Whistleblower Summit for Civil and Human Rights Returns To Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON, July 29, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- ACORN 8 and the Federally Employed Women-Legal Education Fund (FEW/LEF) will co-host this year's Whistleblower Summit for Civil & Human Rights on July 29-31, 2013. Over the last seven years members from the Make it Safe Coalition (MISC) have arranged an assembly of whistleblowers in Washington, DC each year for an annual conference originally known as Washington Whistleblower's Week. For more information see (www.acorn8.com)

Join us at the National Press Club from 9:00 AM—11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 on "National Whistleblower Appreciation Day" for a frank discussion about whistleblowing under the age of Obama—from Julian Assange and Wikileaks to Edward Snowden and Prism with Tom Devine, Government Accountability Project; Steve Kohn, National Whistleblower Center, Amanda Farrand, Participant Media and Michael McCray, host of "The Fifth Estate" on Pacifica Radio.

The general public, all whistleblowers and their advocates, as well as the entire civil rights community are invited to participate. This conference theme is Whistleblowing Affects Everyone. From Black Farmers and USDA employees who report "pink slime" in our food supply, to NSA whistleblowers reporting domestic surveillance on the American people—Whistleblowers Protect People. The Pacifica Foundation continues their historic support of whistleblowers and Gloria Minott, Public Affairs Director for WPFW will moderate this year's event.

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia Fudge (D-OH), Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) will be honored with a Pillar Human Rights Award for International Persons of Conscience. We will also recognize journalists with Pillar Awards this year; Rob Kall will be honored for OpEd News (New Media) and a posthumous award goes to Ambrose Lane (Journalist) host of "We Ourselves" on WPFW. The Pillar is awarded to notable civil and human rights champions; previous recipients include Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI), Senator Charles "Chuck" Grassley (R-IA) and Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO).

The event will open with a Whistleblower Assembly at the Stewart R. Mott House on Capitol Hill including a symbolic "Empty Chair" welcome honoring courageous whistleblowers who cannot be present due to retaliatory imprisonment, untimely death or increased prosecution under the Obama Administration. The Whistleblower Summit will include workshops, panel discussions and a luncheon to support National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. The conference will also feature a Book Signing and Film Screening at Busboys and Poets.

Contact:
Marcel Reid (703) 743-0564
(www.acorn8.com)

SOURCE Whistleblower Summit