Student Government Surprise
an article by Sohair

On March 2nd 2005 the Students Government Association of Naugatuck Valley Community College cordially invited us, "Students for Culture of Peace," to present our club at their weekly meetings. I, Sohair Omar - President of Students for Culture of Peace, thought this was an excellent opportunity for us to spread the word of peace on campus by educating our fellow student leaders. We decided we would let our club advisor, Professor Yannielli, who has been involved in the peace movement for many years, present his speech on "Causes of War." When the day came near, we prepared our handouts, which consisted of the Eight Peace Keys, and organized the format of the speech. Everything was fine and dandy!

As I walk into the meeting room, I notice two men in uniform - ARMY RECRUITERS! Scary - I know! I was unsure of their presence, so I looked at the meeting agenda to find out they were presenting right before us. We wondered was the Student Government Association aware of how difficult it might be for army recruiters to be in the same room with peace activists?

Now I was trembling while I introduced my club and club advisor. (I was never put in such a position - war advocates and peace advocates in the same room at the same time.) However, my advisor, poised and peaceful, gracefully delivered his speech on the "Causes of War," while standing right next to the army recruiters, addressing them as well. His speech concentrated on the trend of a bad economy leading to a war throughout American history. At that moment, I was proud to have Professor Yanielli as my club advisor. I learned that no matter what the situation, you must stand firm in your beliefs at all times, especially when you are confronted with opposition. You know we could learn a thing or two from these peace veterans!

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What do to when peace activists are confronted with army recruiters?


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MAKING AN EFFECTIVE PEACE MOVEMENT

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