Iranian dissident Tahmineh Dehbozorgi is honoring her family’s past by speaking out for America’s future.

It’s easy in an election year to despair of American democracy, to bewail the flaws in the voting system, and to agonize over misinformation campaigns and the “fake news” accusations from bombastic public figures. But as a foreign student, even the divisive discourse of the election season seems to prove the lasting power of American liberty: At least here, people still remember how to fight for their right to speak.

Over 80 human rights organizations sign joint statement urging government action in response to latest arrest warrants and bounties on Hong Kong pro-democracy activists

At this month’s APEC summit, the Chinese government organized goon squads to harass pro-democracy activists who were protesting Xi Jinping.

Any attempt to correct Hamas extremism is silenced in college and dismissed as “Islamophobic”

We are thrilled to announce that the Dissident Project has been selected as a finalist for the Gregor G. Peterson Prize in Venture Philanthropy, a $250,000 annual award given to a "trailblazing start-up in the non-profit sector."

We interrupt the regularly scheduled program with an exciting announcement! The Dissident Project has been nominated for the Gregor G. Peterson Prize in Venture Philanthropy and has advanced to the final round of consideration.

From my experience, I can tell you patriotism is not a dirty word. Pride of country is essential to solving any issues we have in our country. Without a sense of commitment for the place we call home, we’re doomed to rapid decline.

With her eyes wide open, going back to her old life and beliefs was no longer an option. Although she could not change her upbringing, she was determined to share her revelation with the world in the hopes that her testimony would promote freedom and equality on a global scale.

Please welcome our new speaker - Seohyun Lee!

“Nothing of value comes without sacrifice,” Evan said. “Every freedom we have in the United States was bought and paid for by somebody. If we do not continue to protect it, we will have to pay that price someday.”

At the Dissident Project we are committed to sending our speakers to high schools across the country in person. That human interaction is vital for the speakers to connect with students and deliver their message of freedom. Their stories must be heard and considered if the next generation of Americans has a chance of taking seriously the growing threat of authoritarianism.

Last month, we hosted our Dissident Summit in which we trained and welcomed new faces to our team. We interviewed a few from the new class to offer you an inside look at how the summit went and what it was like for the speakers to come together for the first time.

Welcome back to your monthly Dissident Project update, where I give you a quick rundown on who's been where, who they impacted, and what's in development! I know you've been on the edge of your seat, so let's jump right in.

Blind to the privileges and freedoms we enjoy, we insist we deserve more. Meanwhile, men like Angesom sacrifice everything to get a taste of freedom.

Hear how Frances fought against the Chinese government in Hong Kong, and is now passionate about raising awareness for freedom and liberty!

Hear how Angesom escaped the brutal regime in Eritrea.

Hear how Grace fled North Korea.