EDUCATION AS ACTIVISM
There are many crucial goals of higher education: the acquisition of knowledge, the development of critical / creative thought and written expression. One must use the knowledge and skills acquired to affect positive social change. Here are some arenas where the combination of students, grassroots organizations and old fashioned hard work has made a difference!
MALTAIn 2017, Dawn and a bunch of dedicated, hard-working, Archaeology-minded friends (mostly from the University of Malta) created the organization, Malta ARCH in response to the threat that Malta's Archaeological past faced from continuing development. Click here to learn more about the issue!
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CAMBODIA
In 2013, Dawn spent a semester teaching abroad at the American University of Phnom Penh. While she was there, she befriended a monk (Venerable Sareth Brak) who had built four schools for impoverished children in the rural villages. Committed to a new cause, Dawn organized her AUPP students who helped with a university school-supply / toy drive for the RSP Schools and also organized volunteer teaching activities.
It was a wonderful experience for all involved! Please watch the video to learn more.
It was a wonderful experience for all involved! Please watch the video to learn more.
NEW YORK
HELPING TO END CHILDREN SOLDIERING
On October 27, 2011, Dawn connected the Invisible Children foundation with Five Towns College to arrange a lecture and film screening that raised awareness of the plight of children soldiers in Western Africa. A Ugandan child-survivor of LRA violence, spoke directly and powerfully to her students. All were shocked.
But her story (and the film that followed) became a palpable, powerful and positive impetus for change. Friends texted each other to come to the Downbeat Cafe and watch the event. Students began to pour in from the dorms and soon all seats were filled but kids kept coming in sprawling on the floor. Faculty and staff, too, were inspired. And all members of the campus community: secretaries, janitors, cashiers and librarians were transformed with the growing awareness of the plight of these children overseas.
But her story (and the film that followed) became a palpable, powerful and positive impetus for change. Friends texted each other to come to the Downbeat Cafe and watch the event. Students began to pour in from the dorms and soon all seats were filled but kids kept coming in sprawling on the floor. Faculty and staff, too, were inspired. And all members of the campus community: secretaries, janitors, cashiers and librarians were transformed with the growing awareness of the plight of these children overseas.
CHILDREN IN CRISIS: PERFORMANCE FOR AWARENESS
On July 12, 2012, Dawn coordinated Five Towns College students, guest artists and organization representatives to combine their music, poetic and educational talents in Washington Square Park. Together, they they entertained New York City pedestrians and raised hundreds of dollars for UNICEF, Invisible Children and GroundwaterGo.
GLBTQ AWARENESS
During the Fall 2011 semester, Dawn connected representatives from the Gay / Lesbian Switchboard of Long Island, Long Island Cares and the Five Towns College Counseling Center to conduct a week long series of workshops intended to raise awareness about the issue of gay bullying and hate crimes. Students shared personal and deep experiences, even "coming out"--this was an incredible experience that many will never forget.
REMEMBERING THE HOLOCAUST
During the Spring 2010 semester, Dawn organized an interview and Q & A, with Bernard Otterman, a child survivor of the holocaust at the Dix Hills Performing Arts Center. Five Towns College students had read his work, "Black Grass," and had also formulated written responses and questions to ask him after the talk.
Some of the students also performed in Dawn's original theatrical adaptation of his story. Their performances were striking and brought his words to life. (Mr. Otterman was pleased, too!)
Some of the students also performed in Dawn's original theatrical adaptation of his story. Their performances were striking and brought his words to life. (Mr. Otterman was pleased, too!)
