Don't stand by, STAND up
By: Serena Swanger
Issue date: 12/5/07 Section: Opinion & Viewpoint
- Page 1 of 1
STAND, a student-operated anti-genocide coalition, is creating a chapter at Moorpark College to create a way for the students to participate in the fight against genocide around the world.
Students often tend to ignore the current genocide in Darfur and the problem as a whole because they feel they do not have the means or the resources to fight it. However, this organization proves otherwise. Today, STAND is the fastest growing anti-genocide organization in the world, built and run by students.
"There is no better way to become informed about and involved in ending the genocide in Darfur and preventing future genocides than to get plugged in with the STAND network," claims STAND College New Chapter Outreach Coordinator Will McKeen.
The collation's website, STANDnow.org, is designed to easily guide those interested through the otherwise complicated process of getting involved in the cause.
The site divides involvement into five important elements: organize, educate, advocate, divest and publicize. In doing so, it teaches students how to take small but important steps towards putting a permanent stop to genocide around the world. Each category is thoroughly explained and gives tips on how each individual can take action to further the development of that element in the campaign.
The site also provides an abundance of other resources including current news, materials, upcoming events and legislative updates related to genocide. They even provide links to other relative organizations and websites to expand your knowledge on genocide and make it easier to get involved beyond STAND.
Today, STAND will begin conducting one of its most important annual events of the year: DarfurFast. Students around the world will ask their peers, families, and communities to join them by fasting from one luxury item for one day and donating the money they would have spent on those items to protect civilians in Darfur. The website continues to explain, "just three dollars-less than the cost of a latte-can provide protection for one woman for a year." In the past three years, the event raised over $400,000 and with the help of local students, it plans to raise even more this year. DarfurFast is just one example of how easy it is for students, and just about anyone, to get involved and do their part to end genocide.
While many humanitarian aid organizations have been forced to leave Darfur due to increasing danger, STAND and the Genocide Intervention Network have created a unique program to protect civilians called the Civilian Protection Program. 100% of donations will go towards this program and are entirely tax deductible. Therefore, if you want to participate but do not feel you have the time to take personal action, you can make sure the cause stays strong by providing a donation, small or large, which help keep refugees safe and alive.
To find out more you can request information by emailing the coalition at info@standnow.org or visit the website to find a coordinator near you.
Serena Swanger is the local STAND chapter coordinator at Moorpark College.
Students often tend to ignore the current genocide in Darfur and the problem as a whole because they feel they do not have the means or the resources to fight it. However, this organization proves otherwise. Today, STAND is the fastest growing anti-genocide organization in the world, built and run by students.
"There is no better way to become informed about and involved in ending the genocide in Darfur and preventing future genocides than to get plugged in with the STAND network," claims STAND College New Chapter Outreach Coordinator Will McKeen.
The collation's website, STANDnow.org, is designed to easily guide those interested through the otherwise complicated process of getting involved in the cause.
The site divides involvement into five important elements: organize, educate, advocate, divest and publicize. In doing so, it teaches students how to take small but important steps towards putting a permanent stop to genocide around the world. Each category is thoroughly explained and gives tips on how each individual can take action to further the development of that element in the campaign.
The site also provides an abundance of other resources including current news, materials, upcoming events and legislative updates related to genocide. They even provide links to other relative organizations and websites to expand your knowledge on genocide and make it easier to get involved beyond STAND.
Today, STAND will begin conducting one of its most important annual events of the year: DarfurFast. Students around the world will ask their peers, families, and communities to join them by fasting from one luxury item for one day and donating the money they would have spent on those items to protect civilians in Darfur. The website continues to explain, "just three dollars-less than the cost of a latte-can provide protection for one woman for a year." In the past three years, the event raised over $400,000 and with the help of local students, it plans to raise even more this year. DarfurFast is just one example of how easy it is for students, and just about anyone, to get involved and do their part to end genocide.
While many humanitarian aid organizations have been forced to leave Darfur due to increasing danger, STAND and the Genocide Intervention Network have created a unique program to protect civilians called the Civilian Protection Program. 100% of donations will go towards this program and are entirely tax deductible. Therefore, if you want to participate but do not feel you have the time to take personal action, you can make sure the cause stays strong by providing a donation, small or large, which help keep refugees safe and alive.
To find out more you can request information by emailing the coalition at info@standnow.org or visit the website to find a coordinator near you.
Serena Swanger is the local STAND chapter coordinator at Moorpark College.
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