April Updates!
Hello again, friends.
It’s your favorite Program Associate, with a fresh update from the last month’s activities at the Dissident Project. May is officially here, and we are wrapping up the 2024-25 school year in strong form. Let’s dive into some highlights:
Shay Khatiri in the National Review
Shay Khatiri’s article "Khamenei’s Last Hope" was featured in the latest issue of the National Review, where he examines the precarious position of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, as he confronts both internal dissent and external pressures. In essence, Khatiri portrays Khamenei's current nuclear strategy as a desperate measure to maintain control, emphasizing the importance of international support for Iranian reformist and opposition groups to capitalize on this moment of vulnerability. Read the full article here and on our Dissident Project Blog.
“The regime’s economic policy is full of contradictions. Its communistic structure results in the distribution of poverty. Always fearful of war and sanctions, it has a bias for domestic production and against foreign imports (a ruinous policy).”
Gabriela Blanco Interviewed by Young Americans Against Socialism
Just two months after launching the Dissident Project Media Fellowship, we have already seen incredible returns. Between articles, social media posts, and interviews, our fellows have begun to build a platform where they can spread their message of liberty to audiences beyond the classroom.
Gaby Blanco, our Dissident Project Media Fellow, was interviewed by Young Americans Against Socialism, where she shared her testimony about surviving Castro’s communist regime. By bringing stories like Gaby’s to the audiences of other organizations which stand against tyranny, our Dissident’s voices are amplified in their reach and impact. Read the full interview here!
April Speech Highlights
We had a full slate of speeches this month, featuring some familiar faces. Let’s dive into some highlights:
Janna Blanter had a busy month, visiting two schools and giving one virtual presentation, reaching over 200 students in the process. Our good friend Chris Krebs at Barnesville Academy WI, had this to say about her speech: Once again, we were fortunate to have a guest speaker with the gravity and message of liberty and freedom that Janna brought with her for our students. She had a very polished slide show, and was patient and understanding when it came time to have students ask questions. It was an eye-opener for many of the children in the room. It was extremely powerful for our rather fortunate students to see, once again, what things are like outside their little bubbles.
Alvin Guo spoke to over 100 students at Itineris Early College High School in Utah. His host, Hunter Lindsey said, The event was great! The students were fascinated! I’ll definitely invite Alvin back. I’d also be interested in having more dissidents come and share their stories.
Golbon Marandiz traveled to Clearview high School in Loraine, OH, speaking to a group of over 200 students. Dawn Maze said, It was wonderful. Golbon did an amazing job, the kids were very engaged. She was so sweet and answered lots of questions. I would love to do this again next year. I'm so grateful for everything that the Dissident Project offers. Thank you and Golbon for everything.
Bring a Speaker to Your School
Do you know of teachers or organizations that would be interested in hosting a dissident? We would be delighted to send speakers their way. Put us in contact by submitting a request through our booking form, or you can email Charlie directly at charlie@joinyv.org.
Thank you, as always, for your support. See you next month, same place, same time.
– Charlie
