Peace and Justice sheds light on social issues

By Alexis Bohlinger
Cardinal Staff

Every year, a student-run organization is acknowledged by the Saint Mary’s University Office of Student Life for its group success and impact on the SMU community. Last spring, the Peace and Justice Club was recognized as Group of the Year for 2008-09.

“The main objective of our group is to educate ourselves and each other about problems in the world that need attention,” Mary Gleich, a Peace and Justice leader, said. “It was very exciting to win this award, and I believe it’s the traditions we uphold and the dedication of the members before us that laid the groundwork for our success.”

Members of Peace and Justice strive to bring issues that are often not talked about on campus. “We might not be able to solve problems being a small group in such a big picture, but we can certainly make a dent by bringing issues into the forefront so people are aware of them,” said Andy Pass, another Peace and Justice leader.

Peace and Justice already has plans for the fall semester. “We really want to uphold Peace and Justice traditions like the clothing drive and Fair Trade Fridays,” Gleich said.

The group will also hold an event similar to Engage Poverty put on last spring. The members of Peace and Justice hosted an entire weekend of events educating people about poverty not only in other countries, but right in our own backyard.

Along with these three events, Peace and Justice will continue actively participating at the Catholic Worker House in Winona, serving meals and providing hospitality to guests in need of assistance.

The group members also hope to take a trip to Fort Benning, Ga., in November, where each year non-violent activists from all over the world protest against what was formerly known as School of the Americas. “This is a peace vigil that our organization has attended for the last seven years, and we hope to go again this year if the opportunity presents itself,” Pass said.

One of Peace and Justice’s goals is to recruit new members and make activities more available to the SMU community. The clothing drive will take place in October, and Fair Trade Fridays will start soon. Peace and Justice will have a table in Saint Mary’s Hall with free coffee and information on how to join.