The promise of hope is upon us. A new administration in the White House has renewed many studentʼs interest in politics and weʼre beginning to feel that change is going to come.

But there is much work to do. Though this was a historic election, it was just one step down the long road to a more just and equal United States. We must build on this moment and this amazing achievement in civic participation to work tirelessly with the new government to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Don't let the energy fade. Now we must organize the hope.

The Organize the Hope Great Lakes Regional Conference will bring together students from around the region to:
• learn organizing tools and fresh ideas for campus activism
• get tips on how to effectively use the media to publicize your issue
• have an opportunity to collaborate with other student activists
• take part in the creation of the “Organize the Hope Fellowship” for student activists
• hear first hand stories of life in Iraq from Raed Jarrar, recently featured in the news for his historic lawsuit of Jetblue airlines. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/05/AR2009010502877.html?hpid=sec-business) Raed also has a blog about his experiences in Iraq and his views on various issues regarding the Middle East (http://raedinthemiddle.blogspot.com/)


All expenses paid in Chicago by the American Friends Service Committee. Participants will need to fund their way to Chicago. If you already belong to a student organization on campus, funds for conferences may be available to you. Check with your Student Organization Office.

Application Online here:
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2g0rjitfq8c3l26/start
OR TO GET AN APPLICATION, CONTACT ANNA AT ASPRINGER@AFSC.ORG
OR AT 312.427.2533 ext. 25.

*PLEASE NOTE*
Application deadline has been extended to February 1, 2009.