Come to the National Tents of Hope Event  November 7-9

Join us at the Gathering of the Tents of Hope on the National Mall in Washington DC

Why?  Because it will be the largest demonstration this year of our commitment to stop the genocide in Darfur, with the convergence of three major events:
  • the national student STAND conference
  • the national SAVE DARFUR activist conference
  • the national TENTS of HOPE event. 
  • There will be exciting speakers, tours, entertainment, a display of 500 gorgeous tents from around the country, and Darfur demonstrations, and a benefit concert.

    • Traveling to DC with the MA Coalition -- Sign up before October 14


    After comparing costs against anticipated demand, we have determined the most cost effective way to go to D.C. is to drive – including the cost of renting a van. Driving will also allow more flexibility for departure times and event participation.
    • The cost will be approximately $75 per person (exact amount will be based on actual numbers going).  If you can donate the use of a vehicle, particularly a 5, 6, or 7 passenger vehicle, the cost will of course be less.  We may need you to share the driving if you are able.
    • Departures from the Boston area (probably Newton or Waltham, close to Rte. 128) will be early Friday a.m., November 7 – allowing participation all day Saturday and Sunday (staying 2 nights) OR early Saturday a.m., November 8 – allowing participation late Saturday p.m. and Sunday (staying 1 night).  
    • We will leave D.C. late in the afternoon on Sunday.  
    • Please sign up no later than October 14 so we can secure vehicle rentals at these prices. 
    • If you have a tent to send but are not actually going yourself, please let us know this too. (Note: unless prior arrangements are made, we can only take tents on the Friday departure).  We may ask for a modest amount to help defray costs.
    • Please send the following information to Jeff Govendo at jgovendo@verizon.net on or before October 14.
      - Name
      - Address
      - Tel. nos. (home, work, cell)
      - email address
      - Friday or Saturday departure?
      - Bringing a tent with you? or more than one - how many?)
      - Sending a tent? (but not going yourself)
      - Will you be driving your own vehicle? (and able to take others)
      - Can you share in driving?
      - Any other pertinent information?
    • When we have collected this information, we will notify you with details. 

    Lodging in DC

    We're keeping this simple. Make your own reservations or stay with friends in the area
    • We have a block of rooms reserved for Tents of Hope participants at The Liaison Hotel, located at 415 New Jersey Ave. NW in Washington DC.  Participants who make reservations before October 6 may secure rooms from Nov 7-9 at a rate of $109/night (double occupancy; fee for additional people).  Simply call 1-866-AFFINIA (866-233-4642) and ask to be part of the Tents of Hope room block.  You may also email reservation requests to reservations@affinia.com.   For details about the hotel and its amenities, visit www.affinia.com. 
    • The Save Darfur conference is also sharing their rate of $129 at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel, using the code DAR117, by calling or going to their website www.lenfantplazahotel.com. 

    General information

    • If you are bringing a tent, be sure to register with the national coordinator for Tents of Hope at www.TentsOfHope.org so that space will be reserved for you on the Mall, along with tents from communities across the country.
    • It's not too late to create your own tent. If your community or school wishes to organize a Tents of Hope event please contact Leena at LPMATOH@gmail.com.
    • Helpful links for Tents of Hope - Flyer for Tents Of Hope, Community Package, Curriculum Package, Videofrom the MA kick-off event, featuring Congressman James McGovern and renowned Sudanese-American artist and Boston College faculty member Khalid Kodi.