HAYS, Kan. - It could happen anywhere, anytime, anyplace -- in a coffee shop, in a room, on a Monday, or on a Friday -- but the Human Right's Group always meets once a week. Most of their meetings are held on the Fort Hays State University campus. The Human Right's Group is open to anyone who is willing to fight for a cause. It brings FHSU students, non-FHSU students, faculty, staff and community together to take action against anything from sexual violence to poverty.
They head many rights awareness projects including their most recent one "To Write Love on Her Arms" (TWLOHA), a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. All they asked was that people write the word love on their arms as a symbol of support. The unofficial attendance for TWLOHA was somewhere around 265 people.
This last Monday the 22, I attended my first meeting. There seemed to be many matters that I was left in the dark on since I joined too late in the year, but the members, who were both inviting and helpful, didn't hesitate to get me caught up.
I recognized many of the members from around campus, however, there were a couple of them I had not crossed paths with. One of these members was Mike Tweed, a Political Science professor at FHSU, who generously volunteers his free time to take part in the group's activities.
I left the meeting with a satisfaction that I had otherwise been lacking in my life; I felt ready to go, and ready to help out. We had covered our plans for "One Day Without Shoes," to take place on April 8, when we'll group together and walk around campus barefoot. When they initially mentioned the event, I was anticipating a recap on what had happened and how it had gone, since I had seen a boy walking around campus without shoes for two days straight. Fortunately, he just liked to walk around barefoot, meaning I had not missed the event. The event is to "bring attention to the impact a simple pair of shoes can bring to a child's life," and is open to anyone.
Brenden McCampbell is a staple in the group, and always seems to be on the forefront of important issues. I attended high school with Brenden, and know that when I want to take part in something worth while I can scout him out.
Their second event underway is both physically and mentally engaging. The name of the event isn't official yet, but we can currently refer to it as "Change for Chains," and is to span over two days -- April 12-14. A human chain will be formed by interlocking arms representing slavery in Africa. The only prop that will be used will be a chain draped around the bodies. If numbers allow, there will be two human chains on the FHSU campus.
Lastly, the group will be cleaning Big Creek this Saturday. Following the cleanup there will be a vegan meal under the blue gazebo next to the Army National Guard.
The Human Rights Group encourages anyone to take part in these events. I'm ambitious to finally be able to take part in such activities. If you're interested in helping out, you can find more information on the group's Facebook page here.
I really like the going barefoot idea.
Keep up the good fight!
Amy, you are doing such a magnificent job with your writing.
I'm extremely excited for the barefoot idea; it's going to be fun and wholesome. Hope to see you there!