Just a group of students
Once a week, Working Group on Displaced Populations (WGDP)'s Executive Board has a meeting. Once every two weeks, WGDP has a general body meeting. We invite guest speakers, open events, host a table in JC, and fundraise. We do all of it, just between the four of us, with one goal in mind: To raise awareness about refugees and victims of human trafficking around the world, as well as humanize the issues of displacement. The goal is noble, and given that there have been a lot of philanthropist movements, it is expected that WGDP would have a large and steady number of members. Yet, reality is far more different. Tabatha Donley, WGDP president, states that " The most difficult obstacle is maintaining an active, consistent membership for WGDP. While we have a myriad of interested individuals who come out to several events and meetings, it is difficult to accommodate everyone in terms of time." For instance, we used to joke about how each meeting we usually have six attendees and four of which are members of the Executive Board.
It's quite sad, isn't it? Yet, we still are motivated to work, and to contribute our time and efforts in this great organization. Besides attending class, each member of the Executive Board is busy with our own individual activities. Donley is the Service Coordinator for the Leadership and Community Engagement Living Learning Community, and Delegate Representative for the Mason Service Council. Rachel Brewer, WGDP secretary, is the founder of Represent.Us at George Mason University, and Vice President of Virginia Student Power Network at George Mason University. I am the Chief Executive Officer for Honors College Connects- a honors student organization that works with local non-profit organizations in Fairfax area. Why are we still dedicating our time and effort to this organization even though we have other things to worry about? Brewer has spoken perfectly for all of us on the reason why, "Regardless of how many documentaries that I see or how many stories that I hear, knowing that there are people around the world who face unimaginable horrors each day while I can barely make it through college breaks my heart. But that's the same emotion that drove me to stay involved with the organization for the past two years; rather than turn away from such an overwhelming amount of pain, I spent my time as a member of WGDP working to do all that I can to address it. If I ever wonder how much of an impact we can make when we're such a small scale organization, I am surrounded by caring individuals who always find a way to alleviate my doubts, reinforce my dedication, and multiply our efforts to aid as many individuals as possible."
WGDP has once again experienced a change of leadership. Most of us decided to stay (with the exception of Brewer as she will be in Paris for her study abroad program). Now, as the school year is coming to a close, we look forward to another year of contributing of time and effort in this cause that is close to our hearts.