Back to the Future

In hopes of raising awareness about the reality of genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan, Sam writes every Monday about a key issue in an attempt to stop the atrocity. Doing so may not bring about a wave of change, but it is a small ripple that represents the tide that needs turning.

An interesting series of events is coming together, forming a crossroads at which major change could be sparked to help end the genocide in Darfur. And, inspiringly enough, all have to do with young people. I am always amazed by the potential that exists in the minds of youth and at college campuses around the world – after all, the youth are our future. If there is to be an end to the awful situation gripping Sudan right now, perhaps we need to go back to the future:

- The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Committee on Conscience is asking high school and university students to write an editorial explaining to their communities why the genocide in Sudan’s western region of Darfur matters today. Students can enter their published editorials in the Committee on Conscience’s editorial contest.
- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick spoke at Khartoum University last week, asking both warring sides to work for peace. The speech is available here.
- Harvard University is playing host to a Darfur conference put on by STAND during the first weekend in December. You can register here.

Sadly, youth often make headlines for negative reasons. Riots in France neared apocalyptic proportions, and even in Nashville, teens were arrested last week for murdering a delivery driver. Their motive: they just wanted to kill someone.

As I’ve written many times, in working with youth, I’ve found their potential for goodness and greatness overwhelming. I have no doubt that young people everywhere have the energy, the brains, and the courage to end this thing in Darfur. It is up to us, the ex-youths, to encourage them, fund them, and support them, as we all do our part to not let another Sudanese die in this genocide.