DE Assistant Politics Editor

Every day 40,000 children around the world, particularly in Third World countries, will die from hunger-related diseases, an SIUC student says.

A program that would train volunteers to speak to political officials and the media in an effort to end global poverty and help save these children is in the process of being formed at SIUC, Brian K. Clardy, a doctoral student in the SIUC History Department said.

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The first meeting of the Responsibility for Ending Starvation through Legislation, Trim-tabbing and Support (RESULTS) program was on Monday.

Clardy said he believes a chapter of RESULTS at SIUC would provide a vehicle for students who want to fight global poverty and hunger.

I think once people see what the issues are, they will be moved, he said. If they know nearly 40,000 children are dying around the world, seven days a week, I believe they will be moved.

Clardy said RESULTS is not a revolutionary organization and is not affiliated with any political party.

It (RESULTS) is an international citizen lobby committed to breaking through the widespread belief, I don’t make a difference,’ Clardy said. We are involved because we are wrapped up in mankind. Our aims and goals are universal because we see the problem and want to bring a response.

The next step in the organization of the RESULTS program, Clardy said, is to hold another meeting to generate more interest and eventually become a Registered Student Organization.

I want to raise the level of consciousness on this campus by March, Clardy said. I would like to see this organization become an RSO. It may not happen this year or next year, but I want to get the ball rolling so RESULTS can become a program.

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Clardy said the organization will work by writing letters to Congress. He also said the group will not require a lot of time from its members.

Tanya Price, a lecturer in SIUC Black American Studies, said she is interested in RESULTS because she wants to become involved in changing things for the better.

I have a strong inclination to get involved in policy and making a positive impact in the world outside the University, Price said. I see it as something beyond teaching textbooks and subjects.

Also attending the first meeting of RESULTS was Dr. Paul Gibson, associate professor in Plant and Soil Science. He said he attended the meeting because he is concerned about hunger prevention.

I’m interested in the welfare of developing countries, Gibson said. We here in America have much, and we are responsible morally to using the assets we have to help those who do not have the same amount of assets.

The next meeting of RESULTS has not yet been scheduled.