"America's influence is not unlimited, but fortunately for the oppressed, America's influence is considerable, and we will use it confidently in freedom's cause... All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors".- George W. Bush, Inaugural Address, January 20, 2005.

May we ask you for three minutes to help end the suffering in Darfur? It really is quick and easy. (It will take three minutes if you click on the Save Darfur site and follow the link to send a message to President Bush and Congress or six minutes if you read this entire email message.)

We are grateful for your support of our efforts to stop the violence against innocent civilians in Darfur. As you know, the world is sitting on its hands while women and children are being raped, tortured, and butchered in Darfur. We can, and we must, end this.

The most effective tool we have for ceasing the genocide is to let the president know that Americans care. The Save Darfur Coalition has created a very powerful, yet simple, system for you to communicate with our elected officials. (There is no charge for using it.)

You may send any message you wish. The draft we offer asks for the U.S. to support a strong resolution in the United Nations Security Council.

We are asking you to do this now, because this week marks our 100 Hours of Conscience: Voices to End the Violence campaign. Raising awareness across the U.S. and Canada, this program educates people about the crisis and gives them tools for taking action. The effort is designed to demonstrate to our leaders the importance we place in acting compassionately on our proclaimed moral and international leadership.

With a minute of silence at 3 p.m. on Thursday, college campuses across North America will usher in four days of community programs to educate individuals, mobilize public opinion, and take effective action. The heart of 100 Hours of Conscience is a letter-writing campaign in which participants express their commitment to the U.S. taking leadership to end the violence. We know it is within the power of our public officials to end the violence; they will take the necessary steps when they understand that we care about this.We hope that you will be able to join us. Please remember your voice is needed, and will be effective, in ending the violence. Together, we will ease the suffering of the people of Darfur.

For more information, please visit the Save Darfur Website. And if you haven't done so yet, please send a message to President Bush and Congress.