Diversity speaker urges attendees to make a difference in the world

Diversity speaker urges attendees to make a difference in the world

DECATUR — John Prendergast believes it doesn’t take a huge movement or large sums of money to change the world; change can start small.
“The first step we can take in making a difference in the world is choosing to try,” he said Friday as he addressed attendees at Richland Community College’s 12th annual Conference on Diversity and Globalization. “You just don’t know what can happen and where things can go when you put your heart to it.”
A human rights activist, author, former director for African Affairs with the National Security Council and co-founder of the Enough  Project, a nonprofit, human rights organization affiliated with the Center for American Progress, Prendergast, 49, has been passionate about humanitarian efforts and making a difference locally and globally for nearly 30 years.
“It’s terribly important to do what we can in our own backyard but to not ignore our global community, too,” he said.
Working with organizations such as the Enough Project, in which students, concerned citizens and such celebrities as George Clooney and NBA player Tracy McGrady ensure that their voices are heard on such issues as genocide, Prendergast said he’s learned you have to have some basic building blocks to make a difference.
“Build a team and surround yourself with the kinds of people you need to get what you’re passionate about done,” he said, noting that giving back to the next generation and dreaming big also are important to success.
“To make a difference in this world, you’ve got to dream,” he said. “During the course of our lives, we all have the opportunity to call people to action, and when we do that, we can change the course of human history.”
Afternoon speaker Shelith Hansbro, warden of the Decatur Correctional Center, appealed for her audience to help those who have been incarcerated when they are reintegrated back into the community.
“Behind the walls of the Decatur Correctional Center, there are women who have been ostracized by a society who may never know their stories,” she said. “Here’s the thing: They need a plan to return home that includes a community that supports them.”
Hansbro said the success of the Decatur community depends on everyone, including those who are being given another chance.
“It takes all of us to make sure our community is safe and secure,” she explained.
She said her greatest hope is that community members will get to know these women and try to help them better themselves.
“I never expected to be a warden of a women’s correctional facility, but it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever done,” she said. “I’m blessed to be able to help these women become the best they can be, and I hope the community members ask themselves what they can do to help these women be successful when they come home.”