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CK Archives 2000 |
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A Season for NonViolence (SNV) Campus Kaleidoscope Archives
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Date: March 3, 2000 Publication: Marlin Chronicle Author: Amy McCluskey NCCJ Chapter beginning on campus The Center for the Study of Religious Freedom is looking for students to become involved with the National Conference for Community and Justice. After the recent Arun Gandhi lecture, many minds were concentrated on how we as individuals can help put a stop to violence in society. In response, The Center for the Study of Religious Freedom is starting a chapter of the National Conference for Community and Justice on campus for students. The NCCJ is a human relations organization that promotes understanding and respect among all races and religions through conflict resolution and education. Dr. Catherine Cookson, Director of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom, has helped to bring the chapter here to Wesleyan, but she says that it is up to the students to make it work. She knows that it is hard to get things off the ground, but she feels that the chapter would fit wonderfully at Wesleyan. "We are trying to do something that has been tried by other people and has worked. It would be a nice umbrella for students and student organizations to come together under," said Cookson. Dr. Cookson believes that there is a desire for civility in society. And this is what NCCJ is all about. Founded in 1927 as the National Conference for Christians and Jews, the goal of the organization is to promote understanding and goodwill between people of different religions, cultures and race. The NCCJ promotes awareness through educational programs. These programs are intended to bring people of all walks of life together so that they can help reduce racial and social tensions among communities. "The more contact we have with each other," said Cookson, "the more we can prevent problems from happening," Cookson believes that people are afraid of what they don't understand or know about one another, and the NCCJ would help foster this understanding and subsequently make Hampton Roads a better place. "The NCCJ is not about publicity. It is about accomplishing a change for the better," said Cookson. There are also programs for junior and high school levels. The NCCJ chapter for college campus is known as Kaleidoscope. The word kaleidoscope means a constantly changing set of colors. That one word embodies NCCJ's philosophy that people of all races, cultures and religions should come together and mix with each other in hopes of attaining one clear vision. That vision is of understanding, respect and non-violence. Having a chapter of the NCCJ here at Virginia Wesleyan would be an opportunity for students and student organizations to work together to promote a mutual understanding and respect among all peoples. The Dean of Students Office has sent out an e-mail attempting to spur interest for the new campus chapter of this national organization. If you are interested in helping with this project please call 455-3129.
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