Unity in Diversity is here at NIU for the third year in a row, yet many people are not sure what it is or what it stands for.

University Programming and Activities Program Coordinator, Z. Ahmad, said the purpose of the events is to create an appreciation for lifestyle, gender, disability and cultural differences between people.

The name, Unity in Diversity, was initiated by former NIU student Nanwolgel after the 1987 Institute Action Plan was established to address campus discrimination. Its name comes from the Baha’i religion’s Tabernacle of Unity concept. Ahmad said Nanwolgel presented the idea to NIU president John LaTourette and the name for the week of events was born.

“You Are One of a Kind” is the theme for the week long series of events. The events start on Monday Sept. 25 and end Sunday Oct. 1. A variety of events will be held everyday from 10 a.m. to midnight, depending on the event.

The week’s events will include movies, speakers, games and many others. Some of the highlights will be The World Game, International Cultural night, storytelling and skits performed by the Black Theater Workshop.

The World Game, which costs $3,000 for the playing materials, will be held Wednesday Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. in the Duke Ellington Ballroom. The game, as Ahmad explained, is similar to “Let’s Make a Deal.” Participants assume the role of dignitaries of other countries and after discussing natural resources and warfare tactics of their country, they go to the negotiation tables with other countries.

There will be 150 participants from various NIU organizations to play the three hour game. Each organization will pay a $10 fee for the information packet about their country. Ahmad said all students are encouraged to come and watch.

The International Cultural Night will be held on Monday Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. in the ballroom. It will be a night of song, dance, and music. Kumar Muchado, president of the International Relations Club, said over 50 people from various countries such as Malaysia, India, Netherlands, and others will perform eight different events complimenting their cultures.

“It’s an opportunity for them (the students) to show their rich culture in Dekalb,” he said.

Storytelling will be held in Diversions from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Chris Lee-Thompson, pastor at the Lutheran Campus Ministry, said four to five faculty members, staff and students will tell personal stories about different areas of the world.

“By telling stories we become more aware of other backgrounds, cultures and heritages and are able to learn more about each other. When you hear a story, you can move out of yourself and experience life from a different perspective,” Lee-Thompson said.

The Black Theater Workshop will perform three 10-minute skits on Tuesday Sept. 26 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.in the Heritage Room. BTW president Pam White, said the skits are based on predominately black issues, but also student affair issues that affect all NIU students.

There will be a 20 minute discussion after each skit to get insight on the subject and understand the message to be learned, White said. She added that she hopes more people will learn more about BTW through the presentation.

Ahmad said, the concept of Unity in Diversity is unique to NIU, but some other universities such as Ohio State University, Toledo, have inquired about the success of the week.

A survey conducted last year showed that 91 percent of NIU students thought U.I.D. week should be continued. Some of the comments made by the 7,700 randomly selected students were “should be more than a week_ a year long celebration” and should be “either ethnic or for a learning experience.”

Ahmad said in order to bring the kinds of events students want to see “we need more student voice in this issue. We want students to plan for themselves what they want to learn about people.”