What's the story behind GAAW?

"I went to Rwanda and Uganda with the School for International Training to study post-conflict transformation. As we met with survivors of horrible violence, over and over again we were asked to bring their stories back with us — and that became my main motivation for founding Genocide Awareness and Action Week. Specifically, I wanted to bring those stories to Juniata, to a community I love and that has deep roots in peace, justice, and activism."
-Lily Kruglak '11

GAAW 2019

"This year, we are focusing on what it means to remember, reflect, and take action. Part of being aware is being educated, and it is through that knowledge that effective action can be taken. With this year's program, we hope to provide the Juniata community with diverse opportunities to learn and reflect together- to remember the victims of genocides and mass atrocities throughout time and around the world. The imagining and creation of a nonviolent future is our collective responsibility, and I hope that this week provides a feeling of hope and agency in that respect."
- Mariah Dorsey, '20
 GAAW Co-Chair 

"We are hoping this week builds a foundation for us to create and sustain a community where everyone has access to justice. This week was inspired by King's 'Beloved Community.'"
-Maeve Gannon '18
GAAW Co-Chair

GAAW 2019

  • Dates: Sunday, March 31st - Friday, April 5th 2019
  • Theme: Reflections: Acknowledging the Past to Create a Nonviolent Future
  • Sponsored By: The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, The History and Anthropology Department, The President's Office, The Provost's Office, The International Studies Department, The Politics Department, The International Education Office, The Communications Department, Campus Ministry, Hillel, Beeghly Library, The Unity House, Active Minds Club, and PAX-O
  • Co-Chairs: Mariah Dorsey '20 and Liliane Umuhoza '19

EVENTS SCHEDULE 

*All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted

 

Sunday, March 31st

Moment of Silence

6:30pm-7:30pm on the Quad (in front of Von Liebig Center)
Join us in the lobby of Von Liebig Center at 6:30pm, as we open this year’s Genocide Awareness and Action Week with a moment of silent, mindful remembrance, tribute, and reflection.

Monday, April 1st

Lunch Presentation by Caecilia van Peski

12:00pm-1:00pm at the Oller Center
Baker Institute Scholar-in-Residence, Caecilia van Peski, will draw on her experience as a Dutch diplomat to the UN to discuss the role of international law in defining and outlawing genocide and mass atrocities. **Food Provided**

Movie Night, "Bomb Hunters"

7:00pm-8:30pm in Neff Lecture Hall
Showing in Neff Lecture Hall at 7:00pm, this documentary discusses the aftermath of the Cambodian Genocide, specifically the continual threat of undiscovered land mines in rural areas. After the screening, Cambodian Genocide survivor, Ronnie Yimsut, will hold a Q&A to discuss his experiences in relation to the film’s message.

Tuesday, April 2nd

Peace Salon with Ronnie Yimsut and Sokhym Em

5:30pm-7:00pm at the Oller Center
Ronnie Yimsut, a Cambodian Genocide survivor, and Sokhym Em, a noted researcher on the lives of women during and after the Cambodian Genocide, will be leading a Peace Salon during which they discuss their thoughts, experiences, and research pertaining to genocide and mass atrocities. *RSVP to Stacia Fleegal by Thursday, March 28 at 12:00pm*

Cambodian Genocide Survivor Presentation

7:30pm-8:30pm Brumbaugh Academic Center, Alumni Hall (A100)
Cambodian Genocide survivor, Ronnie Yimsut, discusses his experiences as a child in Cambodia during the reign of the Khmer Rouge regime. Sponsored by the Politics Department through the William G. and Mary A. Nyce Lectureship, Mr. Yimsut is the first Cambodian Genocide survivor to visit Juniata College. We are honored to welcome him to campus as part of Genocide Awareness of Action Week 2019. 

Wednesday, April 3rd

"One Survivor Remembers" Documentary 

7:00pm-9:00pm Brumbaugh Academic Center, Room C116 
Screening of "One Survivor Remembers," a documentary detailing the experience of one Holocaust survivor. Immediately following, a panel of students share their reflections surrounding what it means to be a young, Jewish individual in the current political climate.

Name Reading

10:30am-4:00pm Campus Quad
Continuous reading of the names of the victims of different genocides around the world and throughout history.

Thursday, April 4th

Dibinga Presentation

7:30pm-8:30pm Brumbaugh Academic Center, Alumni Hall (A100)
Renound poet, academic, and activist, Dr. Omékongo Dibinga, uses spoken-word and motivational speech to inspire all to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large. His writings have been featured on major networks, like the BBC, CNN, and NPR, and he is currently a professor of cross-cultural communication at American University in D.C. We are so excited to provide the Juniata College community with the opportunity to be inspired by Dr. Dibinga's performance.

Friday, April 5th

Museum Event

6:00pm-7:30pm Juniata College Museum of Art
Poetry event and Choir performance; feel free to contribute! With this event, we aim to inspire a feeling of hope and community. Contribute original pieces surrounding hope and peace, or read poetry from a pre-selected collection.

Closing Ceremony

Moment of silence, end Genocide Awareness and Action Week respectfully and mindfully.

Monday, April 8th

Freedom Seder

6:00pm-8:00pm in Sill Boardroom
Come enjoy an adapted Seder service hosted by Juniata Hillel and listen to a distinguished speaker.


*Limited space available, sign-up ahead of time*
Email Mariah Dorsey for inquiries.