| 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.
|
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. |
