Today's White House meeting between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and President Obama adds considerable momentum and energy to our work.

Coming on the heels of the ninth round of dialogue between the Dalai Lama's envoys and China, the time could not be better for us to forge ahead with our action plan for 2010 that I recently shared with you by email.

Reuters reported yesterday that Tibetans living near the birthplace of the Dalai Lama in northwest China welcomed today's meeting with a defiant show of fireworks. The article quotes several Tibetans in the region, including a monk named Johkang:

"My heart is filled with joy," said Johkang, showing off an enormous smile, standing at his monastery in this arid and mountainous part of the Qinghai province, which lies next to the official Tibet Autonomous Region.

"It is so important for us that this is happening, that the U.S. has not given in to threats and will meet our leader," added the monk, who like many ethnic Tibetans goes only by one name.

Today's meeting is vivid proof that together we can make a difference and move forward to the benefit of the Tibetan people. And together, we can ensure that we are able to make the most of the events and opportunities ahead.

Take action by thanking President Obama for meeting with the Dalai Lama, and encourage him to make real progress for Tibet this year.

Source: International Campaign for Tibet