Of Universal Rights and Conflicts That Threaten Humanity

OF UNIVERSAL RIGHTS AND CONFLICTS THAT THREATEN HUMANITY

OF AND FOR THE STUDENTS
One of the most inspiring aspects of the symposium was the level of student involvement throughout both days. Passionate about the issues, student volunteers helped manage everything from registration to directing attendees around the campuses. “The symposium gives people the charge and energy to go out and be activists and truly stand up for what they believe in,” said freshman volunteer Jennifer Vazquez.

Columbia University students
Wei-Wei Hsing, left, and Emily Setton, right, exchange ideas with FDU students Sindhuri Prakash, center left, and Brett Goldman about activities that support human rights.

Many of the volunteers were already involved in human rights causes at FDU and were excited to see their peers gaining interest in the issues. “I’m part of FDU’s Global Scholars Program and always read newspapers and stay up to date on international current events, but I’ve noticed that when I try to talk to other students about these issues, a lot of them have no idea what’s going on,” said Ann Suma, a sophomore on the Metropolitan Campus. “I think this symposium is a good way to raise awareness and get students involved.”

The conference highlighted organizations that already exist on campus and gave students ideas to bring to their own clubs. “This symposium is a great way of bringing awareness to student organizations like Amnesty International,” said Megan Wilder, co-president of FDU’s Student Chapter of Amnesty International and a student volunteer. “Students who show interest in these topics will probably also be interested in what our groups work for.”

“The symposium gives people the charge and energy to go out and be activists and truly stand up for what they believe in,”
— Jennifer Vazquez

In addition to spreading awareness, a session on Amnesty International gave senior Matthew Dikovics some ideas that he could implement in his Global Challenge class with Joan Desilets, professor in the University Core program. Before the symposium, the class formed AfricAid, which works to provide educational opportunities for African girls in Tanzania. “I think that Amnesty’s experience with raising awareness for international issues is a good role model for our club,” he said.

Student volunteers, each in a red t-shirt, helped manage everything from registration to directing attendees around the campuses

In the session titled “Making Student Voices Count in the Global Arena,” attendees had the opportunity to hear from representatives of the Student World Assembly, a student-run organization that promotes global democracy.

“The people from the Student World Assembly were excellent — they inspired us to start our own chapter at Madison!” said Kelli Chapleski, a Fairleigh Dickinson sophomore. FDU freshman and session moderator Rachael McGurr was also energized by the session. “Bringing awareness to the student body about issues that are bigger than themselves is a priceless accomplishment,” she said.

During the session titled “Student Activism Against Exploitation in the Developing World,” students from Columbia University encouraged FDU students to think globally and act locally on campus. FDU senior Margaret Goodspeed was impressed with the session, saying, “I think it’s encouraging to see other students making a difference in their universities.”

Next …

“Bringing awareness to
the student body about issues that are bigger than themselves is a priceless accomplishment.”
— Rachael McGurr

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For a print copy of FDU Magazine, featuring this and other stories, contact Rebecca Maxon, editor,
201-692-7024 or maxon@fdu.edu.