Bowling Green, Ky. - College campuses have always been popular spots for debating international and political issues. Student voices have been amongst the loudest to criticize, support and debate global leaders, global decisions and global concerns. On October 31 through November 18, students will have the opportunity to “speak their peace” during an event called The People Speak.

The People Speak, located on Western Kentucky University’s campus, calls on students and members of the community to speak out about the global issues of poverty, hunger, health and the environment. This year’s theme is: “Building a Safer World: Defining the U.S.-U.N. Relationship for the 21st Century.”

The event kicks off with an essay competition. The topic is “Hunger in Africa: What can be done?” Any WKU student can enter. The winner will be awarded a $100 gift certificate to the WKU Bookstore and the essay will be published in the College Heights Herald. Deadline for entries is Monday, October 31. For more information contact Judy Woodring at (270) 745-6340.

Other exciting activities planned include the Speaker’s Corner. Students and audience members can debate and discuss world issues each day from November 1 to November 18 at noon outside on the patio at Java City.

A Forum on World Issues will be held on November 14 at 6:30 p.m. and will include information tables on several local charities and support groups and the international students will present posters focused on conditions in their area of the world. The acclaimed short documentary film “Fistful of Rice” will be viewed.

"So many times we fail to recognize that one voice, one vote and one chartable act can make a difference in this world," said Forensics director Judy Woodring, "The People Speak reminds us that we can make a difference."

Additionally, on November 16 at 5:30 p.m. an Impromptu Speaking Contest will give interested students the opportunity to speak for five minutes on one of five randomly drawn topics: WMD’s, world hunger, terrorism, AIDS or the United Nations. Five winners will be chosen to receive $100 gift certificates for the WKU Bookstore.

If you enjoy debating or just watching a debate, then you must not miss two great events. Debates between the WKU debaters and the British team will be held on November 15 at 6:30 p.m. A Public Forum Debate on November 17 at 6:30 p.m. gives interested students the opportunity to ask questions of the debaters and offer
their own comments.

The People Speak comes to end on November 18 at 7:30 p.m. with a Canned Food Drive at the home basketball game at Diddle Arena. The Communication Ambassadors and members of the WKU Baseball Team will collect the food items, which will be distributed to 10 local families for Thanksgiving.

The People Speak’s sponsors include the Provost Academic Excellent Initiatives, WKU Forensics and the Department of Communications.

The People Speak was established in 2003 by a non-partisan coalition of organizations and is an international effort to engage people of all ages and backgrounds in a discussion of the hard questions about the roll of the United States in the world. From September 1 through November 30, thousands of American and International citizens will organize events around a specific theme in schools, colleges, civic and religious groups and at home.

To learn more about The People Speak and the activities at WKU contact Judy Woodring (270) 745-6340 or visit the website: www.thepeoplespeak.org.

For More Information Contact Andrea Flinchum at 270.745.8915 or Judy Woodring at 270.745.6340