Reebok Award Winners Network, an international organization dedicated to the respect of human rights, is seeking contacts with journalists around the world who share the network's concern for rights issues.

African and Latin American journalists are especially sought by the group, known as RAW Network. The network intends that the journalists would compose stories about human rights abuses as well as RAW Network's advocacy in such situations.

RAW Network knits together the recipients of the Reebok Award for Human Rights--there have been 56 recipients from 25 countries since 1988. The network offers these activists the technical assistance, information and contacts they need to more effectively advocate for the many causes they represent. Bonded labor, domestic violence and environmental racism are only a few of the issues that network members are tackling, according to Megan Eliot of the nonprofit network's headquarters in New York.

Among the network's services to its members are "mini-grants" that permit members in remote regions to have access to e-mail, the Internet and other technological communications tools. The network helps members share successful strategies and allows them to advocate for one another in times of trouble. The network's Action Brief offers training opportunities, funding resources and tips on enlisting the United Nations and news media.

The network also campaigns for the release of members who are prisoners of conscience. Such campaigns are now being waged on behalf of the Venerable Phuntsok Nyidron, a Tibetan Buddhist nun, ailing in the prison where she was sent in 1989 at age 24 for engaging in a peaceful protest for Tibetan independence. Another is Ma Thida, a Burmese doctor who, because of her pro-democracy writings and activities, was sentenced in 1993 to 20 years in prison, where she, too, is ill and in solitary confinement.

RAW Network is not affiliated with Reebok International, although the company did supply modest start-up funds. Journalists and others who want to know more about the network can visit the web site or contact Reebok Award Winners Network, 333 Seventh Avenue, 13th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10001 U.S.A. Tel: (212) 845-5273. Fax: (212) 253-4244. E-mail: rawnet@rawnet.org. Web site: http://www.rawnet.org