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October 13, 2020

Driving Advocacy Forward


© 2020 Annalee-Durland Jones '22

Students in Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies Zulfiya Tursunova’s introductory course gained hands-on experience in community activation while volunteering for the FaithAction Unity Drive for immigration reform.

Zulfiya’s three-week Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies course provides students with an overview of the field and to put their knowledge into action. They learn to analyze different issues related to micro conflicts, gain practical skills in restorative justice, and become familiar with community organizations that draw on advocacy, restorative justice, and a commitment to nonviolence.

During the three weeks, students are required to participate in Greensboro’s FaithAction Unity Drive, hosted by FaithAction International House. FaithAction International House serves more than 3,000 new immigrants and refugees each year by providing assistance with basic needs, education and employment opportunities, emergency assistance, ID cards, and more. Its annual Unity Walk in support of immigration reform was turned into a drive this year to accommodate health and safety precautions due to COVID-19.

“My favorite part about attending FaithAction Unity Drive was having the opportunity to hear the different stories of people who are refugees and immigrants living in this country,” says International Studies and Peace and Conflict Studies double major Munah Nimely ’22. She hopes to use her degree to work within the government to improve the immigration and refugee treatment in this country.

Peace and Conflict Studies major Annalee Durland-Jones ’22, who is doing research and creating a photo series for the Conflict Resolution and Resource Center at Guilford, also attended the event.

“From the honking of car horns in support of the Unity Drive to the cars decked out in streamers and paint, it was a joy to see how passionate people were for standing up for the messages of justice that the Unity Drive provided,” she says. “It brought me joy to see everyone come together in unity.” Annalee also has a photography minor and hopes to continue her photojournalism work to make a difference in the world around her.

Schedule your personalized visit today to learn more about Guilford College’s commitment to justice and equality.