HRAC: Spring 2006 Announcement Archive

SPRING 2006 Archived Announcements

Global Night Commute for Invisible Chidren April 28, 2006 9:33 p.m.

Just when we thought our semester was over, yet another great opportunity has fallen into our laps!

This Saturday, April 29th, HRAC is proud to co-sponsor Global Night Commute, an event taking place around the country for the Invisible Children of Uganda. If any of you have seen the 'Invisible Children' documentary about the child soldiers of Uganda, you are perhaps familiar with it. Global Night Commute is an all-night event where students pick an open area and lie down for the entire night in an effort to urge the United States Government to take action to stop the Ugandan Civil War.

This Saturday, April 29th, 80+ students will lie down at Westside Park on 34th Street from 7:00 PM until 7:00 AM, and our effort, joined by 38,300 students around the country, will hopefully make an impact. It will be covered by multiple media sources.

To everyone interested in participating, meet at the 34th Street Wall at 6 p.m. on Saturday to walk over to the park with everyone.

For more information, visit the following link: Global Night Commute

Darfur Peace and Accountability Act Passes through the House! April 19, 2006 12:22 p.m.

Great news! The Darfur Peace and Accountability Act (H.R. 3127) finally passed through the House of Representatives on April 5th, 2006 by a vote of 416-3. This is a huge step towards a resolution to the crisis in Darfur and we can all thank ourselves, and our Congressmen, for the success of this piece of legislation. The Darfur Peace and Accountability act has now PASSED both houses of Congress!

Research the bill's history, comments, and sponsors by visiting the following link: History of the DPAA in Congress

Although not all were sponsors, every single Florida Congressman voted in FAVOR of this bill. Cliff Stearns, our representative here in Gainesville, voted in favor of the bill, although he was not a Co-sponsor. However, NINE Florida Representatives DID co-sponsor the bill. Here is the list:

Rep Corrine Brown
Rep Jim Davis
Rep Lincoln Diaz-Balart
Rep Alcee L. Hastings
Rep Kendrick B. Meek
Rep Lleana Ros-Lehtinen
Rep Clay Shaw Jr.
Rep Debbie Schultz
Rep Robert Wexler

What a way to cap off almost a year of activism than with the final passage of the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act through Congress! If it were not for the constant nationwide din of college students around the country rallying for the passage of this act, it might have failed the way the first Darfur Accountability Act did. This is a victory that we should all feel a personal connection to, because for every letter you have written and phone call you have made, this is the answer. We have written over 4000 letters and made hundreds and hundreds of phone calls about this over the past year, and our Congressmen have HEARD our voice and have realized that they cannot get away with letting this atrocious conflict rage out of control without taking decisive action. Congratulations!

HRAC's First Annual Human Rights Roundtable--Celebrating the One-Year Anniversary! April 8, 2006 7:18 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to join us in an HRAC social event! Relax, have a beverage and a snack, listen to Professor Kaplan's experiences as he traveled as a photojournalist abroad. Read below:

Tuesday, April 11th, at 7:00 PM
Reitz Union, Room 286
Refreshments will be served!

Featuring...
JOHN KAPLAN, Pulitzer Prize Winner and UF Professor of photojournalism and design, will present some of his photographs from his travels abroad to such places as Sierra Leone, Thailand, and China! You can view some of Kaplan's work at his professional portfolio site.

Also, Robert Uttaro, Political Science Graduate Professor of the Year, will speak on the importance of student activism and service. He inspired the formation of this organization and deserves a special recognition at this event.

HRAC WINS "MOST IMPROVED ORGANIZATION" at UF!

On Wednesday, a delegation of HRAC members attended the IDEAL "Best Year Ever" Awards ceremony in the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom and were honored to be named the "Most Improved Organization" at UF!

For the amazing run we've had this past year promoting the cause of human rights and social justice abroad, we have now been recognized as one of the preeminent organizations at the University of Florida. Our efforts have been amazingly successful, and that is part of what we would like to commemorate at the Roundtable Event. We'd like to congratulate ourselves as an organization, talk about our successes and failures, and look towards the future.

Thanks for Staying Tuned! New announcements: March 27, 2006 10:40 a.m.

Now that spring break is a week behind us, we have arranged to participated in a few events with other organizations in our own school as well as around the nation. Read the one-sentence briefs below, then click the links that will take you to the Events page to view further details about the items you would like to participate in.

National Call-In Day TODAY!

Today, Monday, March 27, join with students around the country to call upon Congress to take action in Darfur! The U.S. House of Representatives is slated to VOTE on a Resolution to put a NATO force in Sudan.
Click here to find the phone numbers and a basic script of the message you should leave when you call. This only takes two minutes, and it makes a huge difference.

Tuesday, March 28th: VISA International Month Speaker Series: Scott Ritter

Former Chief UN Weapons Inspector in Iraq, now critic of United States foreign policy in the Middle East.

Location: Arredondo Room (4th floor of Reitz Union)
Time: Doors open 6pm, Speech starts 7pm
Co-Sponsored with HRAC

HRAC Officer Elections and General Body Meeting

This Thursday, March 30, at 7:20 p.m. in Anderson 216, we will be holding our first meeting back since spring break. Not only do we have updates on tabling, movies in the Reitz we're co-sponsoring, and possibly painting the wall again, but HRAC Officer Elections will also be held.

Anyone is free to run for any position. Positions up for re-election are:

President
Treasurer
Secretary
Letters and Petitions
Events and Tabling
Advertising

Go to the Events page for details about the simple criteria you must meet according to HRAC's constitution.

Anti-abortion agency's display in Plaza of the Americas March 9, 2006 3:59 a.m.

Yesterday in the Plaza of the Americas, the Pro-Life Agency equated abortion to past and current genocides like the Holocaust, the Cambodian genocide and Rwanda. A note to those who question: HRAC is not involved in this issue.

HRAC is concerned with the mixed message that might be conveyed with the this agency's use of the term "genocide," which they manipulated the official United Nations Genocide Convention of 1948's definition to fit their own cause. Their pamplets are not completely factual, and HRAC does not agree with this agency's alteration of the term to misconstrue what a true genocide is, like the 400,000 dead in Darfur, which is a calculated effort by the Sudanese government.

After heated debate, Student Senate passes Resolution Against Genocide March 8, 2006 3:03 a.m.

According to a few senators, probably one of the most intense debates in Student Senate for a long time cooked up as our Resolution Against Genocide took the floor. Members of HRAC and a few from Students Making Trade Fair came to the floor to support the resolution, and since we put the clauses through the Judiciary (preliminary approval to get to Senate), we had acquired about 8 Senators already excited and sponsoring it.

HRAC member Jessica Ponn introduced the resolution before the open debate, and Senator Josh Weiss aided in the opening and closing statements with President Nikolas Wolfe urging Senators to approve the resolution, explaning how huge of an impact such a statement from the 4th-largest university in the nation can have. A few people questioned whether foreign policy is in the scope of the student body, but the humanitarian issue at hand overpowered bureaucratic intricacies.

An OVERWHELMING MAJORITY of Senators approved the resolution, much more than the 2/3 needed. Thank you to everyone out there who fought to send out the message to the nation and our government that the students at UF condemn the Sudanese government and their actions.

Also, a thank you to the Senators who raised opposing points. It's always necessary to see all sides of the story.

MORE THAN 130 PEOPLE, including students, faculty and Gainesville residents, came out to listen to Carl Wilkens, known as "the last American in Rwanda" in the documentary "Ghosts of Rwanda," speak last Tuesday about his years in Kigali. Not only did he give a personal account of his experiences in Rwanda, but he really hit home in people's hearts about paying attention to our actions and reactions everyday to people and events.

From what we heard, Wilkens' speech resounded in everyone's hearts and minds. If you would like to send him an e-mail thanking him or asking him questions you never got around to bringing up, send an e-mail to us and we'll make sure and get you his web address.

WE NEED YOU to represent the student body!! March 7, 2006

Tonight, in one of the most INFLUENTIAL and IMPORTANT events that students of HRAC have ever participated in, our resolution condemning genocide and supporting efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis stands before Student Senate.

The Student Senate meeting is held in room 282 of the Reitz Union at 8 p.m. tonight.

We need AS MANY PEOPLE there as possible to bolster the resolution and show that we can push this through on behalf of all 49,000 students here at the University of Florida. We need to show that this is a violation of the BASIC RIGHT TO LIVE, and this is a humanitarian crisis, something that MUST be addressed outside of politics and dividing nations.

The more people there, the better chance we have of pushing this through. Please bring your friends, roommates, family...you won't have to stay for more than an hour.

We're trying to coordinate this with other schools in Florida and around the nation to show that our generation will not just sit around and tolerate these criminal acts. Imagine the impact this could have as more and more schools raise their voice in protest.

Sudan makes front-page news in the NYT Feb. 28, 2006 12:57 a.m.

The New York Times front-page, front-and-center news story for today focuses on the "war-ravaged region" of Darfur, and how the refugees are facing one of the world's worst crises to date. Complete with photos, the article explains the difficulties of the civilians and how the war has spread to Chad as the people cross the borders, fruitlessly hoping for safety.

For those looking for an update on the situation, or just better insight and knowledge, the article is worth reading. The article is free to the public:
Refugee Crisis Grows as Darfur Crosses a Border

Also, don't forget that Carl Wilkens is speaking in Matherly 18 tonight at 7:15! Bring your friends. Hearing about his experiences during the Rwandan genocide is tenfold what a simple article can convey.

Rusesabagina, Meetings, Painting and WILKENS! Feb. 23, 2006

Carl Wilkens, the last American in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide, traveled across military posts to bring food back to Rwandans that he hid in his home. The documentary "Ghosts of Rwanda" follows him through his experiences while living in a city of slaughter and war.

Lots of big events coming up for everyone to participate in!

First off, our next meeting is Thursday, Feb. 23, at 7:20 p.m. in Anderson 216. A lot of big events coming up to touch on in discussion, including our t-shirts, the bill being presented to SG Senate stating the student body condemns genocide, particularly in Darfur, and flyering to spread the word about Carl Wilkens' presentation. After the meeting, we'll be passing out flyers and painting a huge tarp to hang outside of the Reitz, our student union, to advertise for this prestigious speaker.

Carl Wilkens is coming to speak on Tuesday, Feb. 28, in Matherly room 18 at 7:15 p.m. Former head of Adventist Development and Relief Agency International (ADRA) in Rwanda, was the ONLY American who chose to stay when all others were evacuated. Come and hear him speak on his powerful experiences living through the Rwandan genocide.

Last Friday evening, eighteen people traveled down to Central Florida Community College to see Paul Rusesabagina, the inspiration for this organization and real-life hero from Hotel Rwanda, speak. His story was even more powerful in person, and to actually shake the hand of such a humbly noble person was an experience none of us will every forget.

Multiple Important Updates! Feb. 13, 6:37 p.m.

Thanks to those who worked on the wall Friday night -- it was cold, but the results were fantastic! The second coat to strengthen the contrast didn't go up Saturday due to the rain. We will announce when we're going to remedy that.

TWO MAJOR EVENTS coming up:

1. Paul Rusesabagina, the man who Don Cheadle played in "Hotel Rwanda," will be speaking this Friday at CFCC (Central Florida Community College)

2. The next day, Saturday, is the STAND Summit at Stetson University. To read what comprise these events, or to sign up for them, check out the details on the Events page. Join us!

Painting the wall--AGAIN! Feb. 11, at 12:15 p.m.

Last night a few people came out to repaint the 34th Street wall with "Stop Genocide" again--and this time, with an added "Save Darfur" segment, it looks better than ever! However, one coat is not nearly enough. We need YOU out there, at 4 p.m. today (Saturday), helping us make the message stronger and clearer. No need to have signed up--just show up and you'll get a paintbrush.

General Meeting - Feb. 9, 7 p.m. Feb. 6, 2006 10:46 p.m.

Please come join us for our general meeting Thursday night at 7 p.m. in Anderson 216 as usual. A bunch of exciting events are going to be discussed, including painting the wall again, tabling, HRAC t-shirts and the STAND convention, so come see what you can participate in!

Check out the details on our Events page.

Don't forget: Ice Cream Fundraiser TONIGHT! Jan. 31, 2006 3:13 p.m.

Tonight from 6 - 7 p.m. at the Cold Stone Creamery on Newberry Road, near Gator Dockside and the 16 Cinema, come support HRAC's fundraiser and buy yourself a cup of delicious ice cream! And bring your friends.

At LEAST 100 people have to show up in order for us to receive our 25 percent of the profits. We need you. Remember, eating ice cream is always good. But eating ice cream to help stop genocide? Now, there's an idea you must partake in.

National Call-In Day TODAY!! Jan. 31, 2006 12:37 a.m.

Stop the genocide by participating in the National Call-In Day today to the U.S. Mission at the United Nations! It only takes 2 minutes of your time, and it makes a true impact when the machines are flooded with messages.

First, dial: (212) 415-4050.

Then, say:
"I am calling with a message for the U.S. Ambassador to the UN, John Bolton. Mr. Bolton, as you take the presidency of the Security Council, I urge you to introduce a resolution for a multinational intervention in Darfur in support of the African Union with a mandate to protect civilians. As the violence continues to rise in Darfur, there is no more time to waste. Anything short of a resolution will be a lost opportunity. Thank you."

E-mail us if you have any questions, or visit the Activism for Africa Web site for more information.

Check out the 34th Street Wall! Jan. 30, 2006 11:13 a.m.

Thanks to everyone who came out to paint the wall! It is, by far, the most noticeable panel.

The finished product on 34th street wall

We had a great turnout, especially Saturday night when we put our first layers up. We're going to try to keep it up as long as possible. We will be painting again! Check out our Photos page for the team in action.

First Spring 2006 Meeting on Thursday- General Public
Jan. 26, 2006 3:36 a.m.

Our first general meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. in Anderson 216, the conference room of Anderson Hall. We will be discussing upcoming events, initiating new officers and speaking about the progress the organization has made.

Upcoming events include painting the 34th Street wall with "Stop Genocide," a Cold Stone Creamery fundraiser, and weekly tabling and submission of Darfur support letters. To read more details about when and where the events are being held, check our Events page.

You can sign up to participate in any of the following by contacting us at info@humanrightsawareness.org (or if you need more information, e-mail us there as well).

Any extra suggestions/notifications about new events are welcome through officers, visitors and members alike.

Officer Meeting Jan 11, 2006 7:50 p.m.

Got any fundraising ideas? Let us know. As we gain our official 501-c status, statutes require us to raise money to donate to charities. We want to advertise, get this school (and other schools involved). Anyone interested should contact one of the officers via the contacts on the officers page, or come to the next general meeting.

The first meeting date will be announced soon.

Old announcements archived

Want to see what we've done in the past? Read our archived announcements from Spring 2007, Fall 2006, Spring 2006, or the totally retro Original HRAC site!