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Date: Friday, October 21, 2011 - 6:00pm Location: TANC Community Center5200 Huntington, Richmond

Date: Wednesday, September 22, 2010 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm Location: Xavier Room (in Fromm Hall), University of San Francisco The USF Department of Theology and Religious Studies presents a free talk and book signing Surviving the Dragon: a Tibetan Lama’s Account of 40 Years of Chinese Rule Surviving the Dragon is the story of Arjia Rinpoche’s upbringing as the reincarnated abbot of Kumbum monastery, one of Tibet’s largest. As a child, he was treated like a living Buddha, but after the Cultural Revolution, he was forced to shed his robes and perform heavy labor, including emptying latrines. During China's drive to modernize, he rose to prominence within the Chinese Buddhist bureaucracy. When he was slated to become the tutor of the Chinese-selected Panchen Lama, he fled Tibet rather than betray his Buddhist religion, values, and his Tibetan and Mongolian heritage. Arjia Rinpoche’s unique experience provides a rare perspective on this tumultuous period of Tibetan and Chinese history, as well as a glimpse of life inside a major Buddhist monastery in Tibet. For more information, contact Kristine Massetti, kmmassetti@usfca.edu, or call 415-422-6601. For a PDF map of campus and parking: http://www.usfca.edu/campusmap/

Date: Sunday, November 21, 2010 - 3:00pm to 4:30pm Location: David Brower Center2150 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA Michael Van Walt: Talk and Q&ASunday, November 21, 2010 4:00 PMDavid Brower Center, Berkeley Dr. Van Walt will discuss recent developments including the International Court of Justice's ruling on Kosovo and explore current challenges and future opportunities for the Tibetan people. Admission $8 (students/seniors $5)

Date: Saturday, September 11, 2010 - 10:00am to Sunday, September 12, 2010 - 4:00pm In the tradition of the Himalayan Fair, BAFoT is taking to the streets and tabling again. Please check out http://childrensmedaid.org/festival.phpand join us at the Kathmandu Fall Festival September 11 & 12, 2010 from 11 am to 5 pm. 270 1st St W, Sonoma, CA 95476. We need table volunteers!! Contact Giovanni at 4152643624. This would be the right place to begin your education on Nepalese culture. Let all your senses feast on the food, music and dance, as you take in what the festival has to offer. Shop for all the ethnic articles you want, since there will be a display of art, antiques and other imported goods from Tibet and India. Whatever you spend here, you can rest assured that it is for a good cause as the proceeds from this event will be utilized for the Children's Medical Aid Foundation. It will give BAFoT a chance to educate the public about the world of Tibet, Buddhism, and Tibetan culture too.

Date: Saturday, June 26, 2010 - 9:00am to 3:00pm Bay Area Chinese and Tibetan Friendship potluck lunch and general meetingBirthday celebration for the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Orgyen Trinley DorjeBerkeley Marina10-12 Prayers and ceremony12-3 Potluck3-4 Meeting Contact George Ge 510-585-5128 or Thepo Tulku 510-776-3730 for more information

Date: Thursday, June 17, 2010 - 11:00pm to Wednesday, June 23, 2010 - 11:00pm This film was made by Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam, two of the original founders of the Bay Area Friends of Tibet, founded in 1983! They have also directed several other award-winning films in the past on Tibet and Buddhism.

Date: Saturday, June 12, 2010 - 11:00pm. 2010

The Film TECHUNG is a half hour documentary film highlighting the world renowned Tibetan musician, singer and composer, Tashi Dhondup Sharzur and his indomitable spirit in educating Tibetan exile kids and toddlers about our literature and language through songs and music. This film will also explore the conflicting realities of a gifted Tibetan artist who struggles to live a modest life while preserving one of the oldest arts on this planet. With the help of numerous archived images and videos, this film aims to explore the current status of Tibetan arts and culture in exile through an artiste's world. It effectively highlights the complexities and spirits of exile Tibetans in passing down their rich cultural heritage to the younger generation Tibetans who are born and being raised in exile. For more about Tashi Dhondup visit www.techung.com. For more information about the film, please visit the Techung Film website TOTAL FUNDS NEEDED: $9,890 USD We're therefore requesting donations for our film- TECHUNG. We also have attractive complimentary gifts for our donors. Below US $ 9 - Thank you for your kind contribution. Above US $ 10 - Personalized thank you mail from the filmmaker + online access to our final film. Above US $ 80 - Personalized thank you mail from the filmmaker + online access to our final film and DVD+ Techung's latest musical CD, Semshae with autograph + thank you credit at the end of the film. Above US $ 250 - Personalized thank you mail from the filmmaker + online access to our final film and DVD + Techung's latest musical CD, Semshae with autograph + thank you credit at the end of the film + Tshirt especially ordered for the donor. Above US $ 500 - Personalized thank you mail from the filmmaker + online access to our final film and DVD + Techung's latest musical CD, Semshae with autograph + thank you credit at the end of the film + Tshirt especially ordered for the donor + DVD copy of the director's latest feature film- Richard Gere is My Hero

Date: Friday, June 4, 2010 - 1:00pm

Date: Friday, May 28, 2010 - 11:00pm to Saturday, May 29, 2010 - 11:00pm

Phurbu T. Namgyal, a Tibetan singer/song writer living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has established a medical social work project to provide free medical support to sick and poor Tibetans in Exile and beyond. Currently the project is solely supported by the money raised from his concerts and donations from family, fans, and friends. This project has directly touched or provided free medical support for 16 sick, elderly, and poor Tibetans since its inception in February 2013. However, the need is even greater. You may obtain more information on the project at http://www.omcharity.org/ Your contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. You may make a contribution right now via Paypal. Thank you.

Rally Commemorating the 51st anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day! Wednesday March 10 2010 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Berkeley City Hall, Justin Herman Plaza, San Francisco City Hall, & Chinese Consulate 8:30-9:30 AM – Tibetan Flag raising ceremony at the Berkeley City Hall, Berkeley, CA 10:00-11 AM – Rally at Justin Herman Plaza Then March along Market St. toward City Hall. 11:30-1 PM – San Francisco City Hall Program including Guest speakers and Political Theater 1:30- 3:30 PM- Protest/Rally in front of the Chinese consulate 5-8:30 PM Candlelight Vigil at Union Square and Rangzen Concert - San Francisco Contact: Tenzin ShakyaEmail: Tenzins106@gmail.comPhone: 510-682-9024 Since March 10, 1959, 1.2 million Tibetans have been killed directly or indirectly as a result of the Chinese rule in Tibet. Over 150,000 Tibetans were forced to flee Tibet to freedom in exile and thousands attempt to escape every year. A cultural genocide ensued; Tibetans are now a minority in their own homeland, 6,000 Tibetan Buddhist monasteries were destroyed, and Tibet’s top religious leaders and forced to live in exile. Hundreds of Tibetans and supporters will join forces with local Tibet organizations to commemorate the Tibetan National Uprising Day with flag-raising, rallies, marches, and a candlelight vigil in Berkeley and San Francisco. His Holiness the Dalai Lama was also forced to flee Tibet and since then has been situated as Tibet's temporal leader at the Tibetan Government is Exile. The Dalai Lama recently met with President Obama and discussed the situation in Tibet. The Dalai Lama has since advocated for greater dialogue between China and Tibet. The situation in Tibet right now is desperate, and we want the Tibetans inside Tibet to know that the people around the world support their call for greater freedom towards their daily lives: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to equal opportunity, and freedom to carry on their traditions as Tibetans in Tibet and maintain their Tibetan identity. We call on the Chinese government to immediately end its extreme repression in Tibet. The revolt of March 10, 1959 failed to liberate Tibet but the struggle within the country for human rights and basic freedoms continues and will continue until the Tibetans in Tibet have regained their freedom! Please join us in support of Tibet and greater dialogue between Tibet and China!

The mission of Semshae is to ensure that Tibet's language and culture of compassion is preserved through children's music for all ages. Semshae, which means “Songs from the Heart” in Tibetan, is a project to create a new audio recording of Tibetan children’s songs. Many individuals are aware of Tibetan Buddhism’s culture of compassion and nonviolence, but they may not be aware that the continued existence of Tibetan culture is seriously threatened. Through music, Semshae will be able to preserve and distribute a part of Tibet’s culture around the world. It will be beneficial for Tibetan children in Tibet and in exile, and for the Tibetan-speaking regions in the Himalayas such as Nepal, Bhutan, Ladakh and Sikkim who share the same Buddhist language. Semshae’s first-year project goals: Create a high-quality professional song album available both in the United States and internationally. - DONE! Release the first Semshae album in the spring of 2010. Release date is May 22. Organize a CD release tour across the U.S. to facilitate distribution of the CD. - DONE! Donate 500 albums to the nearly 20,000 students in the 106 kindergartens, 87 primary schools, and 44 middle schools in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Distribute 1,500 albums and 50 CD players to children inside Tibet through a partnership with educational organizations. Host 4-day children’s workshops including musical concerts with the children in Tibetan communities in North America, India, and Nepal. “It is my hope that through the efforts of Semshae and through the power of music I can help to support the next generation of Tibetans and the Tibetan culture.”— Tashi Shazur, Artist, Founder, and Director of Semshae More about Semshae: For the past four years, Tashi Shazur has conducted informal feasibility research and related efforts to launch Semshae. He has already created eight original songs for the Semshae album which are ready to record including a track for children’s story telling. Tashi plans to sing and perform all the songs recorded on this album with the assistance of Tibetan children singers in North America and Nepal. This album will feature authentic Tibetan musical instruments such as Damnyen (six-stringed plucked lute), Piwang (two-stringed bowed fiddle), and Lingbu (bamboo flute). In the past ten years, the number of Tibetan recordings released outside of Tibet has significantly increased. Although created by talented artists, often recordings released by exiled Tibetans lack adequate funding and rarely possess the professional demeanor they deserve. For this reason, in order for Semshae to create a quality and timeless album, it is imperative that Tashi collaborate with individuals who understand the history, purpose, impact, and significance of this unique effort. Once appropriate funding has been secured, Tashi will begin his work with singers and musicians in the (San Francisco) Bay Area and Tibetan musicians in Nepal and India. Watch a video about the project Support Semshae to Preserve Tibetan Culture: Bay Area Friends of Tibet (BAFOT) currently serves as Semshae’s fiscal sponsor. All contributions to Semshae made through BAFOT are tax-deductible to the extent provides by US law. Semshae collaborates with a separate group of advisors and ambassadors who support the organization’s strategy and mission. Tashi Shazur serves as the Director of Semshae on a volunteer basis and is supported by one low-cost consultant. Tashi operates Semshae from his home in the San Francisco Bay Area. Currently, Semshae receives 100% of its funding from individual donors, many of whom are serving as ambassadors for the Semshae organization. Semshae needs to raise $80,000 to ensure the program’s success and professionalism. Semshae relies on the generosity of gifts from donors and time and expertise from volunteers from around the world. Please join us in protecting and restoring Tibetan culture through music. To donate to Semshae, you may give online using Paypal,or you may contact:Tashi Sharzur, Founder & DirectorPhone: +1 (650) 312-9010Email: semshae@yahoo.com Website: http://www.semshae.org/Semshae song samples are available on MySpace

Looking at the World with Eyes of Compassion by Giovanni Vassallo Photos by John Amato (Venerable Khenpo Kunzang from Kagyu Droden Kunchab and Venerable Geshe Lobsang Khenrab from Nechung Buddhist Center offer the Tibet Day 2009 opening blessing prayers) (Dec. 7, 2009) Over five hundred people attended the 24th Annual Tibet Day fair held at Ft. Mason, San Francisco on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at the Fort Mason Conference Center in San Francisco, California. It was an early celebration of the 20th Anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Prize for Peace, a Tibet Fest that included numerous Tibetan cultural performance artists, vendors, films, fun, food, and information. Highlighting the day were cultural performances by one of Tibet’s famous top ten popular and traditional musicians, Penpa Tsering (Pemsi) who had just come straight from India to attend the event. Author, activist, & dissident-writer, Canyon Sam, famed photographer Don Farber, and Kasur Tenzin N. Namgyal, former Chief Cabinet Member of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Tibetan Government-in-Exile addressed the gathering at different times throughout the day. Dozens of Tibetan nonprofit organizations such as the Nechung Buddhist Center graced the festival designed to simultaneously provide entertainment and education on the greater world of Tibet, Tibetans, Tibetan Buddhism. (BAFoT President Giovanni Vassallo speaks as popular musician Penpa Tsering “Pemsi” pays respect to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait.) The program began with the organizers and audience members lining up to offer a khata, a traditional Tibetan symbol of purity and good luck, to the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in an early celebration of the December 10th -20th Anniversary of the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Prize for Peace. A festive Tibetan rice dish, dresil was served. Numerous people expressed their appreciation and devotion paid their respects including by prostrating themselves toward the Dalai Lama’s picture. Prior to khata presentations, a beautiful portrait of the Dalai Lama by Michael Collopy that was provided by Vice President of Committee of 100 for Tibet and Executive Director of The Missing Peace Project Darlene Markovich, was displayed on the stage’s altar set for the festival. (Katie Ferrick reads Congresswoman Jackie Speier’s Tibet Day statement) Later, Katie Graves Ferrick, a Field Representative from the Office of Congresswoman Jackie Speier read a statement from the Congresswoman to the Tibetan festival attendees. “I am honored to have been invited to address Friends of Tibet …” was read. “This special day reminds us that there is much to celebrate in the rich, vibrant culture of the Tibetan people. However, it is also a day for reflection as we consider the deplorable treatment of the Tibetan people in their homeland. It is at the forefront of our U.S. foreign policy on human rights that we continue, with fierce determination to promote a free Tibet.” Congresswoman Speier reminded us of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s advice “never to allow the actions of a few mischievous people to color our views of an entire ethnic or religious group. I will hold the messages from His Holiness dear as I go forward in my work in the United States Congress and as we mark International Human Rights Day…Thank you to… Bay Area Friends of Tibet for your passionate dedication to ensuring that the democratic values we hold dear are always carried forward.” Congresswoman Jackie Speier's statement also noted that the "deplorable condition and treatment of the Tibetan people shocks our global sensibilities...It is absolutely at the forefront of our U.S. foreign policy on human rights that we continue , with fierce determination, to promote a free Tibet." Field Representative Ferrick was warmly welcomed at the Tibet Day festival. (The Dharma Bums sing “Rangzen”) All day there were several entertaining musical and dance performances by diverse groups of American, Tibetan, Burmese and other artists. They all were united in expressing solidarity with the struggle of the people of Tibet and joined the organizers “Looking at the World with Eyes of Compassion.” (Tibetan vendor, Dorji Lama, owns the original Tibet Shop in San Francisco, smiles during the Tibet Day festival) Hundreds of people sampled Tibetan momos and Tibetan and human rights activists tabled information about various facets of the just cause of Tibet. Over 30 local Tibetan business or Tibetan and human rights organizations were represented at the event. Tibetan Buddhist centers such as the Tibetan Nyingma Institute were on hand to provide information to the public about their service activities. (Eating Tibetan momos and enjoying the cultural performances) The event included an afternoon panel discussion with a former president of Bay Area Friends of Tibet, Thepo Tulku and George Ge, a Han Chinese and former student democracy activist leader. It was moderated by Giovanni Vassallo. Back in September of 2003, His Holiness had given guidance to the BAFoT board that one of the most important things that the Friends of Tibet could do was to work to bridge the gap in understanding that exists between Chinese and Tibetan people. The panelists stressed the importance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s work to promote peace and friendship and understanding between the two peoples. Thepo Tulku talked about caring and sharing and working together with Chinese and Tibetan friends on the basis of mutual trust. Mr. Ge expressed special admiration for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s peaceful efforts and Middle Way Approach. He reminded us of the extreme fear that exists in some Chinese minds, “because they have been brainwashed…by the Chinese government.” He encouraged everyone to work together and never give up on the possibility of true and lasting friendships between the two peoples. Later the moderator asked the audience for comments or questions on the topic. Amongst the comments, one audience member mentioned that “jumper cables” were needed. The moderator, a former Tibetan Buddhist monk, agreed. “Yes, we need jumper cables between the two people,” he said. We can give life to a good friendship between the Chinese and Tibet people by building such a connection. But, that spark to ignite the cable of the friendship must come from generating one’s own warm and compassionate heart and especially by paying attention to each other,” A few audience members could be seen nodding their heads in agreement. He continued, “Good friends pay close attention to each other.” Afterwards, some laughs were had because, the commenting audience member, a performer from the Dharma Bums and friend of the moderator, actually needed real automobile jumper cables to start his stalled car in the venue’s parking lot! Compassionate volunteers stepped into quick action and provided assistance. (Thepo Tulku, George Ge, and Giovanni Vassallo discuss friendship and understanding between the Chinese and Tibetan people) Three films were each played twice during the day: Tibet: Murder in the Snow, Recalling a Buddha: Memories of the 16th Karmapa, and Journey to Nangchen. The filmmakers of these documentaries, Greg Eller, and BAFOT secretary Barbara Green were on hand to answer questions about them. (Recalling a Buddha: Memories of Sixteenth Karmapa, Tibet: Murder in the Snow, and Journey to Nangchen played twice throughout the day at Tibet Day on December 5, 2009) Yangchen Lhamo of Students for a Free Tibet gave updates on the most current and urgent political campaigns, including some for the release of Tibet’s political prisoners. She spoke about the recent executions of Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak and other Tibetans. (Susan Shannon, Director of Thukje Choling Buddhist Center, assists a fair-goer on making a Tibetan prayer flag) A silent slide show was played continuously in the main exhibit room that gave visual education to the public about some of the 2008 & 2009 activities of Bay Area Friends of Tibet. It was interspersed with images expressing Tibetan and American solidarity with Chinese people who faced oppression as well as with other images of current Tibetan political prisoners such as the 11th Panchen Lama, missing since 1995. (Tibet Day volunteers, Sonam Lhamo, BAFoT board member Tsering Vassallo and Tashi Lhamo) An evening concert included delightful performances by local Tibetan youth artists, Semshug Pundha. Pemsi wowed the crowd with his new songs. He sung Jetsun Pema, a song about the Dalai Lama’s sister. Tsering Wangmo and her students performed traditional songs. The Dharma Bums also sang songs about Tibet, Buddhism, and the Dalai Lama, as well as on Tibetan freedom. South African Bushman Gideon Bendile and friend of Tibet performed his signature song from the movie, the Lion King and a delightful wondrous Burmese dancing performance by Kalayar Bertecivch and the Burmese Youth Association were given. Elegantly leading a final Tibetan gorshay dance was Tsering Wangmo with her many Tibetan dance students. (The Sogan Foundation presentation table at 24th Annual Tibet Day) Proceeds from the event were earmarked to help BAFoT continue its mission to educate the public about Tibet. Sharon Bacon, The Committee of 100 for Tibet, Third Eye Travel, the University of San Francisco’s religious studies class taught by Prof. John Nelson, and The Dalai Lama Foundation, and Giovanni and Tsering Vassallo were cosponsors of the eleven hours-long program. The organizers thanked the sponsors and the many volunteers for their important contributions. (Tenzin N. Tethong, President of The Dalai Lama Foundation, spoke about the importance of Friends of Tibet.) (Wakaido Taiko enlivened the crowd and expressed solidarity with the Tibetan people) More photographs ABOUT BAY AREA FRIENDS OF TIBET Founded in 1983, BAFoT is a non-sectarian, non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization and is the US West Coast's original Tibet support group. BAFoT educates the public about Tibet and the Tibetan people; organizes grassroots projects and events to benefit Tibetans locally and internationally. BAFoT organizes events in cooperation with local, national, or international Tibetan groups or individuals.

Date: Friday, December 4, 2009 - 11:00pm Location: Fort Mason in San Francisco

Date: Thursday, December 3, 2009 - 6:00pm to 7:45pm Location: Presentation Theater, USF2350 Turk St. (near Masonic), San Francisco

Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009 - 5:00pm to Sunday, November 22, 2009 - 1:00am Location: Historic Sweet’s Ballroom, 1933 Broadway, Oakland, CA Please join us for this very special evening with Chaksam-Pa. DATE: November 21, 2009TIME: 6 p.m. – 2 a.m.LOCATION: Historic Sweet’s Ballroom, 1933 Broadway, Oakland, Ca.TICKETS: Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at the door or ordered in advance at www.chaksampa.org

You are Cordially Invited to Attend our 24th Anniversary of Tibet Day Community and Cultural Fair When: Saturday December 5, 2009 11 am to 7 pmEvening Performance 8pm to 11pm. Where:Fort Mason Conference Center(MAP)San Francisco DONATION: $10 Adults, $5 Children 12 and under.Free with current paid BAFoT membership Evening ConcertAdults $25, Kids & Seniors $15,$5 discount on Concert for daytime attendees. Pre-Tibet Day Documentaries and Concert December 3 7:00 - 8:45 PM Presentation Theater, USF 2350 Turk St. (near Masonic) San Francisco Bay Area Friends of Tibet is pleased to announce a grand celebration of all things Tibetan in San Francisco. Tibet Day is the Bay Area's annual traditional celebration of Tibetan art, politics, culture, and music! Experience the Tibetan culture up close and support the survival of this extraordinary civilization. Celebrate shared interests with expected Chinese, American, Burmese, Taiwanese, Uyghur, Mongolian, Himalayan, and other American friends. Join Tibetans and supporters “Looking at the World through Eyes of Compassion.” The 24th Annual Tibet Day will feature delicious Tibetan cuisine, political updates from behind the "red dragon" curtain, Tibetan authors, lectures, and expected performances of traditional Tibetan music and dance, such as pop music artist Pemsi straight from India, Tsering Wangmo & students, the Sodro group, and the Dharma Bums. Also, world‐famous South African singer Gideon Bendile, from the Lion King movie will perform. Hundreds of one‐of‐a‐kind handicrafts, including jewelry, clothing, rugs, and ritual objects will be available to admire and purchase. Meet prominent Tibetan activists, learn about cultural, environmental, and political Meet Artist‐photographer Don Farber, and enchant yourself with his new brilliant photography book, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He will also have a new Tibetan Life 2010 Tibet Fund Calendar. Also meet Attorney Dennis Cusack, Chairman of the International Tibet Support Network and author of Tibet’s War of Peace, Producer‐Director Gregg Eller and his new film, Recalling a Buddha, and Author/activist Canyon Sam, who will speak about her new book, Sky Train: Tibetan Women on the Edge of History. Join us in experiencing Tibet’s warm people and its beautiful and intriguing culture. Proceeds from Tibet Day will go towards helping BAFoT continue to support education and awareness about Tibet and providing assistance for the Tibetan cause.

Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2009 - 5:00pm Location: San Francisco Main Library Koret Auditorium Canyon's web site: www.canyonsam.com

Date: Friday, October 30, 2009 - 11:00am to 2:00pm Location: Chinese Consulate, San Francisco