STORY BY RYLEE BRETTON
PHOTOS BY CLARK CHEN
Have you ever sat back and thought about the term peace and how it refers to your life? The Leadership Department at Fort Hays definitely has. On Thursday, September 19, this organization celebrated the International Day of Peace.
The International Day of Peace provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace. This day was established in 1981 and has been celebrated ever since.
To celebrate this day, The Global Leadership Project Team tabled in the union. Students were able to take a peace pledge and were able to take a picture with an “FHSU Peace Day” Instagram frame that the team made.
“GLP is an initiative of the Center for Civic Leadership and the Department of Leadership. We host events based around hunger, poverty, diversity, inclusion, and embracing differences,” leadership student Alex Kultgen said.
Each year the group has a different focus. This year, their main focus is sustainability.
“This concept goes hand and hand with our composting initiative ‘Trash Hunger Not Food’” Kultgen said.
Twice a week food is taken from the McMindes cafeteria to the University farm. This food is then turned into compost. After that, it is turned into soil.
“Dr. Howell is one of the driving forces behind the initiative and is one who came up with this idea. Composting at Fort Hays would not be possible without her and her help!” Kultgen said. “Together, we hope to reduce FHSU’s carbon footprint and make FHSU a more sustainable campus.”
This day was very beneficial to FHSU students.
“When we are young we are taught ‘You need to treat others the way you want to be treated.’ Sometimes, we need reminded of that concept. We get so caught up with our social media, academics, or personal lives that we tend to forget the basics,” FHSU student Bryson Homman said. “After attending the table, it served as a reminder to me of how thankful I am for everything and everyone around me.”
The Global Leadership project has many more projects in the works. Their biggest event is “Swipe Out for Hunger.” This event will take place on Saturday, October 19 from 10-12 in Forsyth Library. If you would like more information or get involved with the team, you can check out their Instagram page: “thegloballeadershipproject.”