When Seton Hill University (SHU) kicked off its Week Without Violence October 19, 2009, it had many events that promoted how nonviolence could be active in the Seton Hill community. Each day had special goings- on assigned to it, promoting ideas as to how to approach nonviolence. The first event of the week, and one of the more well- known was Seton Hill University’s second annual Peace Release. It was held October 19 at the gazebo near Havey. Katie Fritsch, a junior and President of Seton Hill Government Association, gives her view on this event:
By Sarah Last
Staff Writer
When Seton Hill University (SHU) kicked off its Week Without Violence October 19, 2009, it had many events that promoted how nonviolence could be active in the Seton Hill community. Each day had special goings- on assigned to it, promoting ideas as to how to approach nonviolence. The first event of the week, and one of the more well- known was Seton Hill University’s second annual Peace Release. It was held October 19 at the gazebo near Havey. Katie Fritsch, a junior and President of Seton Hill Government Association, gives her view on this event:
“…SHGA just started doing the Peace Release to kick-off the Week without Violence. This year was our 2nd Annual Peace Release. We held it last Monday, and participants were given an opportunity to sign our community Peace Pledge, listen to a wonderful reflection by Cindy Boland, Director of Campus Ministry, and then release a balloon, which had environmentally friendly string that would not hurt any animals.”
The speaker at the Peace Release was Cindy Boland who addressed the importance of peace. After Boland’s speech, there was the peace pledge which was first recited then signed by all the participants. Finally, a green (biodegradable) balloon was released to signify freedom and peace.
A silent protest was held for those who have strong opinions on pro- life. Anna Provo, a freshman, responds to her participation in the event:
“I have partaken in many days of silence, but the pro-life day of silence was the most moving day I have experienced. I learned so much about myself by being silent. So few of us took part in the movement that those of us who did remain silent stood out, which made me feel as though I made the difference. Standing up for what you believe in is a hard thing to do sometimes because of reputation, but knowing I had enough strength to do that is so awesome. To lay down my pride that much was so cool, and what was even cooler is that there were so few others that did it, but we united together for a good cause. We stood for what is right- life…” she said.
Another big event was the Unity Rally, which took place the following evening. It took place in St. Clair Park in Greensburg and had different non- violent groups hosting different sessions on the awareness of violence. The aspect of having such a cause in St. Clair Park was beneficial, not just to Seton Hill students, but to everyone in the Greensburg community because they also can experience and see what varied non- violent groups that were there, and how they were sponsoring awareness of violence. Gabby Scanga, a senior and a participant at the Unity Rally, gives a quote on the goings- on at the rally:
“…Members from certain aspects of the Greensburg community speak about justice, peace, non- violence, etc… Musical groups will sing songs about peace, and the whole community joins in and sings the song “Stand By Me”.
Scanga also mentions how the Unity Rally got started:
“(It all was started)… 13 years ago in result of the KKK coming to Greensburg. (The rally was meant) to petition peace after this horrifying scare.”
The Week Without Violence was sponsored by the Wellness Center. All around campus, colorful papers have been posted, giving quotes by both anonymous people and well- known historic figures and leaders who stood for peace. There is always a call for as many people as possible to come and experience the benefits of nonviolence.
“As far as getting more involved, individuals can attend the events, open their minds to the knowledge, and practice what they learn. If we don’t practice, we can’t teach others,” said Fritsch.
“The RA’s and SHGA attend, as well as anyone from the community and school, so it’s usually a pretty good turnout,” said Scanga.
The Week Without Violence is an occasion worth attending. The world that we live in needs more peace and more non- violent ways of solving problems. If more people are dedicated to such a cause, the future for the generations yet to come may change for the better.