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 consists of over 700 local chapters at high schools, colleges, and universities located primarily in the United States, though STAND also has an international division, with chapters in more than 25 countries, including England, China, Canada, Sierra Leone, Singapore, and Israel. 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 students. As of May 2008 Nicholas Gaw of Swarthmore College is the Executive Director. This position was previously held by Scott Warren of Brown 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 provides students with creative and effective national campaigns, organizing materials and resources, educational information, policy and advocacy training, and a network of informed and active peers. All of STAND's programs and policies are consistent with the Responsibility to Protect report, endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005.

Each new STAND chapter is formed independently by students at their respective school. STAND chapters raise awareness on their campuses and in their communities, advocate to their elected officials for substantial legislative action, divest their schools, cities and states, and raise funds for civilian protection. All of STAND's national campaigns and resources are developed, implemented and distributed entirely by a student leadership team made up of students around the country.