When I recently began an advocacy campaign for the March 5th Camp Darfur event with my fellow Ambassadors, I really did not know what I was getting myself into. All I knew was that it was an issue that needed to be brought out into the open and that I wanted to take part in it. As I started to research and get more involved in this action against genocide, I realized how close to home it was for me.
I grew up hearing how my parents had survived the Vietnam War, but I had never connected the dots that the Hmong, who were hunted and killed due to their involvement with the CIA, were victims of genocide. From this newfound knowledge, I felt more sensitive towards the cause to bring awareness to the situation in Darfur, but more so, on how I can make a difference in the lives of the Darfurians.
With the help of 1-800-GENOCIDE, I was able to do just that. I began the phone call inquiring about talking points I could use while talking with my Legislator, but I learned much more. To my surprise, I was informed that there was an Act being introduced later that week, March 8th, to Congress. This meant that I could instruct my elected official to pass and support this Act. I could not have asked for better timing. This Act, the Sudan Peace Security and Accountability Act of 2012, will help stop the injustice happening in Sudan and much more. More information can be found here: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h112-4169.
With this newfound knowledge, I have had the privilege of not only letting my Legislator know my thoughts about genocide and Darfur, but to also ask for their support on this Act.
Now I challenge YOU to do the same. What better time to stand for a cause than now? It is only ONE phone call away! Call 1-800-GENOCIDE today.
-Ambassador Song
P.S. Check out the Pledges made by other Fresno State students at the Camp Darfur event here.
The Richter Center Student Leaders 