A few weeks ago, my sister invited me to the Facebook event "A National Day Without Shoes." The tagline stated, "Because we must speak for those who cannot." The event's goal was to bring awareness to communities about the genocide in Darfur, Sudan. I refused to "attend" because these events are just not beneficial-on the contrary, I believe that they are ultimately detrimental. My sister was offended and explained her opinion that these events are of value because not everyone knows about the situation in Darfur and any advocacy work being done to inform an uninformed public can only help the situation. Despite her good intentions, I still disagree.

It has become trendy of late to be socially aware and to advocate causes that will seemingly have no impact on daily life. These advocates thus become more worldly, pious and . hip? After all, who doesn't own a "Save Darfur" T-shirt?

However, this trend all too frequently stops before taking action. Facebook events and causes that give voices to those who cannot speak merely allow fortunate citizens the opportunity to feel as though they've fulfilled their obligation to help others. This is deceptive. Words and generic advocacy will not halt a tragedy such as genocide.

On college campuses, there is increased incentive to participate in advocacy and volunteer groups: Being selfless as well as academically accomplished is appealing to graduate schools that want to accept students who will hopefully aspire to use their educations to benefit the world rather than to simply establish a career.

For example, at Brandeis we have the club Students Take Action Now: Darfur, a student anti-genocide coalition. Its constitution states that the group's goal is to bring an end to genocide by increasing consciousness about the genocide in Darfur both in the U.S. and abroad; by raising relief and development funds for victims and displaced persons; by urging political action for a swift, sustainable and just solution to the situation in Darfur; and by coordinating national and international student efforts to achieve the aforementioned purposes. The students in STAND accomplish these goals by creating awareness through "teach-ins" and by coordinating with regional, national and international Darfur advocacy groups.

Unfortunately, campus advocacy work is often much easier than taking action. Advocacy involves alerting the general public to the occurrence of abominations. Action, in contrast, entails finding a way to physically improve the situation in the effected area. Actions speak louder than words.

Regrettably, this is the reality of the situation and not the fault of STAND's efforts. These students are clearly inspired to do something productive for the community, and the fact that it is difficult to improve a situation occurring in Africa from Waltham is not their fault. Rather, it is admirable that they are willing to give it a shot.

Don't get me wrong-I do not believe that those advocating for social justice abroad are wrong or that they are acting competitively rather than a sincere desire to improve the global community. Instead, I believe they are na've.

There are many students at Brandeis who are gifted in the area of advocacy in that they have the motivation to make a difference; after all, Brandeis is a school founded on a pillar of social justice. That said, Brandeis students are, simply by the nature of the academic programs and community here, already aware of global injustice. Recipients of money raised on campus by organizations such as STAND are of course appreciative of University advocacy organizations.

However, it is possible that their money could go even further and its use traced in a more transparent manner if donated locally. Additionally, Brandeis students would get the benefit of seeing the products of their efforts on a daily basis in our own community.

Brandeis students who want to improve the lives of others and to provide aid for those who cannot advocate for themselves should start on a smaller, more local scale. The Waltham community could benefit so greatly from having such a productive and motivated college at their disposal. For example, my friend is starting a program called Be Our Guest!, which will welcome the homeless from Waltham onto campus to use the extra guest meals left on our meal plans at the end of the semester. In addition, the Waltham Group is already conducting this sort of productive work in the Waltham community. To quote from its Web site, "Hundreds of student volunteers participate in outreach programs on campus and throughout the greater Waltham and Boston communities. Through its tutorial, recreational, mentoring and other programs, the Waltham Group responds to the needs of children and adults in the community and is a center for service and advocacy."

This is just the tip of the iceberg in programming that can make a difference. Those who desire to save the world should perhaps harness their desire in a smaller way in order to make a larger impact.