POWER is pro-soldier
By Laura Brown
IV Leader Staff, Feb. 21, 2003
People of the World End Racism or POWER, a student organization, has been collecting items for soldiers while promoting a pro-peace message at IVCC.
The group is focused on promoting non-judgmental opinions and broader understandings of people, according to advisor Kim Abel, an IVCC nursing instructor.
“We try to promote acceptance of differences,” Abel says. They approach this goal by visiting local schools where the students are mentored in methods of tolerance rather than “name-calling.”
POWER also extends its message of peace to students at IVCC by sponsoring informational discussions and seminars and providing pro-tolerance literature and support.
POWER’s pro-peace position was recently questioned by some members of the community who favor the United States entering into war with Iraq.
Although no one has contacted Abel directly with concerns, she said she does wish to make it clear that though the organization is anti-war, it is pro-soldier.
POWER is currently accepting donations of money to purchase items for soldiers overseas.
Demonstrating the tolerant nature of the organization and its members, Abel says, “Even if you are pro- war, you can show your support through our organization by donating money to our fund for soldiers.”
Abel reports that two packages have already been sent to soldiers overseas and two more are ready to mail.
One soldier stationed in Saudi Arabia even used the phone card supplied with his care package to call and thank the student group.
Donations the group is requesting include antifungal foot powder, bandanas and powdered drink mix.
As she watches her own students being called in to serve the country, Abel finds herself wondering if there isn’t a better solution than war and continues along with POWER to promote peace on IVCC’s campus and around the world.
Supply drop boxes can be gound in the library, information desk, and Division offices in B and D buildings.
Tables will periodically be set up in the link for supply collections and encouraging people to speak out for peace.
Anyone wishing to contact Abel with donations, addresses of servicemen or women serving overseas that would like to receive items through POWER’s soldier fund, or with any other questions or comments can contact her via email at kim_abel@ivcc.edu.