Click here to find your representative and/or members of the

Education and Labor and Foreign Affairs Committees.

Please e-mail the representatives directly or call, fax or snail-mail a letter (see sample below). You can contact as many of the reprentatives as you like (they don't have to be in your district/state).  If you are contacting just a few, please make sure to contact each chairman of the two committees.

Please contact the committee members asking them to support Josh's bill. Your message can be short and brief - state your name - mention where you live - explain your relationship to Josh - ask the representative and members of the committees to support a hearing for bill HR 1861.

 Here is a sample message:

Dear Honorable Representative,

I’m writing in support of the Joshua Haglund Justice and Peace Act of 2007. I believe in Josh’s vision of spreading peace, understanding, and education in the world. Josh's efforts were cut tragically short, but by supporting bill H.R. 1861, we can prolong Josh's vital life work and vision through alternate channels. Joshua was a man of peace and compassion offering service to those in need, I believe these are some of the most important qualities America can offer the world. I commend you for your work on the proposed legislation and express my unequivocal support for bill H.R. 1861. This legislation further helps to promote respect for human rights by seeking justice for Joshua's untimely death. Thank you for supporting The Joshua Haglund Justice and Peace Act of 2007.

When supporters of  H.R. 1861 call, send messages or visit their representatives and senators it sends a powerful message of action to support Joshua's legacy of peace and international understanding. We thank you whole heartedly  for your efforts and support !

In Peace, Haglund Family

Supporters can view further information about the bill, H.R. 1861 by visiting: www.house.gov

At this page, under the heading  "Legislative Resources" click on " Find A Bill"  then click " Search Thomas by bill text or number"  finally type in H.R. 1861 to see the full details of the bill.

Joshua Haglund

1971 – 2004

Joshua Haglund graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1995. While at the University, he was actively involved with the  Learning Abroad Center. Josh's commitment to international and cultural education led him to dedicate his life to working for a better world with a vision of peace and understanding among all people.

After graduation, Joshua traveled through Asia, Europe, Central America, and the Middle East. His passion for service and learning led him to teach in inner-city schools in the United States as well as in Japan, India and Puerto Rico. He lived with a love of languages and cultures and spoke Spanish, Japanese and Hindi. In 2001, Josh moved to Toronto, Ontario to study at the University of Toronto. He attended the Institute for Studies in Education earning a Master’s of Education in Second Language Education. Upon completion of his Master’s program, Joshua taught English at both the University of Toronto and Seneca College. He had articles on teaching published in the Canadian Modern Language Review.

In 2003, Joshua was sent to teach English, American Culture and democratic principles to the people of Armenia as part of the English Language Fellow Program (ELF), a U.S. State Department program, coordinated by the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont. He was one of the first American teachers to serve in Armenia, the former republic of the Soviet Union, located east of Turkey, which became an independent nation in 1991.

Returning to Armenia from a regional ELF conference in the neighboring country of Georgia, Josh encountered a stray puppy being mistreated by some border guards. He was moved to intervene on behalf of the poor animal and was able to convince the guards to allow him to bring the puppy into Armenia with him. Josh moved to three different homes in order to accommodate this new family member, convincing uninviting landladies that the dog would not cause additional troubles for them. In order to bring the puppy home on his last visit to his family in Minnesota, in April 2004, Josh went through an involved process of getting a dog passport and then hand carrying her through many transitions and time zones as they journeyed half way around the world together. Joshua's dog, Shakari, which means sugar in Georgian, continues to keep Joshua's mother engaged while adapting to suburban life with ardor and her gypsy spirit shining through. On May 17, 2004, just days before completing his State Department Fellowship, Joshua was brutally murdered outside his apartment in Yerevan, Armenia. The investigation continues today as his family leads a painful and difficult search for justice. Joshua was an enthusiastic, dedicated and experienced language instructor. He was known for developing challenging, yet interesting materials while using authentic sources focused on his student’s needs and interests. Joshua adapted easily to diverse cultures and was very sensitive to the needs of individual students. Josh had great passion in teaching students and enhancing their lives. He was a peacemaker and a man who lived his life committed to helping others. You are invited to read Josh's blog to gain a fuller perspective of the inspiring life Josh lived. May his service to others, teaching, and great compassion be Joshua’s lasting legacy.