For a day, Miami University will look beyond the Slant Walk to hunger, homelessness and forced migrations.
To kick off Miami University's third annual Human Rights and Social Justice Day, Xavier Benavides of Oxfam America will be presenting "Fighting for Justice in a Changing World," as the keynote speech Nov. 15.
Training and outreach coordinator for Oxfam America, a nonprofit organization that works to end world poverty and strengthen communities, Benavides will educate students on local and global issues at 4:30 p.m. Nov.15 in Shriver Center Multipurpose Room C.
"A lot of times we are overwhelmed by these global issues and we ask ourselves, what can I do?" Benavides said. "There is a lot you can do. Vote - find out where your representatives stand, look at the types of things you buy, support local agriculture. Find out what you are most passionate about and take action."
The variety of activities scheduled during Human Rights and Social Justice Day are meant to raise awareness about the issues of hunger, homelessness, poverty, modern slavery, forced migrations, physical and mental abuse and genocide. Activities will range from film screenings to information on volunteer programs.
"Bringing visibility to the issues of human rights and social justice is important," said Nicholas Longo, a member of the Human Rights and Social Justice Day planning committee and the director of the Harry T. Wilks Leadership Institute at Miami. "I hope this day will build momentum so that this can become a larger part of the culture at Miami."
The past two years, Miami has had an informational fair and film festival for Human Rights and Social Justice Day, but this year, the event's planning committee decided to devote a whole day to the topic because of the increase in sponsors and activities.
"The first goal is to give the community the opportunity to learn more not only about human rights and social justice in general, but to be conscious about what it means," said Jacqueline Rioja Velarde, coordinator of the Human Rights and Social Justice Day planning committee and assistant director of the Center for American and World Cultures. "Our hope is that this day will create opportunities for the community to be part of human rights and social justice networks locally, and in the future, possibly expand to global networks."
Events throughout the day include an information fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. inMultipurpose Rooms A and B at the Shriver Center where international and national organizations - including Doctors Without Borders, Darfur Coalition, Oxfam America and the National Center for Homeless Education - as well as local social service groups will be represented.
The informational fair presents opportunities for students to get involved in volunteer programs, service learning programs, social service programs and professional development programs.
A film festival begins at 9 a.m. in Shriver Multipurpose Room C, and diverse films will address issues of immigration, war, religion and other cultural concerns.
This year, Prue Dana, Oxford's vice mayor, will speak at 1 p.m. in Multipurpose Rooms A and B. In addition, there will be special presentations throughout the day on Miami's Over-the-Rhine Residency Program and about how Miami students can get involved in service opportunities.
In addition to his role as keynote speaker, Benavides will also hold a workshop, "Creating a Campaign for Social Justice," at 9:30 a.m. in 212 MacMillan Hall.
Benavides hopes his audience will not only acquire a better understanding of the issues, but will be motivated to make a difference.
"Even small actions can make a difference," Benavides said. "If we think about some of the decisions we make everyday, we have the power to create wonderful things."
Volunteers are still needed during the day of the event. If interested, contact Jacqueline Rioja Velarde at riojavjd@muohio.edu.
The Human Rights and Social Justice Day is organized by the Center for American and World Cultures (CAWC) and sponsored by the CAWC and other university organizations. For a complete list of events and sponsors, go to www.muohio.edu/cawc.
