02/07/12 jgm

HAYS, Kan. -- American Democracy Project and the Global Leadership Project at Fort Hays State University will host the Red Hand Day on Thursday, Feb. 9, in the Memorial Union Lobby from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Red Hand Day brings awareness to child soldiers and tries to urge the governments of countries like Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Yemen to either ratify or sign the optional protocol.

Red Hand Day was started in Germany and is now a campaign throughout the world. It usually takes place on Feb. 12, as on that date in 2002, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict became legally binding.

FHSU students, faculty and staff, and the community are invited to paint their hand red, place it on a paper, and write a note. Participants can sign letters urging governments to sign or ratify the optional protocol. Letters can also be sent to United States senators and representatives to urge the end of blanket waivers of military aid to countries who still have child soldiers.

The American Democracy Project is focused on getting students civically engaged on campus and wants students to be informed with the events taking place in our democracy. The Global Leadership Project is focused on bringing positive change globally.

"I had learned about the event as a freshman and wanted to bring this event to campus to inform students of this issue and what students can do to try to bring change to the situation," said Jen Verhagen, Holland, Mich., senior and student coordinator of ADP.

For more information, contact the American Democracy Project or Global Leadership Project at adp@fhsu.edu or 785-628-5399.