USU’s chapter of UNICEF to ‘Sing Out for Equality’
While some people have heard of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, more commonly known as UNICEF, many don’t know exactly what the organization does.
“UNICEF’s main goal is to stop preventable death in children across the globe by providing vaccines, clean water, building schools and ending human trafficking,” said Kelsey Tolbert, the vice president of advocacy for the USU chapter of UNICEF.
USU’s chapter of UNICEF will partner with the Perspectives club – a club that promotes diverse perspectives on gender, equality and feminist issues – Thursday night to bring a “Sing Out for Equality” night. The event will be held from 7-10 p.m. in The Depot room inside The Junction. The entrance fee will be $2.
“We chose to do a karaoke night because we wanted an event that would be really fun to attend,” Tolbert said.
The event’s purpose is not to raise money, Tolbert said.
“We are doing it strictly to spread the word about the obstacles we face in gaining human equality,” she said. “I believe that the best way to stop a problem is to become educated on the topic. There are so many people trapped into the human trafficking industry and we consume those products without even realizing that our proceeds go to these slave drivers and drug lords.”
A great deal of domestic violence and racism go unnoticed, Tolbert said, and UNICEF wants to give an opportunity for people to come out Thursday night to have a great time and walk away knowing a little more about what’s going on in the world.
“That way if they ever encounter someone being treated poorly, they will know where they can turn to get it stopped,” she said.
This event is for USU students and also for the Cache County community.
“We will be having a raffle and giving away prizes from Cold Stone, Jumpzone, RockHaus and Charlie’s,” Tolbert said. “These prizes were donated to us by the businesses themselves. Everyone gets a raffle ticket upon entry and another ticket if they sing. We will have cookies, Rice Krispies, and brownies, as well as an unlimited soda bar.”
This event has taken about a month of preparation to plan, Tolbert said.
“The woman who is in charge of The Depot has been very easy to work with and has helped us greatly,” Tolbert said. “This is a great venue as there is a karaoke machine and the snacks. The goal is to have a great time and get the word out. The more people that attend, the better. Proceeds go to paying for the event. Any extra will go to the host clubs to help them plan the next activity.”
Tolbert said the event is sure to be “both entertaining and enlightening.”