REFUSE TO IGNORE | REFUSE TO UNITE | REFUSE TO ACT

organize events to raise awareness about the crisis and the
failure of the international community to fulfill its R2P in Darfur

Speaker / Symposium

Inviting a speaker or organizing a symposium to discuss the crisis in Darfur is a superb way to educate people about the crisis in Darfur and generate interest in Darfur advocacy. This is also an ideal event for addressing the especially harsh impact of the crisis on women and children.

Make it Effective: A good speaker or panel should address the complex political dynamics that have created the violence and humanitarian crisis, why the international community has been ineffective in responding to it and how we can change that failure to protect through our collective advocacy!

Make it Buzz: Capitalize on the energy created by these events by having a table set up at the venue that has petitions and sign-on letters that people can sign immediately. Also, have handouts and schedules to hand out to people to encourage them to take part in other Darfur Week events.

Key Partner: Political Science / International Relations Departments

Mock Trial

A 'mock trial'   is an engaging way to highlight the culpability that we all have for our collective failure to protect in Darfur. Have individuals or teams present a case outlining why leaders such as President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan, President George Bush of the US, the UN Security Council and even your college community are guilty of not doing more to end the crisis in Darfur.  

Make it Effective: Have teams prepare concise and accurate information for each case. Refer to international law and UN resolutions where possible. See page 12 of this packet for more information about Darfur to help you build your cases!

Make it Buzz: Be creative! Use footage from documentaries, photo exhibits and testimony from victims (see Amnesty International, amnesty.org ) as a way to make the proceedings more engaging.

Key Partners: Student Law or Pre-Law Mock Trial group

Film Screening

Films and documentaries are an immensely powerful tool in generating momentum for grassroots advocacy. They highlight the effects of war on individuals and bring meaning to impersonal statistics. Darfur Diaries (2006) tells the story of Darfur through the voices of Darfurians and provides a historical and cultural context through which to understand the political dynamics of the crisis. Contact FI's Paul Ronan (ronan@fiop.org) for more information about screening Darfur Diaries.

Make it Effective: Like speakers, documentaries can create immediate energy and interest in Darfur advocacy. Be sure to couple the film screening with some actions that viewers can take on the spot, such as a petition.

Make it Buzz: Generate interest in the screening by handing out flyers and hanging up posters around campus. Advertise it as a break from schoolwork and a chance to get involved in Darfur Week. Try to find funding to buy popcorn, pizza or other refreshments for viewers.