Students from across the nation will gather on the University of
Wisconsin campus this weekend to discuss strategies for combating
national and world hunger and homelessness.
The UW chapter of the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group is
partnering with the National Student Campaign against Hunger and
Homelessness to host the 20th Annual National Student Conference on
Hunger and Homelessness.
“The event is the largest gathering of students committed to hunger
and homelessness across the country,” said Caitlin Maly, campaign
coordinator for WISPIRG.
Students representing 26 states will attend more than 40 workshops,
panels and events featuring more than 30 student and national
organizations, including Save Darfur, a national organization that
advocates for increased aid to the war-torn African region.
The conference is split into four issue tracks, and the sections
will include topics in housing and homelessness, hunger and food
distribution, globalization and trade policy, and humanitarian relief.
After listening to speakers from each track during the opening
ceremony, students will be able to choose to follow one track or jump
around during the workshop sessions offered throughout the weekend.
“The point of the conference is to bounce ideas off each other and
really take away the knowledge and skills needed to be active on their
campus,” conference coordinator Cathy Collentine said.
Two of the most powerful events for the weekend are being held
Saturday, Collentine said. The Face of the Homeless panel at 11 a.m.
will feature people who are or were homeless sharing their experiences
with attendees.
At the World Hunger Banquet, hosted by Oxfam International and UW
Hillel Saturday evening, the amount of food given to each participant
will symbolize food distribution throughout the world.
The conference is not only informational, but it also focuses on
active participation, such as a training on how to lobby in Washington
and to “use the government as a tool for solving these problems,”
Collentine said.
The event kicks off at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2 in 3650 Humanities,
with a performance by Tangled Up In Blue. UW students can participate
in the conference for $10.
