Eunkoo’s Birthday Fundraiser

Dear FSI Supporters and Friends,

As my birthday approaches on February 10, 2024, I reflect on the journey we've embarked on with Freedom Speakers International (FSI). While I plan to celebrate this special day with my family and close colleagues, my heart is with the FSI community.

Thanks to your support, FSI has flourished beyond my expectations. We all started as volunteers, but now we have paid staff. We have hosted international speech events globally, from the USA to the UK and Switzerland, and of course in South Korea.

The dream of hosting our speech contest at HARVARD University, which Casey suggested several years ago, is now about to become a reality on April 13th

We struggled so much in FSI's early years that I could not have imagined this day would come. Next month I will join Casey as he leads his third workshop at the Harvard Graduate School of Education AOCC.

As we gear up for these special events, your support is more important than ever. This year, instead of traditional birthday celebrations, I'm dedicating my day to furthering our mission at FSI. I invite you to join me in making this dream a reality.

With heartfelt thanks,

Eunkoo Lee

Freedom Speakers International (FSI) is making plans to return to Harvard University in April 2025.

On April 12, 2024, FSI held its 19th "I am from North Korea" English Speech Contest at Harvard University. Seven North Korean refugees gave original speeches in English telling their stories before more than 100 Harvard University students.

In 2025, we plan to make the contest even more dynamic, and you can help make it happen.   

With the support of donors, we have empowered numerous North Korean refugees to achieve their goals in life.

Tuition-free mentorship for public speaking in English is at the core of our operations. 

Continued and increased support for our flagship events and core programs will help us:

Increase the impact of our biannual “I am from North Korea” Speech Contest by transforming it into an international event.

Add more speakers to our North Korean Refugee Keynote Speakers Network, reaching a goal of 50 publicly listed speakers.

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About our Sponsorship Levels

Platinum Patrons: Donation/fundraising of $5,000 or more. Your name/organizational logo can be included on a sponsor banner and also on the main banner for the contest, all marketing materials, FSI Website, and post on social media. Platinum Patrons will be mentioned during the speech contest and Q&A session.

Gold Sponsors: Donation/fundraising of $2,000 – $4,999. Your name/organizational logo will be included on the sponsor or main banner (they will be accepted on the main banner until we run out of space), all marketing materials, FSI Website, and post on social media. Gold sponsors will be mentioned during the Q&A session or the speech contest.

Silver Supporters: Donation/fundraising of $1,000 – $1,999. Your name/organizational logo will be included in all materials, FSI Website, and post on social media.

Bronze Benefactors: Donation/fundraising of $500 – $999. Your name/organizational logo will be included on our website and selected materials related to the speech contest.

Sapphire Supporters: Donation/fundraising of $200 – $499. Your name/organizational logo will be included on our website and one document related to the speech contest.

Copper Contributors: Donation/fundraising $100 – $199. Your name/organizational logo will be included on our website.

Please let us know if you would like to donate anonymously, use a different name, or donate in honor of someone else.

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Here are some of our recent activities at Harvard University and in Harvard Square during 2024.

• ​​​​March 2, 2024, Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) Alumni of Color Conference (AOCC), 3:30-4:30 pm
• March 27, Harvard Club of Broward County
• March 28, Harvard Club of Naples
• April 13, Freedom Speakers International 19th "I am from North Korea" English Speech Contest (19th edition)
• September 26, "Cheers and Chatter" reception at the Harvard Graduate School of Education
• September 28, 2024, "Voices from North Korea" Talk Concert during the Ministry of Unification's "Escape for Liberty."

If you prefer not to be associated with Harvard University, that's perfectly fine! Feel free to contact me, and we can collaborate to expand FSI's by activating your preferred network.