What did you learn at the Encampment?
I learned a lot about people from different backgrounds which was the most important thing for me…. It sensitized me to their concerns and point of view…. Having people who came from such different backgrounds try to figure out how to get along together and not hurt each other and find commonality was an important lesson I learned: how to empathize with people and find common ground.
After, the Encampment, I was thinking about what I could do [to make a difference]. My connection to Ola and to my friend produced this desire for change. It’s about the representation of diversity. Even if the percentage of MENA students at my high school is small, they shouldn’t have to choose between White or Asian — they should be represented.
I had a life-changing experience at the 1966 Kentucky Encampment — the first held in the deep South. Today, I pay that privilege forward by donating each year toward the sponsorship of young people whose families cannot afford the full program fee. We are committed to continuing to give young people the transformative experiences, skills and support to be the leaders we need in this harrowing time.
When I went back to my community, I thought, “If I knew everyone as deeply as I know the people at the Encampment, if everyone put that much effort into listening, then I think everyone would be much happier and more engaged.”
EFC alum Russell Neufeld shared this article with us. He is reflecting on humanism — a timely topic. In addition, since it is an articulate and compassionate exploration of what he learned at the Encampment and its long-term impact on his life, it also a kind of “alum story” so we are sharing with you.
“The Encampment transformed my world view and continues to plant the seeds of justice, resistance and change. To put it simply: We are here to build a better world and we need each other. As you know, the need is especially urgent in these times for all of us to work together to defend and strengthen our democracy and prepare future leaders.