About STAND: A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition

With more than 1,000 chapters at schools around the globe, STAND, the student division of the Genocide Intervention Network, is the fastest-growing student anti-genocide coalition in the world today. STAND chapters actively organize to prevent and stop genocide wherever and whenever it may occur. In partnership with the Genocide Intervention Network, STAND’s long-term goal is to establish a permanent anti-genocide constituency that holds elected officials accountable for doing all that they can to prevent and end genocide.

STAND provides students with creative and effective national campaigns, organizing materials and resources, educational information, policy and advocacy training, and a network of informed and active peers. All STAND’s programs and policies are consistent with the Responsibility to Protect Report, endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005.

CURRENT CAMPAIGN: The Executive Legacy Campaign

On September 21st, 2004, President George W. Bush declared that “the world is witnessing terrible suffering and horrible crimes in the Darfur region of Sudan, crimes my government has concluded are genocide.” Yet, over three years after this declaration, genocide continues in Darfur. The President has not fulfilled this promise. In his last year in office, President Bush can, and must, make ending the atrocities in Sudan a much higher priority.

Click here to learn more about how you can take part in STAND’s Executive Legacy Campaign.

What the students have to say

What have STAND organized events done for you?

When I arrived at the museum on Saturday morning, I was in awe at just how many people were there, all of whom cared so much about ending genocide. I come from a small, conservative town, where hardly anyone even knows where Darfur IS, let alone how to stop the genocide going on there- so it was really inspirational to me to see all those people and to know that we were joining together with a common goal- to end genocide. I think Scott Warren’s speech got everybody even more pumped and excited for the amazing weekend to come.

- Jaime from North Carolina

I think that the whole experience was just amazing. The thing that got me the most was the energy, you could tell everybody wanted to be there so they could find out more on how to make a difference.

- Molly from Kansas

How did lobbying for Anti-Genocide Legislation impact you?

I had never done anything like what I did last Monday, and it felt amazing. The training was very useful, and by the time I walked in, I knew exactly what I wante to say. I plan to write an e-mail tomorrow (a week from the meeting) following up. It was great to be able to express my feelings, and I realized the government really doesn’t know everything. All in all, it was great. Thanks, STAND, for giving me that experience.

- James from Colorado

I loved it! I was on a bit of a high right after we got out of the office and I was so eager to meet with more representatives. So, someone else from my chapter and I went to other reps. offices and left notes for them.

- Krystal from California

How to Get Involved

The first step to getting more involved with STAND is to learn more at standnow.org. Here are just a few more ideas to jump start your activism!

Start a STAND Chapter. Spread your efforts!

Write an op-ed or letter to the editor. Promote awareness on campus and in your community that could inspire others.

Hold your elected officials accountable. Push Washington to take further action on Darfur.

Plan an event. Raise awareness and be creative!

Give a teach-in. Educate others on the issue.