Second Annual 'kNOw Poverty' Weeks to Raise Awareness, Spark Action

Story posted March 31, 2006

Bowdoin College students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners will convene in the coming weeks to address issues of poverty at the local, national and international levels.

The "kNOw Poverty Weeks of Education and Action" (April 4 through 15, 2006) will feature special events, guest presentations, a community agency panel, student-led fundraising events and programming, a film screening, volunteer opportunities, and other activities to raise awareness and spark action.

This marks the second consecutive year Bowdoin has organized a series of "kNOw Poverty" events. Organizers believe such a mobilization will serve to educate, empower and energize the community -- and begin to effect change.

"I've learned that even though 'awareness' has become a worn-out catch phrase on college campuses, it's still very important to instigate it," said Colin Beckman '07, a kNOw Poverty Week crew member. "Because empathy can spring from awareness; and from empathy to sympathy; from sympathy to action; and from action, potential change can make a big difference -- even without driving large-scale action."

Scheduled events include:

  • "Perspectives" Alternative Spring Break Photo Exhibition in Lamarche Lounge (opening reception Tuesday, April 4)
  • "Working with Impoverished Communities" panel discussion and presentation (Wednesday, April 5)
  • "The AIDS Pandemic - and You" presentation/discussion (Thursday, April 6)
  • Hurricane Katrina "Stories from Those Who Know" (Friday, April 7)
  • Habitat for Humanity Build Day (Friday, April 7)
  • "Born into Brothels" film screening (Sunday April 9)
  • "Local Voices: Addressing Poverty in Maine" (Monday, April 10)
  • "The U.N. Millennium Project" seminar examining poverty (Wednesday, April 12)
  • Common Hour with Jason DeParle of The New York Times (Friday, April 14)
  • "Ballin' Against Poverty" faculty/staff vs. student basketball game fundraiser (Saturday, April 15)

For a full schedule of events and more information, visit the kNOw Poverty Week Web site or call the Community Service Resource Center at (207) 798-4133.

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