Myanmar had a military coup on 1st Feb 2021 and a nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) has ignited with millions on the streets in protest.
If you want to support the movement through a trusted channel then please click donate now.
Background
After a landslide win (~85%) in November by the NLD government the military arrested ASSK and the president (unconstitutionally) and a number of political leaders plus an Australian professor (Sean Turnell) who advises ASSK on the economy.
They declared a state of emergency for a year and the arrests and shootings continue to get worse. They also cut the internet every night and whenever suits them (as well as telecommunications sometimes).
The have brought in an 8pm curfew.
The people have responded with an overwhelming rejection of the coup. There are mass protests and a national Civil Disobedience Movement encouraging all civil servants to boycott work under the military. Lots of people aren't going to work and I was proud to see many people I worked with boycotting the military and risking their very senior roles.
My feed is full of hundreds of thousands of people on the streets and a campaign of banging pots each night to drive our the evil. Unfortunately it also has horrific and gruesome images at times from the police and military use of brutal and deadly force.
The protests are great for solidarity and to show numbers.. Especially the 22.02.2021 (22222) national general strike. However, it is innovative and smart civil disobedience (as opposed to marching down streets) that can win the fight and they are showing a real understanding of this, as well as incredible discipline.
This video really captures the Gen Z angle on this. They may just be the key to winning.
Non-Violent Civil Disobedience (NVCD)
Basically the research shows that NVCD has succeeded everytime that they have engaged 3.5% of the population or more in active participation in an ongoing campaign that follows Non Violent Civil Disobedience. For anyone new to it you can look up Gene Sharp and Erica Chennoweth for academic work showing how effective it is, how it works, why it is effective and how to do it.
Brief Ted Talk by Erica Chennoweth re how the data shows NVCD works best:
https://youtu.be/YJSehRlU34w
Long version from 2020:
Article on success factors: http://politicalviolenceataglance.org/2016/11/15/how-can-we-know-when-popular-movements-are-winning-look-to-these-four-trends/
Fundraiser
I'm setting this fundraiser up mostly for foreigners who want to contribute monthly to have a trusted channel. I lived and worked in Myanmar for most of 2015 - 2018 and I have a deep and abiding love the the people and the country. I have been studying Burmese at University since i returned with the intention to become a Myanmar specialist. My work there was running a $2+M AUD DFAT funded health systems project. I'm an Aid and Development Professional and I also have my own registered charity in Australia (previously focused on Cambodia). I also happen to have studied and trained in Civil Disobedience and know it's the way to go.
I will ensure that 100% of donations (minus whatever the donation platform keeps) go to local organisers who will decide how best to use it locally. If i've learned anything in this work it's that local people usually know what needs to be done and how to do it. Research also is clear that cash donations in emergencies are much more effective than other options (this includes specific research i have read on past Emergencies in Myanmar).
Implementation
My contacts on the ground are experienced professionals with extensive networks and they have set up a strong team and a sophisticated transfer and distribution system. I'd trust my main contact with my life and the lives of my children.
If i've learned anything in this work it's that local people usually know what needs to be done and how to do it. Research also is clear that cash donations in emergencies are much more effective than other options.
The main use is to help support the lower paid government staff who are boycotting work under the military. It could also be used to support free medical for those protesting or any number of other things. We'll report back here what it does get used for
Donations
All donations will go to Empowering Communities ANZ Bank account in Australia and then be transferred to Myanmar via trusted people.
Here is our Australian Charity Registration:
https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/842e4ec1a56b5476b408ad93b5c81420
Twitter: @davidnbacon
https://www.facebook.com/davidnbacon
https://www.facebook.com/EmpoweringCommunitiesInc
