STAND: A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition

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STAND: A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition is an organization which seeks to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan, raise relief funds for those affected by the conflict, and advocate for political action.

[edit] Organization & History

The organization is comprised of over 600 local chapters at high schools, colleges, and universities located primarily in the United States, though a national STAND movement exists in Canada. In April 2006, STAND merged with the Genocide Intervention Network. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C., where the first STAND chapter was formed in 2004 at Georgetown University by a group of concerned students. Currently, it is led by Erin Mazursky of Georgetown University.

Previously, STAND's name was an acronym for "Students Taking Action Now: Darfur" but in August 2006 it was officially changed to "STAND: A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition." STAND Canada continues to use the acronym, as the two organizations independent of one another.

Many STAND chapters participated in the 6 October 2006 International Solidarity Fast for Darfur, an event organized by the group.