan Mulhall, Tashi Yangzom, Tashi Tenzin, and Tseten Wangchuk. |
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On Saturday the formal panel presentations were made at GWU. The four panels were (1) Identity and Creativity, (2) Entrepreneurship and Communities, (3) Education and Social Change, and (4) Global Engagement and the New Generation. The panelists were quite simply phenomenal, and the discussions opened up questions and thoughts between the panelists and the audience. Being present in the room was not just inspiring, it left many with the aspiration to act, to do more, to look ahead in creative ways to solve problems. On Saturday evening, participants gathered at Busboys and Poets for Machik Spirit Night for another opportunity to build connections. We are deeply grateful to Andy Shallal, the owner of Busboys & Poets, and to Wayne Silby of Calvert Group for their support in securing this venue. Several excellent Tibetan musicians and vocal artists as well as a charismatic emcee entertained the group. Sunday was the first Machik Commitment Initiative day, held at GWU. Each participant joined one of four groups that corresponded with Saturday’s panels. After discussion of vital issues, each group created action plans and individuals made commitments to engage in a plan. MW6 culminated with the presentation of these ideas to the entire group.
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Creativity and collaboration, enthusiasm and engagement – just a few of the words to describe what happened at Machik Weekend 2012. The entire event was a process of interweaving the experiences, projects, and impressive efforts of so many people with each other. The entire event heightened awareness of real needs to be addressed in Tibet at present. Through examples of successful endeavors, it inspired the commitment of everyone there. The entire event was not to be missed! We thank Professor Barbara Miller and the Global Gender Program at GWU for their generosity in supporting the space at GWU. Major thanks to Tenzin Noryang, the Chair of MW6, and her team: Tsering Dhongthog, Tenzin Tselha, Tenzin Dawa, Tseten Rinzin Tekan, and Tenzin Kunsang Tashi. We are grateful to all the volunteers who ran the event so well. Last but not least, we would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to friends who generously provided housing to our guests during Machik Weekend.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH NGAWANG SAMPHEL'S PERFORMANCE AT THE MACHIK SPIRIT NIGHT DURING THE 2012 MACHIK WEEKEND.
