Attention NPC Members! Take a Moment To Help Free Jason
The National Press Club has long distinguished itself as the world's leading professional organization for journalists by speaking out for press freedom. We also hold programs and grant awards to defend the First Amendment.
Now you must do something personally to further the cause.
Sign a petition calling for the release of Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian from an Iranian jail here at http://chn.ge/1HOLUHz.
Ask friends and colleagues to do the same by using your e-mail, Facebook page, Twitter feed, Instagram or word of mouth. Reach out to at least five people.
Also, tell your friends to take five minutes to learn about Jason's situation through this Washington Post video: Post the video on your Facebook page.
You can make a difference by helping raise international attention to this situation.
On Feb. 17, when the National Press Club issued a worldwide press release calling on people to sign Jason's petition, more than 121,000 had signed to that point. As I write this blog post more than two weeks later, thanks to the efforts of the National Press Club and many other individuals and organizations, more than 157,000 people have signed. This is progress!
On Feb. 18, I used the @NPCPresident Twitter feed to call on people to sign the petition. So far, 76 people have retweeted it. I will tweet this call out once again. Will you retweet it so it reaches thousands?
On Thursday, March 12, the National Press Club will hold a news conference about Jason's situation. His brother and representatives of the Washington Post will attend. You can show your support by being there as well.
I said at my NPC Inaugural in January that, "Our profession needs us more than ever. As attacks against journalists intensify, we will push back harder than ever."
The Club is pushing back. Jason has been jailed since July. This situation has gone on for too long. No journalist should be jailed for doing his job.
Now it's your turn. You can help set Jason free.
Get busy.