Do It Yourself: Observe Genocide Prevention Month at the Launch

Genocide Prevention Month will have its official launch on April 2, 2009 – at a computer near you. A sneak preview screening of the documentary The Last Survivor will be followed by a panel discussion featuring genocide survivors, policy experts, and prominent activists.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

1. WATCH THE LAST SURVIVOR – BY YOURSELF OR WITH A FRIEND

2. ORGANIZE A “NOT ON OUR WATCH” WATCH PARTY FOR APRIL 2 OR FOR ANY TIME IN APRIL

3. DISCUSS THE FILM: FIND SUGGESTED QUESTIONS HERE

On April 2, we will broadcast a 20-min sneak preview of The Last Survivor, a film about four genocide survivors who have become anti-genocide advocates. Following the film, we will podcast a conversation among genocide survivors and policy experts moderated by former CNN anchor, Andrea Koppel.

If you are going to organize a group, here are some suggestions:

Step 1: Find a venue -- consider approaching schools, houses of worship, or community centers. Or plan to meet in someone’s home

Step 2: Invite friends, students, colleagues, family, and local congregations to the film screening

Step 3: Watch the podcast after the screening – and host a discussion as part of the screening

Step 4: You can consider inviting local genocide survivors and Darfur activists to participate

Step 5: Register your event on the Genocide Prevention Month website

Step 6: On the appointed date, watch the film at www.genocidepreventionmonth.org and discuss it using the discussion guide. (Please photograph or videotape any event you organize and send the images to Genocide Prevention Month.)

Other things you can do:

• Participate in our “Books of Conscience” project.
• Join our Facebook group -- “Genocide Prevention Month April 2009” – for updates about future events and as a way to communicate with others involved in the cause.
• Check out our list of 30 Things You Can Do throughout the month.
• Spread the word about Genocide Prevention Month to friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members. Encourage them to sign the pledge to observe Genocide Prevention Month.

Discussion Questions (for activists):

1. Jacqueline's story from the 1994 Rwandan genocide sheds light on the fact that it could have been prevented. Once we know genocide is taking place, what obligation does the international community have to try to stop it?
   
   
2. The survivors in the film make clear their commitment to ensuring that governments respond when civilian populations are at risk. How can you build a constituency that cares about stopping mass atrocity crimes in your community?
   
   
3. Adam talks about his desire to return home to Darfur as soon as it is safe. He is one of 4 million Darfuris who have been forced to flee their homes since 2003. How can you work in your community to help refugees rebuild their lives?
   
   
4. The crime of genocide seeks to destroy a people – based on their identity. It kills not only their people, but their culture, their values, and the stories and lessons they pass on from one generation to the next. What do you think the world has lost in allowing genocide to take place around the globe in the past?