Making a Difference
“ . . . Inspiration comes from within -- if we want to change our community and we want to make a difference, we can.”
Logo for the 2010 for the International Day for Elimination of Racism – March 21
As a Representative of Franciscans International on the NGO Committee for the Elimination of Racism, together with three other members of the committee, we organized a seminar for youth and by youth to help overcome racism and all types of discrimination during December, such a sacred time of the year.
The program was called: “Let’s make a difference and rededicate ourselves at this Sacred Time of the Year.” The speakers were: Christian Branch, Student at St. Joseph's College, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Therese Sakum, Intern with Baha'i International Community at the United Nations; Sasha Simpson, High School student; graduate of "Agape-Satyagraha" and Maria Rhoades Program Coordinator of Peace Education at On Earth Peace. Maria is also Sasha’s teacher. Each speaker gave an example of something they have done to make a difference:
Christian Branch spoke about the positive effect the Drama Club at St. Joseph's College had made. They dramatized the play, "The Laramie Project," which was about the hate crime committed against a homosexual by two young men. Homosexuality was an issue that had for the most part been spoken about at the College in a negative way. The play helped the students to discuss the subject openly and to have a more respectful understanding of homosexuality.
Sasha Simpson and her teacher, Maria Rhoades, spoke about Gandhi’s teaching on non-violence and how it had affected Sasha. She lives in a neighborhood where children are in danger when they go outside of their homes. Sasha gathers the children in peaceful settings and seeks Safe Houses in her neighborhood for them, while teaching them non-violent responses to conflict.
Therese Sakum spoke about encouraging young people to live according to their ideals and showed them how to make a difference in their lives and that of others. Education was emphasized. The participants, who were of various generations, were invited to respond to the speakers.
 Sr. Bernadette Sullivan |
Group discussion of prepared focus questions followed. Small groups comprised of five to six people spoke with each other and then reported back to the whole group. Here are some comments:
“The speakers inspired us by making a difference through their projects and their willingness to work towards making a difference in the world where they live. Their unique projects helped to bring about transformation.”
“The Laramie Project play at the College in Brooklyn gave the students an opportunity to discuss homosexuality and understand their attitudes about it in a safe environment.”
“The participants saw the need for education to overcome racism and all kinds of discrimination.”
“Young people present felt respected for their input and enjoyed the intergenerational discussions.”
“Sharing in a group with people we never knew before led us to see the
value of each one. We were becoming friends because we were sharing deep values.”
“We want to continue doing things like this. Yes, small groups can gather and stand together to promote the values they believe in, e.g., the Civil Rights Movement, the election of President Obama, who inspired many young people to believe in ‘Yes, we can’.”
“A comment was made and affirmed that barriers are meant to be broken; inspiration comes from within -- if we want to change our community and we want to make a difference, we can.”
Members of the Sub-Committee encouraged the group to continue participation with the UN and promised to keep them informed on events that the Committee plans. Human Rights Day (this past December 10) and the plans to be made for the upcoming UN Day for the Elimination of Racism on March 21 were mentioned.
The format, which included a good amount of interaction in small groups, was affirmed by the participants. People were also invited to become members of the NGO Committee for the Elimination of Racism.
Peace and all good things,
Sister Bernadette Sullivan, SFP
Sub-Committee for the Elimination of Racism of the NGO Committee on Human Rights