FUNDING NEEDED FOR UK TRIP

Many people might not know about Mt. Hood Community College around the country, but we are gaining international recognition.

Since spring 2017, Mt. Hood has been a part of the “Oxford Consortium of Human Rights” in the United Kingdom, and here’s the catch: it’s the only community college to be a part of the consortium.

This is a 10-day consortium in which many agencies such as the Red Cross and other human rights-based organizations participate. Professors and people who are making changes in their communities all across the world also attend. The consortium for 2019 will take place March 10-16.

Even though this sounds like a grand opportunity to be a part of, this trip will cost significant money. For two MHCC students, the total amount needed for travel is $10,000. The MHCC Foundation has assisted with funding in previous years, but will not be able to help in the future, according to Mt. Hood political science instructor Janet Campbell. This (March trip) will be the final year the Foundation assists with funding.

In an effort to raise funds and awareness, Campbell started a GoFundMe campaign in November. The total amount raised through Dec. 6 is $730. Campbell hopes to use the funding campaign to keep the trip going for future years. Trying to get the long trip green-lit to be an official part of Mt. Hood activities is a lengthy process for her, but when that is finalized, all a student will need to do is turn in a written letter of application, she said.

Campbell is currently the coordinator for the Oxford trip, but it wasn’t always her. Former dean Janet McIntire started the trip, and former Mt. Hood President Debbie Derr assisted in the effort.

This is a special moment in Mt. Hood’s history. Most community colleges don’t get to be a part of an opportunity that would let Saints students speak their mind at this grand scale.

If you’d like to donate, you can find the fundraiser here: gofundme.com/operation-inspiration.

If you are a student interested in human rights, this trip might be for you. You may send your application to Campbell at [email protected].

Megan Phelps assisted in the reporting of this story.

Advocate Staff