Key Points

Dear Dec,

We need to wake up. The plethora of fliers posted all over grounds and various students seated at tables on the Lawn ask us every day to become aware and to get involved, but in the midst of our crazy academic and social lives, we often choose to ignore them. While people in our own community struggle against sexual violence and discrimination, while people around the globe fight to attain basic human rights, how can we look away and pretend not to notice? When even the most minute of efforts can do so much, how can we remain silent?

By remaining silent to injustices within our community, we condone them. When we say nothing to those companies which do not pay their workers enough to live above the poverty line, we excuse oppression. When we do not vote for officials who will work for a better educational system, we agree that education is not a priority. Because we each belong to a community, the problems within the community affect each of us. When we do not support those within the community who need our support, we do not support the community.

We are busy people. Although we may care about changing the world for the better, this task seems too formidable for any one of us to face alone. But if we pay attention to the world around us by flipping through a newspaper, watching the news, or listening to each other, we can at least know what battles need to be fought, and we can spread awareness. If we each focus on a passion -- something we care about, whether it be animal rights, sexual assault prevention, or foreign policy -- we can concentrate our efforts into a smaller category. We can find others who share our passion and work with them, so we may not feel overwhelmed.

To help wake us up from illusions of hopelessness, many student-run groups at the university have worked together to organize discussions, activities, and demonstrations during the last week of October. Through Wake-Up Week, these groups have sought to establish a tradition of community action. Organiz-ations work together toward common goals, support each other by building coalitions, and have fun in the process. By forming these alliances, the groups can build a stronger voice and call attention to issues that may otherwise be ignored.

During Wake-Up Week, the organizations emphasize the importance of moving beyond talk. In addition to introducing students to the issues that affect their community, Wake-Up Week strives to get the students actively involved. On the Lawn, the Labor Action Group, the National Organization for Women, First Right, Amnesty International, LGBTU, Students for Environmental Action and others will not only present their issues, but also present ways to take action.

Little compares to the thrill of making an impact in the community. Knowing that something you did today mattered is a singular experience that will make you feel glad to be alive. October 26-31 we will have the opportunity to find out what issues affect our community, what course of action to take, and most important, what we as individuals can do to make a difference.

Marita Delon

CLAS II