Dragon Days of Action a Success
On November 20th and 21st various departments from MSUM hosted Dragon Days of Action, an event to raise awareness for hunger and homelessness and give back to the local community.
Activities included an optional 20-hour hunger fast, a lecture by Dr. Conteh on international hunger issues, a lecture by Laurie Baker on hunger and homeless in the Fargo-Moorhead community, international entertainment, sleeping in box village on the campus mall, community service, and an Oxfam America Hunger Banquet.
On Saturday morning students were divided into groups and provided service to the Emergency Food Pantry, Great Plains Food Bank, and Churches United. The fourth group collected grocery bags from community members who chose to fill the bag with food donations. Prior to the event students had delivered the bags and shared with the community that the event would be taking place. Community members in homes surrounding MSUM donated a total of 483 lbs of food, equivalent to 403 meals. The amount of food collected would feed a family of 4 for 34 days. After serving the community Laurie Baker from the Fargo-Moorhead Coalition For Homeless Persons spoke to the students about issues which exist right here in our own community.
Dragon Days of Action concluded with an Oxfam America Hunger Banquet http://www.oxfamamerica.org/take-action/events/hunger-banquet/ facilitated by staff from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
Concluding the events a survey was distributed to the participants to gather feedback and student reflections of their experience. Here are some quotes about their experience:
o “Fasting while doing the work to end hunger is a really cool experience because it makes it really personal. It deepens your understanding and gives a person drive. The event as a whole was a fantastic eye-opener and impactful.”
o “Very amazing experience, one to remember for sure.”
o “Great way to get out in the community!”
This was the first year Dragon Days of Action took place and it is hoped that it will become an annual event.