A Rare Opportunity Last Saturday
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Hearing an actual United Nations Peacekeeper, one with a medal of recognition from the Noble Peace Prize for his work, is not an every day occurrence, which is why over 40 students from 17 different schools came out on a rainy morning to hear Roel Harryvan speak this past Saturday. And they were not disappointed. Wearing his original UN beret of his unit's emblem, and unfolding his original "backpack" map of the area of Lebanon where he worked, Roel kept everyone captivated as he shared history, culture, emotions, outcomes, and more from his experience as a member of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon in the early 1980's. The main objective of UNIFIL then was to help confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and restore peace in the area. It was a lofty task for Roel and many other UN battalions from other countries. Members of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) often tried getting through the security zone. Despite frequent firing very near their camp, Roel shared that he never felt his life was in danger, but did attribute that to youth and naivete. Food was limited, communication home slow through letters, bathing occurred only every 10 days, and difficult mandates such as firing at least one shot less if fired upon, were all part of the story Roel shared about his Peacekeeping experience. He also gave an intriguing cultural snapshot of The Netherlands, his native country; and as an Honorary Consul of The Netherlands, he explained the U.S. government's ambassador network that spans from D.C. all the way to the west coast. Students had so many questions to ask Roel that many stayed after to talk to him personally for an additional half hour. It was a great morning of Roel's honesty and humor providing an informative and engaging experience.
Click here to see photos from the event.
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An Exciting Opportunity to Kick-Off Black History Month!
Civitas students are personally invited by Wash U to hear NY Times Bestselling Author, Heather McGhee, speak this Thursday, Feb. 1.
The Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity at Washington University, directed by Dr. Darrell Hudson, has arranged for Heather to speak for free at Graham Chapel on the Campus of Wash U to all who are interested in hearing a national thought leader dedicated to equity. Civitas has been gifted 50 copies of Heather's most recent book, The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together to give students who are interested in hearing Heather talk. We will give students their copies when they show up on Thursday evening.
Some additional info about Heather:
Over her career in public policy, Heather McGhee has crafted legislation, testified before Congress, and helped shape presidential campaign platforms. Her book, The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, spent 10 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and was longlisted for the National Book Award and Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction. The New York Times called it, “The book that should change how progressives talk about race” and the Chicago Tribune said, “Required reading to move the country forward...”. It is a Washington Post and TIME Magazine Must-Read Book of 2021. Starting at Fairgrounds Park in North St. Louis City, where a riot was sparked after the first Black St. Louis residents attempted to swim at a newly desegregated pool at Fairgrounds Park, McGhee chronicles the sobering history of divide and inequity across the United States. However, she implores the reader to reframe equity, moving away from a “zero sum” mindset to an inclusive perspective in which everyone can thrive.
Click here to sign up for this exciting opportunity to hear Heather McGhee on February 1, 2024!
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Heather McGhee on CBS Morning
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Join Us to Untangle the History of Israel and Palestine
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Since so many students have expressed interest in discussing and learning about the Israel/Palestine conflict, Civitas has scheduled a special event on Saturday, February 10 with Dr. Warren Rosenblum, Professor of History at Webster University, that will  center around student questions and concerns. Dr. Rosenblum has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share on the topic, so he will present a brief history of all that has led to today's War in Gaza, including the involvement of the United Nations and the United States, and then focus on what students want to know. Please consider attending this great opportunity at Crossroads College Preparatory (MAP) to learn facts and explore possible solutions for an area of the world that has experienced decades of death and destruction. We will meet from 10:00 am until noon.
Click here to sign up.
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Signup for Second Semester HS Model UN Sessions NOW OPEN!
Saturday, Feb. 17 and Saturday, March 2
 ` The new sessions will be held in Winifred Moore Auditorium, accessible through Webster University's Main Hall.
Civitas is excited to offer two more High School Model UN sessions on Saturday, February 17 and Saturday, March 2. Both dates will be morning sessions, 9:00 am until noon. They will be held in a larger venue, the Winifred Moore Auditorium, still on Webster University's campus inside the Main Hall at 470 East Lockwood, 63119. Parking is plentiful across the street, along Lockwood, and behind the building off Plymouth Blvd (MAP).
Some important reminders and points to know:
- Students can sign up individually for either date, or school groups can choose a date to attend together. No need to let us know in advance since the venue is larger. We would appreciate large school groups dividing between the two dates, if possible.
- Students should represent the same countries they had in the fall or another country your school drafted in the fall.
- New students are welcome. If your school did not draft countries in the fall, click here to choose a country that has no school name(s) next to it, preferably before you sign up.
- There will most likely be some duplicate country delegations. We will have separate voting placards for duplicates.
- If you submitted a resolution in the fall that was not discussed, it will have priority on the list. However, please review it/revise it and resubmit it to Stephanie (gavinstephanie89@gmail.com) by midnight on the Tuesday before the session you're attending.
- New resolutions are welcomed and encouraged.
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Thursday, February 1, 6:00 pm until 8:30 pm at Graham Chapel on the Washington University campus. (MAP)
Hear author, Heather McGhee, speak about racism.
Sign up here.
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Saturday, February 10, 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Crossroads College Preparatory (MAP)
A Brief History of the Israel-Palestine Conflict and Q & A with Dr. Warren Rosenblum
Sign up here.
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Saturday, February 17, 9:00 am until noon at Webster University in Winifred Moore Auditorium. (MAP)
Winter Session HS Model UN, Session A
Sign up here.
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Saturday, March 2, 9:00 am until noon at Webster University in Winifred Moore Auditorium. (MAP)
Winter Session HS Model UN, Session B
Sign up here.
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