Students, staff and faculty from Jesuit universities and colleges in the United States and abroad are invited to attend a major meeting at Fairfield University concerning global and domestic crisis response, the Third Biennial Jesuit Universities Humanitarian Action Network (JUHAN) Student Leadership Conference. Registration is now open for this event, "Global Perspectives on Humanitarian Action," taking place June 12-15. (Visit www.fairfield.edu/juhan2012 for information.)

The global need for expertise in humanitarian relief has never been greater as demonstrated by the ongoing food crisis in the Horn of Africa, the devastating Joplin, Missouri tornadoes last year and the epic flooding in the Philippines. The conference aims to build the capacity for humanitarian training among member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU).

"This conference will be of particular interest to undergraduate students who are considering a career in the humanitarian field as well as students, faculty and staff charged with - and interested in - raising awareness on their respective campuses about humanitarian issues and developing crisis response," said Fr. Richard Ryscavage, S.J., director of Fairfield's Center for Faith and Public Life.

An important focus of the Fairfield conference will be to explore the ethical preparation of humanitarian professionals and to engage Jesuit institutions internationally. Attendees will learn firsthand from experts and seasoned practitioners about humanitarian crises throughout the world. The rich cadre of presenters includes keynote speaker Larry Hollingworth, humanitarian programs director for the Center for International Health and Cooperation (CIHC) who is a visiting professor of Humanitarian Studies at the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs of Fordham. Other confirmed participants include Dr. Charles F. MacCormack, former chief executive officer of Save the Children; Christophe Lobry-Boulanger, adviser to the Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to the United Nations; John C. Keys, senior vice president of International Programs, International Rescue Committee; Rev. Kenneth Gavin, S.J., assistant international director of the Jesuit Refugee Service; and Christopher Lowney, president of Jesuit Commons.

Julie Mughal, assistant director of the Center for Faith and Public Life, noted, "JUHAN seeks to educate our member campus communities and build leadership teams to support effective preparedness for and response to future crises."

JUHAN efforts involve curriculum in the classroom, action on campus and service in the community. At Fairfield, JUHAN projects have involved students repairing homes of Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans, awareness raising events and fundraising for the earthquakes in Haiti and Japan as well as campus television "shorts" for forgotten emergencies, such as the Pakistan floods.

The project reflects the Jesuit value of developing individuals to look to the humanitarian needs of the world, to be men and women for others. "We always saw JUHAN as an expanding network of Jesuit universities," said Fr. Ryscavage. "I know that many would be interested in engaging together in this important endeavor."

For further information, contact Julie Mughal at (203) 254-4000, ext. 3505, or e-mail juhan2012@fairfield.edu . Students interested in attending should contact their campus JUHAN office/representatives prior to registering, as teams often sign up together.

Image: At Fairfield, JUHAN projects have involved students repairing homes of Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans, awareness raising events and fundraising for the earthquakes in Haiti and Japan as well as campus television "shorts" for forgotten emergencies, such as the Pakistan floods.

Posted On: 02-09-2012 11:02 AM

Volume: 44 Number: 196