About

Our History

Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) was founded in New York City in 1994 by a group of Tibetans and young students and supporters. The concept of SFT was borne from the understanding of the critical role students and young people have played in freedom struggles throughout history.

1994

Founded in New York City

35+

Countries with an SFT presence

650+

High school, university, and community chapters

Since that time, SFT has grown into an international network of students and non-students in more than 35 countries. Today, we have more than 650 high school, university and community chapters and full-time staff at our Headquarters in New York, and staff at our National offices in India and Canada.

John Hocevar, SFT's first Executive Director, in front of the Potala Palace. — John Hocevar, SFT’s first Executive Director, in front of the Potala Palace.

SFT has campaigned for and helped secure the safe release of Shokjang and numerous other political prisoners, and led campaigns that have cost the Chinese Government billions of dollars. Whenever Chinese leaders visit other countries, whenever China hopes to solicit foreign funding for their genocidal projects in Tibet, and whenever China tries to cover up the truth about Tibet, SFT is there!