As a student organization requiring only the “passion for people” to become a member, this university’s chapter of Liberty in North Korea or LiNK in college Park is another addition to the campus.

LiNK was originally formed on March 27, 2004 at the 18 th Annual Korean American Students Conference at Yale University with the mission to educate Korean American students about the fateful situation the North Koreans are experiencing in their country.

LiNK has evolved since then to form a more encompassing mission statement with five distinct goals: “To educated the world about North Korea.

To advocate for human rights, political and religious freedom, and humanitarian aid for North Korea.

To empower citizens of the world to take effective action and make a difference.

To bring together and support existing NGOs and other organizations working to achieve the same ends. To tell the world the truth.”

LiNK has two main objectives in sight.

The first is to educated people on the emergency in North Korea so that they may better understand the situation and its severity.

By means of lectures, teach-ins, screenings, forums, conferences, seminars, and more, LiNK has proactively tried to reach its goal.

As a part of its second goal, leaders of LiNK are using the information gathered to continually seek to build political relationships to create a solution.

LiNK has had a direct influence helping refugees who have escaped into Chia. If caught, they will be sent home and often times executed.

Being only funded by small private donations, fundraising and benefit concerts, LiNK continues to hold many events and make progress.

With LiNK headquarters located in Washington D.C., mayn students at this university have gotten involved.

The university chapter has informed students about nearby events and ways to get involved, as well as holding their own events.

The most recent one held on campus was the showing of “Children of the Secret State” on March 14.

The documentary film presented information about LiNK’s influence in the areas surrounding North Korea.

Adrian Hong, the Executive Director of LiNK, was a guest speaker who facilitated a Q&A session.

Many audience members responded well to Hong’s information.

The university’s members of LiNK also attended the regional Leadership Retreat in Ocean City.

By becoming more involved and known on campus, LiNK has the potential to reach many college students.

For more information on the university’s chapter, visit its Xanga website at http://www.xanga.com/UMD_LiNK.

The official LiNK website is located at http://www.linkglobal.org.