For the past two years the Student Senate at Vincennes University has sponsored “”The Rainbow of Harmony”" Dinner. Representatives from each club and organization on campus come together to share in a purposeful program and dinner. Icebreaker activities engage students in meaningful discussion and a speaker presents a thought-provoking message. A student code, which speaks of civilized behavior, dignity of all persons and freedom for each individual is read in unison as a symbol for a strong unified student force. A bread of rainbow colors is broken, passed and shared by all as further testimony for a unified student body. A large banner, which contains words of unity is signed by all attending students and later hung outside the Student Union Building for others to see.
Club representatives from this group encourage others to join the ranks by distributing rainbow ribbons and small cards, which attest to positive interaction among all. If a student decides to commit to this movement, the card is signed and carried in their wallet. Shortly following this dinner another gathering occurs in which these club representatives invite others to join them. Food is served and students gather in groups to discuss ways to promote unity and civilized behavior. These ideas are printed on 4″”x 6″” cards and worked on during the year by student groups and student senate.
n the first year of its inception the idea and the “”It Can Happen”" card was directed toward racism. In its second year the idea moved more toward unity among all, which is broader and involves all groups.
The origins of this concept evolved from a Student Senate member who felt that not enough concern was shown for others among students. We dubbed this movement as “”Carrie’s Love Campaign”". I mention this to illustrate the idea that it takes only one person to start something. The idea spurred others’ imaginations and evolved to an annual campaign. In light of the fact that our nation is facing so much violence in our schools, this movement is very timely. It has helped students to start the year right and to perhaps look at others with new perspectives.
Vincennes student government web site: http://www.vinu.edu/actgovt.htm
