What led to your concern with peace and justice issues?
I didn't really think much about social injustice or peace until my sophomore year at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. I had often volunteered, but hadn’t encountered anyone serious about the "why" questions of poverty and injustice. I hadn’t thought about the structures which hold people in positions of powerlessness. At St. Thomas I became a part of a community that did ask these questions and had a vision for how things could be. They opened my eyes to a world where peace could be attained through justice.
On Sept. 11, 2001 I was studying abroad in Namibia. The bombing of the World Trade Towers and Pentagon and my experience abroad thereafter inspired me to take more seriously nonviolent conflict transformation. At this time I decided to enrich my knowledge by adding a Justice and Peace studies major to my major in political science. I found a rich theoretical background as well as practical applications and experiences in this academic discipline.
I was able to put some of this theory into action as coordinator of the campus Student Coalition for Social Justice. I came to understand the importance of learning within the context of a community. I also explored ways of working for peace in all aspects of my life.
What brought you to LPF?
As soon as I learned about LPF I was excited by the organization, mostly because of the work they do in educating for justice. This education is so crucial and integral to any type of social change, so naturally I wanted to be a part of this work. I also really wanted to start looking at my Lutheran faith through the lens that I had attained from my college experiences. I am excited to be a part of a community of Lutherans that takes seriously the social gospel and radical nonviolence of Jesus Christ.
What interested you about LPF's Youth Program?
While at St. Thomas I had been involved in various leadership positions in student organizations. Being a student is a time of being open to new ideas and ways of thinking. So many of my peers were compassionate, thoughtful, and motivated to learn and act for social change. I am excited to encourage these qualities in today’s students and look forward to helping foster their interest and involvement early on.
What is your vision for your year with LPF?
I hope to continue the outstanding work that Monica Fisk and Kate Reuer did as the previous youth trainers. I want both to foster the connections they made and to expand the network and name recognition of the program. We are especially interested in expanding LPF’s training of workshop leaders and leadership development activity.
How can people get involved?
A large part of the work we do is in the form of work-shops and trainings
for colleges, youth groups, synod gatherings, conferences, and churchwide
events. Topics of these trainings include nonviolence, hunger, Christian
peacemaking, and many others. Contact us if you are interested in hosting
a workshop, or wish to tap into our experience in planning and facilitating
your own session. Drop me an e-mail if you want to be part of LPF's
youth program network. I would love to hear about the good work that
you are doing in your community, and share what is happening with the
youth program. LPF's youth trainer can be reached by mail, e-mail: lpfyouth@yahoo.com or phone: 206-720-0313 |
