By Ally Horine | Echo
Social Justice Week (SJW) comes to a close today, after a full week of events hosted by Global Outreach.
SJW is dedicated to educating and motivating students to respond to their global responsibility of Christian evangelism and social justice.The theme this year was poverty, with a focus on restoration and how Christians should approach the topic.
"Social Justice Week is important because it is a week dedicated solely to learning about the social issues that we face," said Mackenzie Miller, co-director for Global Outreach. "Not only do we raise money for several different organizations, including local and worldwide ones, we also are able to educate many students through various activities."
Each day featured an event alongside supplemental chapel sessions throughout the week.
The Monday night event included a Skip-A-Meal and featured soup and bowls provided by the Art Department for $5. On Tuesday, students sat in on an economics panel to discuss the impact of poverty on communities. Experts from Hope International, Shepherd Community Center and Reclamation Project came for the day to visit classrooms and engage with students on this topic. On Wednesday night, "Nefarious," a documentary about sex trafficking, was shown, followed by discussion.
"I think it is so important that Taylor is showing a documentary like 'Nefarious,'" said sophomore Jordyn Croasdell. "It's easy to forget that the world is much bigger than our experiences at a small Christian liberal arts college."
Originally planned for Thursday was the Mr. TU event, but has been postponed until Thursday, March 20. The proceeds for this event will still benefit One Verse Bible Translation.
Through today, the Do Something Now Center-at the top of the Dining Commons-will have representatives from various on-campus organizations. Students can write letters to children in the Philippines at Kids International Ministries or donate clothing to the Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis. As a part of the Center, the Art Department is running the "Paint-A-Square" program, where students can pay $1 to paint a square to raise money for the Serenity House.
Each event focuses on small ways students can fight poverty and injustice now.
"As God's children, we should not be ignorant when it comes to darkness," Croasdell said. "For if we are ignorant, then who will pray and fight for those whom Christ longs to rescue? It is our duty as God's children to be knowledgeable of the things of His heart."
According to Social Justice Graduate Assistant Meredith Gross, between 300 and 400 students participate in the event each year.
"My favorite part of Social Justice Week is that it puts the emphasis of our daily lives off of ourselves to join a part of something much bigger," said sophomore Erin Hoeft. "We don't have to sit on the sidelines of a corrupted world, but can fight back through even the smallest efforts."
