Marywood students launched a new club to bring awareness to the injustices brought to children around the world.

The Children’s Advocacy Club is a branch of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund’s (UNICEF) global movement which allows college students to play a role in helping the world’s children.
UNICEF helps provide charitable and developmental aid to children and mothers in evolving countries.

Club Founder and President of Marywood’s local chapter Tamara Badette said she hopes to make an impact by fundraising throughout the community and educating others on social justice issues.

“I definitely want to target the children in the community and children in third world countries,” said Badette. “Hopefully, I can do that through UNICEF.”

Dakota Hardick, the club’s vice president, said the turnout for the first meeting was not what they had hoped for because of other on-campus events happening at the same time as their meeting. However, Hardick said that she is hopeful attendance will improve.

“Besides the chair, there were about four to five other kids. It was the same night as the open mic night so we were battling with popular things on campus,” said Hardick. “I feel that at our next meeting, if there isn’t a lot going on, we will have a better turnout.”

Hardick said the first meeting was mainly informational, and the group discussed possible events for the community. She said one of the club’s goals is a possible formal dance for families who cannot afford to attend one.

While there is a lot of work to be done, the students will not be alone in their efforts.

Sister John Southwick, IHM, assistant director of Campus Ministry and advisor of the Children’s Advocacy Club, plans to assist the club when it comes to projects.

“I see myself as a mentor or facilitator. Whatever they need, I can provide that, but they are the ones out there doing the work,” said Southwick.

Southwick said that she is behind supporting anything that involves helping children.

“Children are our future, and if we don’t do what we can for them, we might as well forget our future,” said Southwick. “It is easier to nurture a child than to fix a broken adult.”

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