Operation Inspiration
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Operation Inspiration: Oxford Consortium for Human Rights
Brenna and Hunter are from working class families. Their struggles have not been easy. Most would have quit. Most would have failed. They did not.
Brenna finished her degree and works in a public agency to increase voter turn-out.
Hunter is midway through his degree on a debate scholarship.
They both went to Mt. Hood Community College in Oregon.
They both went to Oxford University in the United Kingdom to attend the Consortium for Human Rights.
How? Through people like you. And people like me. And of course them.
The Oxford Consortium for Human Rights conducts workshop seminars for students of all levels with the aim of providing skills to transfer concern for human rights into action. Workshops include high-level human rights practitioners, UN representatives, non-governmental organization leaders, and scholars.
This fund is to financially enable two Mt. Hood Community College students the opportunity to go to this consortium to meet dedicated leaders who are changing the world.
Why do they need our help?
Community colleges in America are considered the “gateway” to lifting the next generation out of poverty. They are designed to either provide a training certificate or allow students to do the first part of their 4-year degree with less debt. For many, community colleges are the only option forward. Our students face harsh challenges. Here are just a few real life stories from those I have worked with:
“Bob” was abused so badly by his parents he was able to obtain a court-ordered self-emancipation at age 16. (He is now a lawyer.)
“Mika” lived on the street since 14 due alcoholic parents and lack of family support. (She is now a professional fund raiser.)
“Dee” lost both her parents in a car wreck and was faced with supporting her 2 siblings at 18. She had to drop out of school.
“Julia” had to drop out of school to support their family when the parent lost his job.
“Shaun” dropped out of school after his brother was shot by the police.
I could tell many, many more but you get the picture…
Not all of these students will succeed. But what I have found is that many, if offered guidance and exposed to inspiration, achieve AMAZING things. And due to their struggles, they often have a perspective that drives them to achieve social change.
Why Oxford?
You Can’t Be What You Can’t See: The idea is common. Many folks do not feel they are capable. When they hear words like “graduate,” “successful,” “Oxford,” “leadership,” "achieve,” they feel this is not them; this can never be them. And there is no one around to tell them differently. This gathering opens potential in students they did not realize they had.
These students are the future. They are worth investment. Be part of the change; or at least help them to be part of it! And please share the link! Thank you!
Janet Campbell, Instructor Mt. Hood Community College
Testimonials
Brenna Schmidt
Going to Oxford was an incredible experience that I am forever grateful for. I studied international law including Geneva, genocide in Rwanda, civil war in between states and non-states, torture in Guantanamo Bay, inspirational leaders and how they achieved greatness, and how to create lasting change in this world. I meet international scholars and fellow students whom I look forward to collaborating with and am proud to call my friends. I will cherish the memories of this enchanting place and will always remember these wonderful people. The greatest knowledge learned from this experience is small changes in society can actually create the biggest impact and that I can truly change this world!
Hunter Boelow
My Oxford experience was truly awe inspiring. I was able to learn from some of the most brilliant and accomplished scholars, academics, and activists. I was able to learn and grow as a student and a person with the ability to grasp so much from the other students, whether law school, graduate school, or a teacher, they brought a very informed and valuable perspective. It was an experience I never could have gotten on my own, and I'll never forget my week in England.
NOTE: Any money collected over $10,000 will go to students who wish to attend other conferences on social change.
Brenna and Hunter are from working class families. Their struggles have not been easy. Most would have quit. Most would have failed. They did not.
Brenna finished her degree and works in a public agency to increase voter turn-out.
Hunter is midway through his degree on a debate scholarship.
They both went to Mt. Hood Community College in Oregon.
They both went to Oxford University in the United Kingdom to attend the Consortium for Human Rights.
How? Through people like you. And people like me. And of course them.
The Oxford Consortium for Human Rights conducts workshop seminars for students of all levels with the aim of providing skills to transfer concern for human rights into action. Workshops include high-level human rights practitioners, UN representatives, non-governmental organization leaders, and scholars.
This fund is to financially enable two Mt. Hood Community College students the opportunity to go to this consortium to meet dedicated leaders who are changing the world.
Why do they need our help?
Community colleges in America are considered the “gateway” to lifting the next generation out of poverty. They are designed to either provide a training certificate or allow students to do the first part of their 4-year degree with less debt. For many, community colleges are the only option forward. Our students face harsh challenges. Here are just a few real life stories from those I have worked with:
“Bob” was abused so badly by his parents he was able to obtain a court-ordered self-emancipation at age 16. (He is now a lawyer.)
“Mika” lived on the street since 14 due alcoholic parents and lack of family support. (She is now a professional fund raiser.)
“Dee” lost both her parents in a car wreck and was faced with supporting her 2 siblings at 18. She had to drop out of school.
“Julia” had to drop out of school to support their family when the parent lost his job.
“Shaun” dropped out of school after his brother was shot by the police.
I could tell many, many more but you get the picture…
Not all of these students will succeed. But what I have found is that many, if offered guidance and exposed to inspiration, achieve AMAZING things. And due to their struggles, they often have a perspective that drives them to achieve social change.
Why Oxford?
You Can’t Be What You Can’t See: The idea is common. Many folks do not feel they are capable. When they hear words like “graduate,” “successful,” “Oxford,” “leadership,” "achieve,” they feel this is not them; this can never be them. And there is no one around to tell them differently. This gathering opens potential in students they did not realize they had.
These students are the future. They are worth investment. Be part of the change; or at least help them to be part of it! And please share the link! Thank you!
Janet Campbell, Instructor Mt. Hood Community College
Testimonials
Brenna Schmidt
Going to Oxford was an incredible experience that I am forever grateful for. I studied international law including Geneva, genocide in Rwanda, civil war in between states and non-states, torture in Guantanamo Bay, inspirational leaders and how they achieved greatness, and how to create lasting change in this world. I meet international scholars and fellow students whom I look forward to collaborating with and am proud to call my friends. I will cherish the memories of this enchanting place and will always remember these wonderful people. The greatest knowledge learned from this experience is small changes in society can actually create the biggest impact and that I can truly change this world!
Hunter Boelow
My Oxford experience was truly awe inspiring. I was able to learn from some of the most brilliant and accomplished scholars, academics, and activists. I was able to learn and grow as a student and a person with the ability to grasp so much from the other students, whether law school, graduate school, or a teacher, they brought a very informed and valuable perspective. It was an experience I never could have gotten on my own, and I'll never forget my week in England.
NOTE: Any money collected over $10,000 will go to students who wish to attend other conferences on social change.
Organizer
Janet Campbell
Organizer
Stevenson, WA