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Hunger, Homelessness Awareness Week Starts Nov. 16

Nov. 11, 2013. Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is Saturday, Nov. 16, through Sunday, Nov. 24, at Appalachian State University with a series of events. The public is invited to participate.

hunger_and_homelessness_awareness_week_300Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week brings attention to issues of national poverty, hunger and homelessness. Engage in this educational and meaningful week of events hosted by a variety of campus organizations.

The Third Annual Gobbler 5k will be held Saturday, Nov. 16, at 8 a.m. Participate in the Gobbler and look forward to warm cobbler at the finish line. The race begins at Duck Pond Field, Stadium Drive. The run is sponsored by Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT). All proceeds benefit the Leigh Lane Edwards Scholarship, which provides students with the opportunity to serve internationally. 

On Monday, Nov. 18, the documentary screening of “Homeless: The Kids of Orange County” will begin at 6 p.m. in Belk Library Room 114. The documentary explores the world of children who reside in discounted motels within walking distance of Disneyland, as their families struggle to survive in one of the wealthiest regions of America. A panel discussion will follow the film. This event is sponsored by Amnesty International, Appstate Peace Jam, ASU Wine to Water, Hospitality House, Appalachian Educators for Social Justice and People Fighting Poverty.

“Given the Benefit of the Doubt: Dissecting Privilege and Oppression Seminar” will be held  Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 6 p.m. in Belk Library Room 114.  Dr. Cameron Lippard from the Department of Sociology explores the notions of privilege and oppression through various social identities including race, social class, gender, sexuality and being able-bodied. This seminar-style experience will challenge participants to consider their own identities and decipher how these identities impact the American social institutions plagued by stratification. This event is sponsored by Amnesty International.

Also on Friday, the documentary “From Place to Place: Changing the System That Raised Them” will be shown at Three Top Mountain Room of Plemmons Student Union at 6 p.m. The film follows plucky underdogs who set out to change America’s foster care system. This event is sponsored by Amnesty International and Graduate Student Social Work Association. 

In addition to these events, university organizations will sponsor programs for students throughout the week, including an Adopt-a-Family activity sponsored by the Black Student Association and a Food Initiative Forum and Oxfam Hunger Banquet sponsored by Student Government Association. Students will also participate in a People Fighting Poverty Fast event, The Hunger Games canned food drive sponsored by ACT and the Leigh Lane Day of Service at the Hospitality House.

For more information, contact Anne Mason at masonak@appstate.edu. For a full list of events, visit act.appstate.edu/hungerhomelessness.