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HOW YOU CAN HELP NORTH AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST

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Jennifer Nguyen Student Contributor, Temple University
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Jaimee Swift Student Contributor, Temple University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Temple chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Life as a college student can be extremely hectic. We all have so much to deal with, whether it is exams to study for or clubs to attend. It is normal to have a little too much on our plate and to stress the little things that come with being a busy college student.
 
But there are times when we must put our little adversities aside to see life through another perspective. We need to see how we are fortunate to be in our place today as others are struggling on the other side of the world.
 
The domino effect of revolutions in the Middle East has caused a stir, notably the Egyptian revolution. It was thoroughly covered by the media, but recent uprisings in Libya, Bahrain, and other nations are taking flight.
 
Innocent people are dying purely for wanting freedom and a life to live. Libyan strongman Muammar el-Quaddafi ordered his militia to massacre innocent men, women, and children, solely because they protest his oppressive rule. Hundreds of civilians have been gruesomely killed within a few days. Innocent lives are shot dead; people are run over by military tanks.
 
People all over the world are protesting and calling out to their respective governments to take action. From Texas to England, many are uniting against oppression. Libyans and other Middle Eastern citizens want their voices to be heard. They want something that we have and at times take for granted: freedom.
 

Do not think that just because you are “merely” a college student that you cannot help them. Do not think that Qaddafi will have the last say. The power of protest and speech can be immensely powerful. We can help. We can lend a hand to those who suffer and make a difference. Even if it is the smallest of contributions, our fellow brothers and sisters need their say.
 
Here’s what YOU can do to help the many people who need support:

  1. WRITE   

Although the media is reporting on the Libyan massacres, more media coverage is always needed. Get YOUR voice out, it does not matter who will listen to you. Get the truth out; speak on behalf of the oppressed. If the recent events in the Middle East can prove anything, it is that the voice of humankind can be one of the most powerful things in the world. Whether it through blogging or writing letters to your local newspaper, don’t be afraid to spread awareness. There is always someone who will listen.

 2. JOIN STUDENT PROTESTS
                       
Many university organizations all around the nation are joining together to speak out against the Middle East oppression. Do not be afraid to join a meeting or attend a rally. One more person in the efforts is one more voice heard.

 3. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL STATE REPRESENTATIVES
 
Express your concerns because representatives are there to listen. Send letters and emails, or make phone calls. It does not matter that you are one voice. Make it heard to someone. Expressing your thoughts to your representatives is one step closer to being heard by the national government.

4. DONATE

  Organizations such as Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders, and the International Federation of Red Cross are lending their hand to the Middle East. College students are not made of money, but every penny counts. The smallest of donations are still meaningful and helpful. You will be making a difference and helping someone who is hurt. The smallest help can still be the greatest help.

 5. EDUCATE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY
 
Post links on Facebook or retweet messages on Twitter. Do every little bit to spread awareness. CNN’s Ben Wedeman is the first western journalist to witness the mass protests and massacres. You can follow his Twitter to gain first-hand perspective on what is going on.
 
We might not be superheroes, but we can still be heroes nonetheless. One voice is a strong voice. Don’t be afraid to do something and help others have their voices heard. 
    
For more information on the recent revolutions:
 
http://www.cnn.com/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2011/02/17/live-blog-libya
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/21/live-blogging-north-africa-middle-east-protests/
 

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Jennifer Nguyen

Temple

Jennifer Nguyen is a senior journalism student at Temple. She has been a part of Her Campus Temple since its formation in 2010 and being a part of HCTU has been one of the best things she has ever done. She aspires to be a magazine writer in New York after graduation. Jennifer is passionate about learning more about the world around her and hopes to travel the world one day. As a journalist, she strives to share the stories of people whose voices need to be heard. In her spare time, she loves reading French literature, learning languages and watching Bravo reality TV shows.
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Jaimee Swift
Jaimee Swift is a Senior majoring in Communications. One of her many dreams is to become a broadcast journalist and to meet and work with the infamous Anderson Cooper. Her hobbies include reading everything in sight, running, dancing crazily, laughing uber hard, watching movies, and consuming as much juice as possible. Jaimee is so overjoyed to be a part of such a magnificent site such as Her Campus Temple University. Ever since the days of her youth, she has strives to make a difference and bring positive change to all that she touches. She still holds on to that mindset and hopes to bring positivity and creativity to Her Campus Temple University!