Back in 1990 I was fortunate to be able to travel to Tibet on a trip led by Dr. Robert Thurman, a Tibetan Scholar, who was an old friend. Bob had been the very first Westerner ordained by the Dalai Lama as a Tibetan Buddhist monk and they remain close friends to this day. I had recently become a student of Buddhism and was very excited to have this opportunity. It was a life-changing experience, not only for me, but for my two teenage daughters who accompanied me.

I was horrified to see how Tibetans were persecuted and treated as second class citizens in their own country. I was equally horrified at the extreme deprivation of Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns who had dedicated their lives to the monastic path. Orphans and the elderly were starving and living in tent villages run by these dedicated monastics, even through the harsh Himalayan winters. Something needed to be done.

On my return Dr. Thurman asked me if I would consider starting a Tibetan support group in Arizona dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture and bringing aid to Tibetans inside Tibet and in Tibetan Refugee communities. Then with the support of several close friends I was able to found Arizona Friends of Tibet.

In 1993, in partnership with another Buddhist organization, Arizona Teachings, we were honored to host the Dalai Lama for five days of teachings. His Holiness fell in love with Tucson! We were honored to cohost His Holiness for five additional days of teachings in 2005.

From the very beginning, the mission of Arizona Friends of Tibet has been to manifest His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision of promoting basic human values as set forth in Tibetan culture, civilization and ancient Buddhist traditions. It is our belief that Tibetan culture has a lot to offer our western civilization. We also support the non-violent efforts of His Holiness to regain dignity and religious freedom for the Tibetan people. We live in a world of crisis and pain, and as an organization we are dedicated to following the Dalai Lama’s words “my religion is kindness.”

Since 1991, Arizona Friends of Tibet has been privileged to present many Tibetan Buddhist teachings, lectures, sand mandala creations, and other cultural events to the Arizona community. We also provide grants to worthy Tibetan Buddhist organizations including monastics monasteries, nunneries, orphanages, and elder homes.

In early 2020, just before the coronavirus pandemic halted our planned teachings and other programs for more than two years, we cohosted a Free Community Event at The Loft Cinema featuring the film “Precious Guru.” Almost every seat was full! Building on that enthusiastic response, in October 2023 we are hosting Tucson’s very first Tibetan Film Festival at The Loft Cinema. We are already planning exciting events for 2024 and beyond. I invite you to become a Friend and support our mission.

During most of AFOT’s existence I have been blessed to serve as President. I stepped down as President at the end of 2019 but remain on the Board as President Emerita. I am so pleased that we have such talented and strong Board members who can not only carry out our mission but who will enhance and broaden the efforts of our organization! My friend Khandro Noble became Interim President in January, 2020, followed by Ginger Applegarth (2021-2022) and now Steve Rosalik (2023-2024). Please welcome him as the new President of Arizona Friends of Tibet.

In 2021 Arizona Friends of Tibet celebrated 30 years of service to the Tibetan Buddhist community both at home and abroad, and our organization is stronger than ever. We look forward to celebrating this special anniversary with you, so please sign up for our email newsletter if you would like to be kept informed of upcoming events and happenings in the Tibetan Buddhist community online and (when it is safe) in Arizona.

Thank you all for your continuing commitment to AFOT. I look forward to the continued enrichment of our Arizona community.

— Peggy Hitchcock, President Emerita, Arizona Friends of Tibet