Washington Whistleblower's Week Returns to Capitol Hill with The Whistleblower Summit for Civil and Human Rights Supported by the Pacifica Foundation
Washington, DC (PRWEB) July 11, 2013 -- Over the last seven years, members from the Make it Safe Coalition (MISC) have arranged an assembly of whistleblowers in Washington, DC each year for an annual conference originally known as Washington Whistleblower’s Week. First Amendment advocates from around the world will gather on Capitol Hill to discuss the War on Whistleblowers and Journalists. The public and all whistleblowers and their advocates, as well as the entire civil rights community are invited to participate. From Black Farmers and USDA employees who report “pink slim” in our food supply, to NSA whistleblowers reporting domestic surveillance on the American people (Whistleblowers Protect People). Gloria Minott, Public Affairs Director for WPFW will moderate this year’s event.
"The war on whistleblowers has intensified. Increasingly, the tactic for repression has shifted to criminal investigation and prosecution in an effort to terrorize whistleblowers like Edward Snowden into silence. Our own government has become the primary threat to America's freedom. Even worse, it is trying to keep the attack secret by lying to the public.The stakes are higher, and we need them more than ever before, " states Tom Devine, Legal Director for the Government Accountability Project.
Marcel Reid, Pacifica Foundation Whistleblower Liaison adds, “We are very excited about this year’s conference, because our coalitions have grown, and our partners are stronger. We are honored to present Senator Ron Wyden and Senator Rand Paul the Pillar award.”
Founded over 60 years ago to support Free Speech and First Amendment Rights, the Pacifica Foundation has fought for and vigorously defended these rights all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court. A staunch supporter of unfettered free speech, the Pacifica National Board voted unanimously to support legislation that would protect Whistleblowers and Free Speech in 2010. Consequently, the Pacifica Radio Network was the first national media organization to formalize its support for Whistleblowers. Once again, as in previous years, the Pacifica Foundation will actively participate and support this years Whistleblower Summit in Washington, DC. The international press, including the Guardian Newspaper, has been invited to participate as well.
Michael McCray, ACORN 8 and co-chair of the International Association of Whistleblowers declares, “Our goal is to unite whistleblowers and free speech proponents with the international struggle for civil and human rights. We are honored to present Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia Fudge the prestigious Pillar Human Rights Award for her ardent support of civil rights and whistleblower protections. Also we have a New Media award winner, Rob Kall for OpEd News.”
The event will open with a Whistleblower Assembly at the Stewart R. Mott House on Capitol Hill including a symbolic “Empty Chair” welcome honoring courageous whistleblowers who cannot be present due to retaliatory imprisonment, untimely death or increased prosecution under the Obama Administration. The assembly will participate in workshops and sessions all-day, including a lunch supporting National Whistleblower Appreciation Day.
The Whistleblower Summit will reconvene at the Capitol Visitor’s Center on July 30, 2013 to conduct Civil Rights and NSA surveillance panel discussions and present awards. We are proud to announce that Representative Marcia Fudge (D-OH), Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Senator Ronald Wyden (D-OR) will be honored with a Pillar Human Rights Award for International Person’s of Conscience. We will also recognize journalists with Pillar Awards this year; Rob Kall will be recognized for OpEd News (New Media category) and a posthumous award goes to Ambrose Lane (Broadcaster) a noted WPFW commentator and former Executive Director of the Pacifica Foundation.
The Pillar is awarded to notable civil and human rights champions; previous recipients include Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI), Senator Charles “Chuck” Grassley (R-IA) and Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO).
Matthew Fogg, National President of Federally Employed Women-Legal Education Fund (FEW/LEF) and Vice President of Blacks In Government (BIG) adds, “We celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the No FEAR Act in the shadows of Martin Luther King Jr. monument last year. We will stand and continue the fight for civil and human rights at the Whistleblower Summit this year.”
The conference will also feature a Whistleblower Book Signing and Film Screening of the "War on Whistleblowers" at Busboys & Poets (5th and K. Street) on July 30, 2013 at 5:00—9:00 PM) and a panel discussion on whistleblowers and society with Participant Media Group.
Invited Authors:
• Stephen Kohn, The Whistleblower’s Handbook—A Step-by-Step Guide to Doing What’s Right and Protecting Yourself.
•Michael McCray, ACORN 8: Race, Power & Politics—Memoirs of an ACORN Whistleblower.
•Tom Devine, The Whistleblowers Survival Guide—A Handbook for Committing the Truth.
• James Holzrichter, A Just Cause—A Story of Courage, Hope & The Integrity of the American Dream
•Dr. Marsha Coleman-Adebayo, No FEAR—A Whistleblower’s Triumph over Corruption and Retaliation at the EPA
• Eyal Press, Beautiful Souls—Saying No, Breaking Ranks, and Heeding the Voice of Conscience in Dark Times.
• Jesselyn Raddick, Traitor—The Whistleblower and the American Taliban.
•Don Soeken—Don’t Kill The Whistleblower.
•Mike Volpe—The Definitive Dossier on PTSD in Whistleblowers.
This event is free and open to the public. Additional venues and events: To Be Announced at a later date.
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The MISC is an assortment of various public interest/advocacy groups including the Government Accountability Project, National Whistleblowers Center, ACORN 8, International Association of Whistleblowers, American Federation of Government Employees, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Project On Government Oversight, No FEAR Coalition, Union of Concerned Scientists, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, Voices for Corporate Responsibility, and International Brotherhood of Teamsters; which focus on significant areas of public concern and individual rights, such as First Amendment, federal workforce, medical safety, national security, judicial reform, etc.
Michael McCray, ACORN 8, LLC, http://www.acorn8.com, +1 (870) 543-0024, [email protected]
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