West Virginia Wesleyan College students will recognize Social Justice Awareness Week on April 3-7 by featuring an assortment of social conscience events.

Katie Oreskovich, a junior sociology major from Westville, IL, serves as a volunteer. “Students participating have a strong belief that they can do their part to affect positive social change,” said Oreskovich.  

On Tuesday, April 4, the Sociology Club presents “The Welfare Simulation.” This detailed simulation provides the participants with experiences that most Wesleyan students would never have to endure: how to survive in poverty.  Students will gather in the Benedum Campus Center in the Social Hall at 6 p.m. for a chance to experience something new. 
Later that evening, the movie “Invisible Children” will be shown at 9:15 p.m. in Hyma Auditorium in the Christopher Hall of Science.  The film documents the effects of war for children who are being kidnapped out of their homes in Uganda and forced to become foot soldiers.  This movie has been so powerful it has sparked a student movement across the nation.

The day of silence, on Wednesday, April 5, is a day sponsored by the Sociology Club and the new Gay-Straight Alliance.  It is a day where there consequence of hate will be observed in an effective but quiet action.  During the day, participants will choose a level of silence with which they are comfortable.  Then, at the end of the day at 7 p.m., the participants will gather in front of Wesley Chapel to scream one word that they wanted to say all day or what best describes what they feel.  

An Oxfam America Hunger Banquet will conclude the events held on Thursday, April 6 in the Social Hall at 6:30 p.m. Oxfam America is a non-profit organization that works to end global poverty through saving lives, strengthening communities, and campaigning for change.. The meal is sponsored by Students for Social Justice and Change, the Bonner Scholars, and Aladdin Food Services.  The cost will be $5 per adult and a portion of the proceeds will go to support Oxfam America.  The banquet will consist of a dinner simulating the meals of the wealthy, poor, and middle class in our world.  Rasa Zimlicki, the Oxfam America Regional Coordinator in Virginia, will be the keynote speaker.  She is an expert on trade issues through her work with Oxfam America.  There will be a talkback session to follow.  She will speak on Friday for an OXFAM Lecture at 10 a.m. in Nellie Wilson Lounge in the Benedum Residence Hall. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.