Stand Chapter Digest

The Stand Chapter Digest is dedicated to connecting Stand members across the country by sharing news, events and advocacy ideas.

In this issue:

1. Principal Director Anne Wagner explains why some tribal leaders may not be thrilled about the rumored ICC arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. Watch here.

2. Stand on the Hill: Member of Parliament Paul Dewar has been working for years to make Darfur a key issue on the hill. Read more here.

3. Featured Chapter Stand Western is still going strong 4 years later.

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A Message from Anne
After meeting with tribal leaders in Sudan last month, Anne's opinion of the rumored ICC arrest of Bashir may surprise you. Watch:

Stand on the Hill: Featured MP

Paul Dewar, MP for Ottawa-Centre and NDP Foreign Affairs critic, recently met with Stand's Ottawa advocacy group to discuss strategies for engaging with parliamentarians. Paul has been a long-time champion for Darfur on the Hill. His contributions include initiating a major study on Darfur at the Foreign Affairs Committee, promoting Corporate Social Responsibility in the Sudan, and calling for greater Canadian commitments in the region. Stand applauds Paul for his tireless work on behalf of the people of Darfur.



Featured Chapter: Stand Western

Four years ago, Stand Canada began at the University of Western Ontario, when a small group of students decided that they would not remain idle while a horrific genocide unfolded in Darfur. Today, Stand has grown to over 70 chapters across the country, but the original chapter remains one of the strongest, currently with an executive of 25 members and a core membership of 200.

Last term, the chapter collaborated with other students on a number of successful initiatives, including a Busk for Darfur event that raised funds and awareness on the streets of London, Ontario. Members of the chapter also worked to create the Western Advocacy Alliance, a collection of social justice clubs on UWO campus, and participated in a number of collaborative events such as the region's Gulu Walk.

This spring, the chapter is launching a number of fantastic events, including a regional art contest and silent auction, their annual Dunks for Darfur basketball tournament, and a screening of the film Rwanda: Hope Rises. The chapter will be flying in the director of the film, Trevor Meier, for the event. "The film shows people the impact of genocide", says Leah Meidinger, the chapter's current president.

Stand Western is also in the process of partnering with the Sudanese community in London to launch a tutoring program for children of refugees in the region. Over 30 volunteers have already signed up for the program. "The community has really come together" to make the program a reality, notes Leah. "It's a great way for students to get involved."

If you are interested in working with Stand Western or attending any of their upcoming events, you can reach them at western@standcanada.org.