Student Organization Advocating Human Rights

Alexis Guerrero and Nikki Fanta volunteer at SOAHR's Courtyard Carnival table where we sold T-shirts and played a human rights trivia game.

Nikki Fanta, Danielle Elland, and Jocelyn Lutes give a presentation to the Amnesty International group about SOAHR's current and past activities.  We also gave this presentation at a Latin American Studies workshop on campus with university professors from all over the United States in attendance.

Raising awareness and supporting justice for 17-year-old shooting victim Trayvon Martin by giving away Skittles with facts about the case outside the Student Union.  These students also did a march around campus to call attention to social injustices and racism.   

Students signing petitions for the prosecution of Trayvon's killer, George Zimmerman

In memory of Trayvon Martin...

Gender equality bulletin board for March 2012

SOAHR members Nikki Fanta, Jocelyn Lutes, Brittanie Dixon, and Laura Fox helped design and decorate the SOAHR Christmas tree. 

SOAHR President Jocelyn Lutes and Web Editor Nikki Fanta pose by the completed SOAHR Christmas tree decorated for Viterbo's annual charity Christmas tree decorating contest. 

Peace Tree! 

Laura Fox and Nikki Fanta help decorate SOAHR's Christmas tree. 

Devoted SOAHR members Amanda, Mandy, Laura, and Jocelyn work diligently on making ornaments to decorate the SOAHR tree for Viterbo's annual Christmas tree decorating contest fundraiser. Proceeds from the contest will be donated to charity. 

Danielle uses her artistic skills to design an awesome peace ornament for SOAHR's Christmas tree!

SOAHR members Mary Kate and Brittanie help make peace ornaments for Viterbo's annual Christmas tree decorating contest.  SOAHR chose to do a "Peace Across the Nations" theme with each peace sign ornament incorporating the flag of a different country.  Donations we receive from the decorating contest will be given to the Family and Children's Center.

October/November bulletin board highlighting immigration in the United States

SOAHR members Jocelyn Lutes, Ross Pirsig, Nikki Fanta, Emily Aerts, Juliana Muñoz, Mandy Jo Mlsna, and Ramon Martinez had the opportunity and pleasure of sharing breakfast and great conversation with documentary filmmaker Patrick Mureithi the morning before he presented his Rwandan genocide documentary to the Viterbo community.

 Mr. Patrick Mureithi introduces his documentary "ICYIZERE: hope" to the Viterbo community, highlighting the importance of healing and forgiveness.

Patrick chats with SOAHR member Alexis Guerrero following his presentation.

Some of Patrick Mureithi's newest friends and biggest fans, Jocelyn Lutes, Mandy Elliott, Emily Aerts, and Nikki Fanta, greet him at the reception following the presentation of his documentary.

Group hug in honor of International Peace Day:  Embrace the peace!

April bulletin board highlighting social injustices currently occuring in Darfur 

Human trafficking bulletin board with designers Alexis Guerrero, Nikki Fanta, Tia Gurtner, and Jocelyn Lutes.

Other human rights bulletin boards featured on the 3rd floor of Murphy Center during the spring semester of 2011. 

December 2, 2010

A group of 31 students, faculty, and members of the FSPA gathered for a peace vigil to remember those that died or are suffering because of war.

30 years ago, on December 2, Dorothy Kazel, Maura Clark, Ita Ford, and Jean Donovan were brutally murdered by the Salvadoran military for their work and dedication to the poor. On this day we celebrate the lives of all those who dedicate their lives to social justice and peace. 

 November 19, 2010

SOAHR members took turns bringing awareness to the whereabouts of graduates of the former School of America, now WHINSEC. Many graduates are currently being indicted for crimes against humanity, drug related crimes, and others.

 This is a very small sample of some of the SOA graduates that are facing prosecusion, are already serving time, or at large.

 November 19, 2010

A group of Franciscan Sisters sing the Benediction for 10 Viterbo students going to Georgia for the WHINSEC (former School of the Americas) annual Peace Vigil.

 November 12, 2010

Charles Hardy talks to students representing several subject areas. In total Charles Hardy spoke to more than 175 students, faculty, and community members.

 November 11, 2010

Charles Hardy talks to SOAHR members Kelsey, Nikki, and Kasie.

 November 11, 2010

Charles Hardy talks to students, faculty, and members of the community.