Student advocates organize Awareness WeekAshley DukeTNE writer

Martina Bruzikova, Slovakia senior, Roldan Ochoa, Venezula alumus, and Brittnay Malden, co-founder of AOA, discuss the bucket to be raffled at the end of Awareness Week. Students will receive a ticket at each event during Awareness week that will enter them in the drawing.

Advocates for Oklahoma Awareness, founded by six NSU students, is reaching out to students with Awareness Week. “We wanted to focus on awareness with nature, humanity and technology because we believe those are the most important factors of everyday life,” said Brittany Harlow, co-founder of AOA. “Nature is where we live, humanity is who we are and technology is becoming a bigger part of our lives every day. It is easy to forget how important and influential each aspect is, and that is why we wanted to remind people.”Awareness Week consists of three days focusing on a different aspect each day. “I believe it is important to bring awareness to the community because it is the first step to shaping a world where people are actively fighting against social and environmental

issues that affect us,” said Adam Wallace, co-founder of AOA. “Knowledge is power, and without knowing the depth and size of what we are up against, we cannot hope to battle or ever defeat the issues we face.”AOA, Northeastern Student Government Association and NSU’s Committee for Sustainability will partner on Earth Day to raise awareness about environmental issues. This event will feature activities and booths supporting and teaching environmental understanding. A sustainability workshop will also be offered 2 p.m.- 3 p.m. in the UC Ballroom C. “I am pretty excited about all three days, but I'm most excited about our human trafficking awareness day,” said Wallace. “Human trafficking is an issue I first heard about when I was 14. Hearing about it scared me and made me sad and angry. Learning about human trafficking ignited a passion and drove me to help those affected by it, and ultimately end it.”AOA will present their aspect of humanity by informing students of human trafficking. The event will show the documentary “Not My Life”, followed by a seminar with a survivor of human trafficking, Yvonne Adcock. It begins at 6 p.m., April 23, at the UC Room 223.“I believe it is important for students to be aware of these issues so that they can be active participants in changing this world for the better,” said Ashlee Johnson, co-founder of AOA.The last day of Awareness Week focuses on technology with a presentation over the effects of the media from Dr. David Scott, chairperson of communications. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. The presentation is at 4:30 p.m., April 24, in the UC Room 223.Students will receive a ticket at each event that will be entered in a raffle to win prize that consist of cleaning supplies and a gift certificate to both Reasors and The Iguana Cafe. For more information, visit www.advocatesforok.weebly.com.

Published 4/22/14