The organizers of Dartmouth's new chapter of the United Nations Children's Fund want to make their peers aware of the range of problems facing children around the world -- and to enlist them in helping these children get adequate medical care, food and other basic necessities.
The group, which held its first meeting this past Wednesday, is the brainchild of Sheila Chithran '05, who began researching the possibility of starting a chapter last fall.
"I thought that what was lacking [from Dartmouth] was something with a more global view. All these groups on campus are great, but sometimes it seems like they have too much of a campus-based view. I mean, there's a whole world out there, you know?" Chithran said.
Chithran met UNICEF representatives while interning at CNN last fall. Their dedication to making a difference in the world inspired her to form a Dartmouth chapter.
UNICEF operates with the aim of targeting and addressing the needs of children around the world. There are currently 52 campus chapters of UNICEF around the nation, and the organization receives about two to three inquiries a week regarding the formation of new chapters, according to Aisha Webb, who organizes campus chapters of UNICEF USA.
"We've noticed an increasing number of inquiries recently," Webb said. "Students are one of the fastest growing volunteer groups in the nation; they are an amazing driving force to get the word out about UNICEF."
UNICEF provides support to campus chapters by suggesting fundraising ideas, publicizing campus events, and helping attract guest speakers. UNICEF does not provide financial support to college chapters; rather, it encourages the groups to donate the money they raise to the larger organization.
One of the Dartmouth chapter's goals is to organize programs such as a Valentine's Day fundraiser, Christmas card sales, and the national trick-or-treating for UNICEF program. Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, one of the group's trademark annual campaigns, encourages children to help others by fundraising in the month of October. The tradition was started in 1950 and over $119 million has been collected since then.
"We want to teach people that a little change really can go a long way," Chithran said.
The Dartmouth group also hopes to be able to visit local schools and increase awareness among children.
Although the Dartmouth chapter has not officially begun to advertise its existence, it has already been generating a lot of interest, Chithran said. She hopes to have the group recognized by the Committee on Student Organizations within the next few weeks.
"I think increasing awareness and participating in different efforts to help the world's children is really important," said Katherine Moran '05, vice president of the group.
"I think it's an important message; a lot of time kids don't realize what's happening to other kids on the other side of the world," Chithran said.
