Lincoln night commute to draw 500 participants
On Saturday night more than 500 people are planning to sleep under the stars, but these campers won't be roughing it out in the wilderness or roasting marshmallows over campfires.
Instead, they'll be sleeping just north of the Nebraska Capitol and writing letters to national representatives.
The Global Night Commute, a peaceful demonstration to raise awareness about the violent war in Uganda, will take place this weekend in downtown Lincoln. The event was inspired by the documentary ``Invisible Children,'' which highlights the lives of children in Uganda who are forced to commute from their rural homes to cities where they sleep in urban areas with no protection or shelter to avoid being abducted by the rebel army and impressed into military service.
People in cities around the world will be sleeping outside in public places on Saturday night to raise awareness about the war in Uganda and the conditions these children face.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's chapter of Amnesty International is promoting the Lincoln commute.
Amy Vaughn, an anthropology graduate student and Amnesty International public relations officer, encourages anyone interested in the event to sign-up online at www.invisiblechildren.com.
``If you're planning on going, think you might go or even just support what people are doing at the commute, go to the Invisible Children Web site,'' Vaughn said. ``We won't be doing a head count that night, so if you just show up, you won't be included in the numbers.''
According to the Web site, the evening will be one of quiet demonstration and reflection. Paper and envelopes will be distributed and participants will be encouraged to write letters to President George W. Bush and one of their senators, emphasizing the need for action in Uganda.
Vaughn said security will be present at the event, but those attending will be safe and peaceful.
``It's really important that people know this isn't a protest, this isn't a rally,'' Vaughn said. ``People won't be standing up and shouting, and we ask that people don't bring signs to hold up.''
Although Amnesty International is helping to promote the event, Vaughn hopes that everyone feels welcome to gather together.
``This event is for everyone,'' Vaughn said. ``There are church groups, there are progressive groups and there are high school groups. Everyone will have a place there.''
Former captive of Hezbollah to speak of experience
On Monday night, Jerry and Sis Levin, an American couple who work in Palestine, will give a presentation at Christ United Methodist Church, 45th and A streets. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. and is open to the public.
In the early 1980s, Jerry Levin was the CNN Middle East bureau chief, working in Beirut, Lebanon. During that time he was kidnapped by the Hezbollah, an Islamic group, and held for a year. While captive, he deepened his faith and now tours the world, giving presentations on Palestinian issues and fundraising.
On Tuesday at 7 p.m. the couple will give another presentation at Lincoln High School, 22nd and J streets.
For more information, call Ruth Thone at 421-2855.
Compiled from staff reports
