Alliance Education Committee

The mission of the Education Committee of the Alliance for the Study of the Holocaust and Genocide at Sonoma State University is to provide resources and support for Holocaust and genocide education in our local schools and communities.  Its primary function is to offer classroom presentations by Holocaust and genocide survivors and descendants. The speakers share their families’ stories and experiences and emphasize the need for people to become “upstanders” when facing acts of racism, antisemitism, and other forms of intolerance and human suffering. Our hope is that by listening to the speaker’s presentation, students with their teacher’s guidance will expand their understanding of genocide and come to their own conclusions about past and present events  Every speaker is prepared with a detailed, engaging presentation accompanied by slides with photos and documents, and artifacts to share with students. Speakers are also able to tailor their presentations to specific classes, grades, lessons, and readings. Education Committee members, many of whom are former teachers, work one-on-one with potential speakers to prepare their presentations.

The Alliance Education Committee reaches over 3000 students and teachers annually in public and private secondary schools, and colleges and universities.  Our speakers also present at senior centers, for religious groups, and in other community locations.

To become a speaker, request a speaker, or for more information, please contact Susan Victor, Ed.D., the coordinator at [email protected]. You can also view our webpage at https://holocaust.sonoma.edu/alliance/alliance-education-committee and read brief bios of our speakers below.