Student you should know: Crystal Busenbark

What is the purpose of the Peace and Justice Club?

The peace and justice club exists to educate students regarding current social issues and get them involved in efforts to help relieve the suffering and pain caused by atrocities and disasters. We’re kind of like a teddy bear, a box of Kleenex and the Peace Corps all rolled into one.

How did the club get started?

To be completely honest, I’m not sure how the club got started. Legend has it that it was created by Mahatma Gandhi just weeks before his death.

Why did you get involved in political issues?

I started out as a Peace and Justice Studies minor; primarily I was in it for the fireside drum circles, but I came to realize that there were real life ways that I could work to alleviate the sufferings of other people both locally and across the globe.

Who can join the Peace and Justice club?

Anyone can join; in fact, everyone should join! Really the only requirement to join is that you have to have a heart. It may seem like a lot, but it’s something that I think most of us have if we’re willing to look deep down inside ourselves.

Anything else you’d like to say about the club?

We are helping to present the J. Bonner Richie Peace and Justice Dialogue on Feb. 18 and 19 in LI120. This year we are focusing on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We’re also putting on a benefit concert this March to help the people of Haiti. Anyone who is interested in helping out or finding out more can contact me at [email protected].