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Arlington, Virginia, September 10, 2003 (CIDI) – The Center for International
Disaster Information (CIDI) was honored to join American University’s (AU) student clubs and other outside
organizations at AU’s annual college Volunteer Fair. Each year, student clubs
and outside organizations are given an opportunity to provide information to
prospective members and to promote student awareness of community service activities.
A perfect sunny day with a light breeze provided the backdrop for hundreds of colorful
theme decorated tables placed along the walkways at the University’s Friedham
Quadrangle in front of the Mary Graydon Center. Staffs at each table made their
presentations and met and greeted the students and their professors as they walked
the courtyard. Communications/media students provided music from a local radio station
as well as live TV interviews of presenters and students. The happy atmosphere was
electric with contagious excitement.
CIDI received a warm and responsive reception. More than one thousand students and
professors visited the CIDI table. Professors and students alike wished to discuss
international relief issues, particularly the most recent in Afghanistan, Iraq and
Liberia. Many of them were already aware of appropriate emergency response techniques,
and immediately wanted to know how they could become involved. International students
who had lived through disasters in their own countries, shared their experiences with
us.
Many of the students signed up as volunteers and will be attending our training program.
It was a wonderful occasion and CIDI appreciated very much being included in the program.
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