His Holiness will be 75 years old on July 6th.

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Dear Miguel,

His Holiness the Dalai Lama often says: Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

This simple message inspires us to retain our vision of a peaceful and just Tibet where the Tibetan people can enjoy the freedoms of culture, religion, self-determination and leadership of their own within the context of Chinese rule.

At the same time, it also reminds us to see the world as it truly is. And that couldn't be truer, especially in the wake of the recent earthquake devastation in Tibet.

His Holiness will be 75 years old on July 6th.

He continues to strive for a better world for the Tibetan people and for us all.

In honor of his upcoming birthday, we want to show this extraordinary man that his life's work continues to inspire and motivate us, that his inspirational leadership has deeply touched our lives and that we support him.

To do that, I ask that you do two things before June 15:

1. Please send a short message in honor of His Holiness' upcoming birthday affirming your own commitment to continue to "hope for the best and prepare for the worst."

2. If you can, I hope you will also make a small donation to the International Campaign for Tibet to help us do the same: work toward a better future for Tibetans, while reaching out to those who struggle and suffer today.

Together, we will "hope for the best" by supporting the undiminished efforts of His Holiness to engage the People's Republic of China in a genuine dialogue in order to find a solution for Tibet that respects the dignity of his people and the unique Tibetan Buddhist culture.

And we will "prepare for the worst" by securing protections for Tibetan refugees and helping sustain communities in India and Nepal where Tibetans can maintain their culture and religion, language and art -- until one day all Tibetans, in exile and in Tibet, can enjoy the same full measure of freedom.

On behalf of the ICT board, staff, and volunteers, I give you my heartfelt thanks for sharing our commitment to peace and to the defense of the people and culture of Tibet. Your support makes our work - the immediate assistance and the long term advances - possible.

With thanks,

Mary Beth Markey
Vice President of International Advocacy

P.S. We will gather all the messages soon after June 15th, so please send yours today. And we'll put your urgently needed contribution to work right away. Thank you.