The series, True Life, was started four years ago to raise awareness among Marquette students on the issue of social justice.,”For students to change the world around them, they must first know the issues they could face. A series on campus aims to bring those issues to light.

The series, True Life, was started four years ago to raise awareness among Marquette students on the issue of social justice. Each discussion is open to all Marquette students. Friends and family of students have also attended the group meetings, since the group welcomes everyone in the Marquette community.

The group aims to show attendees the issues that students deal with and are affected by said Melissa Harvey, a College of Arts & Sciences junior and one of the program's leaders.

The purpose of the group is to promote change on campus and the surrounding areas. It encourages students to "raise awareness about social justice issues and promote awareness among the Marquette community," said Katie Shay, a College of Arts & Sciences junior and another of the program's leaders.

The group hopes to inspire students to search for a deeper understanding and influence others to do the same, Harvey said. Everyone has the ability to make a difference for others and help bring changes to the world, she said.

In the group, students present all the topics and discussions and are allowed to share their personal stories. The group's goal is to use the people and stories to connect with larger issues faced around the world.

The first True Life of the year, "I Have Been Sexually Assaulted," was held Sept. 19 in conjunction with Sexual Violence Awareness Week.

This fall the group also plans to cover several other topics, including "I Am a Single Parent," "I Was on Death Row," "I Am Homeless," "I Have an Addiction" and "I Have HIV/AIDS."

Speakers are sometimes difficult to find given the sensitivity of the topics, Harvey said.

"We rely on each other, our personal contacts and various networks to get the word out there to people they know who might be good for the topic," she said.

The group also advertises the topics of upcoming discussions. The ads are invitations for students to speak, Harvey said.

True Life is able to involve much of the campus with the help of departments and other organizations.

True Life works with the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, 820 N. Plankinton Ave., The Healing Center — a sexual abuse victim center — 611 W. National Ave., Marquette's Social and Cultural Sciences Department, the Counseling Center, HAVEN, the Center for Health Education and Promotion and the College of Nursing.

The program is funded by Schroeder Hall.

Those interested in helping with True Life may contact Schroeder Hall.

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