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Our first Community column features Andrea
Figueroa, who initiated a social justice club at East Glen
High School. We had the chance to chat with Andrea about her
experience, and her advice for other students.
CFC: How long have you been involved in social
justice?
Andrea: For two and half years. I knew about
if before but I didn’t get involved until I came to
Canada.
CFC: Why did you get involved?
Andrea: I got involved because of what I
saw in Chile. For example, the cops had a lot of power, and
that was very normal. When I got here I learned that it wasn’t
normal and it struck me that things are happening and affecting
me. The more I learned the more I wanted to get involved.
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CFC: What is hard to
start your social justice club?
Andrea: Ya, it was tough because I didn’t
have much confidence that I could do that. I had to change
for it to happen. I had to realize that it was my responsibility
to create that change and I couldn’t rely on someone
else. It was a harder change for me than it was to start the
group.
CFC: Did you do any fundraising?
Andrea: Yes, we did a concert. We invited
high school bands, had a concert night, a lot of people came
and we sold food. We raised about $500 for Project Hope.
Any suggestions for other people who want to start a social
justice group? Just get started. Once things get going it
happens fast. People will want to get involved. You just have
to be committed and have passion, and if you have that you
are going to get things done.
Andrea is a 2005 graduate and will be attending
McGill University in Fall 2005. |
