Awareness Can Help Prevent Atrocities
by Maria Spadaccini,
January 27, 2011.....

Making awareness around the world has a different meaning and level of extent for every single one of us. Genocide is happening throughout this world, and you and I can do something as small as sending $10 a month to a child and/or family, sending an animal to a village so they have more food, or even sitting down at the dinner table and having a conversation about what you know is going on around the world. We live in a community that is always supportive, whether it is in our own homes or even here at this wonderful CVU community. Parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers and peers are all a major part of our lives; but could you ever imagine what it would be like if you got your back turned on, and one group went against you and started to harm and kill you and your family? We are fortunate here to not have that problem, but it’s our responsibility to make awareness around the world and try to prevent things that are occurring in Darfur from happening in other areas. My ancestors are Polish Jews, and they came to America in the early 1900’s. If the Nazis had captured my family, I might not be speaking here in front of you today. We, as a community, can help. You’re probably all wondering why I’m telling you this: I want you to leave here thinking you could be another victim of genocide. So help those today who aren’t as fortunate as you and I. Thank you.

Maria Spadaccini

Maria is a junior at CVU. She wrote this speech for her Holocaust and Human Behavior class.