Helping to kick off Worldfest, the RWC Office of Multicultural Affairs, headed by Helen Kegler, sponsored a Peace Conference on May 5, to discuss world issues and bring a better understanding of current events to the student body. Dr. Steve Sunderland opened the conference with a short talk on America’s role in the world community. The global panel of speakers included Dr. Grace Auyang, Mrs. Jennifer Pearce, Dr. Shaorong Huang talking on the subject of SARS in China, and Rev. Emmanuel Itapson of Nigeria, who spoke of his plans to build a food factory and orphanage in his country.
There was also poster making led by Dr. Steve Sunderland. As a student at RWC, I also was a participant in the conference and shared results of a Peace and War survey that I conducted with students on campus.
The following is an excerpt from the Peace and War Survey questions and results:
* What do you think of when you hear the word “peace”?
60% of students surveyed said “A state of tranquility,” 1% said “In tune with a higher power,” and 39% said “Freedom.”
* Do you feel that war is sometimes necessary for peace?
65% said yes and 35% said no.
* What do you think of as a terrorist act?
2% said suicide bombings, 0% said lynching, 3% said killing innocent people, and 95% said all of the above.
* What do you think America’s role should be in relation to other countries in the world?
40% said securing freedom and peace, 4% said providing monetary and medical aid to poor nations, 2% said establishing democracy, and 54% said taking care of America first.
* If you could personally help heal and rebuild our city, nation, and/or world, where would you put your efforts?
7% said monetary donations, 12% said prayer, 32 % said charity work in their community, and 49% said joining a positive organization.