I attended the "Save Darfur" rally last Friday at Pere Marquette Park sponsored by Amnesty International and attended by Marquette's Darfur Action Coalition. It was on my to-do list that day: teach in the morning, grade Friday quizzes, plan Monday's lesson, start researching for an article, go to the rally and then meet family and friends for a fish fry.

I arrived at the park early as folks were setting up, so I read for a while and visited the Milwaukee County Historical Society. The day was a bit chilly, but I had a light jacket and gloves to keep me comfortable. Being there seemed like the sensible thing to do.

The rally started with two people from AI leading the group of about 100 people in various chants like "No More War," "Boots on the Ground" and "Save Darfur."

I tried to get into it. I really did. Rally organizers gave me handouts to read, stickers to wear and a whistle to "make some noise for Darfur." I started chanting but I had no passion-no genuine angst or frustration to express. Rally speakers were engaging, passionate and sincere. Again, I wanted to feel that kind of passion, that kind of urgency. I didn't.

I am not a cynical person. I do believe that an individual can change the world. But I left the rally empty – disappointed with myself and empty. Only now, several days later, can I put my finger on my uneasy feeling: self-centeredness. I am not Sudanese, nor do I know any victim of this horrendous tragedy. That was my shame.

My lack of seriousness and genuine concern boiled down to this sinister and insidious truth: This does not directly affect me. I cannot put a face on this cry for help. This does not affect me.

God have mercy on my soul. God have mercy on each nation, state, community, church, family and person that, like me, fails to act out in service for others because that particular need or crisis does not immediately and personally affect them, him or her.

I am writing this confession today to thank Amnesty International and the Darfur Action Coalition not only for supporting a wonderful public pronouncement for peace, but also for exposing my shortcomings. In turn, I hope to encourage others who refuse, forget or neglect to serve God's children to do so immediately.

I called the White House comment line today to urge President Bush to implement Plan B to end the genocide in Darfur. I specifically asked him to pressure the U.N. to send peacekeeping troops to Darfur and bring to justice those responsible for these egregious acts of violence.

I did so because I'm beginning to see the faces. These are the faces of God's children who need my help, who need me to attend rallies, write letters and make phone calls. I pray that my actions will not merely be things I cross off on a to-do list, but genuine acts as the hands and feet of God.

Stratman is a graduate student in the College of Arts & Sciences.