2008 Woodie Awards
FREEDOM brings social change one meeting at a time
Growing organization hopes to dwindle students' apathy about global, cultural issues with community events
By: Kristen Zenz
Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: Campus
Promote social justice. Raise cultural awareness. Change the world. These are just a few of the items on the weekly agenda of FREEDOM, a social activist group on campus.
Although FREEDOM is only in its first year, it is already making a name for itself by holding rallies, protests and teach-ins about issues affecting not only University students, but also the community.
The group evolved after students went on a life-changing immersion trip to a Navajo Reservation in the American Southwest last September. The trip was offered through the University as an opportunity to spread cultural awareness, promote social change and define what it means to be a community.
"The trip reiterated values that people sometimes forget about in everyday life," senior Alanna Burke said, who went on the trip.
But it wasn't until the group spent a night giving away free hotdogs on Main Street that they realized how disconnected people are and how angry they are with way things happen in life.
"University life is very draining and there is a large sense of apathy on campus," said Kristi Kuharick, FREEDOM member.
It was then that the group decided to have open discussions about helping others get connected.
"It's our duty and natural inclination to help others," said Rachael Sample, member of the group.
In the beginning the group had only five members. Now they average around 25 people from a variety of majors and religions at their weekly meetings.
On Tuesday nights, members gather on the second floor of the United Christian Fellowship, located on Thurstin Avenue across from Sorority Row. There, they sit in a talking circle and discuss societal issues and ways to solve them. Because the group is non-hierarchal, everyone has a chance to talk and no one's voice is more powerful than another.
"People in America aren't used to being listened to," Sample said.
But the group does more than just talking. Talking is just the first step in the action reflection model they operate in. First they talk about life and pressing societal issues, then they discuss why this is happening, decide what to do and finally take appropriate action.
Although FREEDOM is only in its first year, it is already making a name for itself by holding rallies, protests and teach-ins about issues affecting not only University students, but also the community.
The group evolved after students went on a life-changing immersion trip to a Navajo Reservation in the American Southwest last September. The trip was offered through the University as an opportunity to spread cultural awareness, promote social change and define what it means to be a community.
"The trip reiterated values that people sometimes forget about in everyday life," senior Alanna Burke said, who went on the trip.
But it wasn't until the group spent a night giving away free hotdogs on Main Street that they realized how disconnected people are and how angry they are with way things happen in life.
"University life is very draining and there is a large sense of apathy on campus," said Kristi Kuharick, FREEDOM member.
It was then that the group decided to have open discussions about helping others get connected.
"It's our duty and natural inclination to help others," said Rachael Sample, member of the group.
In the beginning the group had only five members. Now they average around 25 people from a variety of majors and religions at their weekly meetings.
On Tuesday nights, members gather on the second floor of the United Christian Fellowship, located on Thurstin Avenue across from Sorority Row. There, they sit in a talking circle and discuss societal issues and ways to solve them. Because the group is non-hierarchal, everyone has a chance to talk and no one's voice is more powerful than another.
"People in America aren't used to being listened to," Sample said.
But the group does more than just talking. Talking is just the first step in the action reflection model they operate in. First they talk about life and pressing societal issues, then they discuss why this is happening, decide what to do and finally take appropriate action.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
mary Sample- parent
posted 4/10/08 @ 12:44 PM EST
Another great article, FREEDOM, keep up the great work. Your voices will be heard, in the actions of critical thinking and doing.you can make a difference one meeting at a time and in one life at a time. (Continued…)
errol
posted 4/11/08 @ 11:22 AM EST
please check this link - for MORE FREEDOM -
http://www.myfoxtoledo.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=1BBF6A421C85A6EF4E856DA738A3E1F3?contentId=6278102&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1. (Continued…)
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