One Night, One Voice in Defiance, Ohio

DEFIANCE, February 26--Members of Defiance College STAND presented "One Night, One Voice" in advocacy for the women of Darfur. The event was attended by students, faculty, and staff from the college as well as members of the surrounding communities. After an introduction exploring the definition of genocide, attendees viewed the SaveDarfur-produced film, Violence against Women and the Darfur Genocide.

In small group discussions, participants explored the impact of the film and possible actions that could be taken to advocate for these women as well as to advocate for an end to the genocide. Virtually everyone in attendance signed a petition directed to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, asking her to take very specific steps to end this violence.

An additional petition, addressed to First Lady Michelle Obama, was created by STAND members. This second petition asked Mrs. Obama to take on a role of leadership and advocacy on behalf of the women and girls of Darfur who continue to suffer from gender-based violence. The group plans to send this petition to the First Lady accompanied by a copy of the video, photos and news of this event.

At the end of the evening, participants prepared to send phone messages of support to the Darfuri women by means of a line created by SaveDarfur for just that purpose. Some calls were made right at the event itself.

Before leaving, several guests spoke of their plans to share awareness and information with their local and church communities and to become further engaged in advocacy for the people of Darfur.