Hefty and purely ceremonial. I'm one of several people who promote the United Nations Manifesto 2000 for a culture of peace and non-violence. The document was drafted by nine Nobel Peace Prize laureates to give individuals the chance to commit, practice and spread actions of peace. Over 75 million people have signed the manifesto to date.
Can you describe your work with Youth Action International?
I co-founded Youth Action International. We're working on projects to raise money and awareness for children in difficult circumstances. One of our biggest projects is coming up in April when we host a "Month of Peace and Activism" here at Amherst College. Everybody should join YAI!
What's this conference that you're organizing for this summer?
I'm spearheading the International Children's Conference on the Environment. The event is being held in New London, CT and will bring 600 children from over 100 countries to the U.S. for four days to learn about the environment. The conference is a signature event of the United Nations Environment Program. I'm still not sure why they contracted me to spearhead it, but now that I'm doing it, I love it!
We hear you've given numerous talks at different schools. What's been
your favorite school so far?
The best so far has been Georgetown University in Kentucky (yes, this one has no connection to the D.C. Georgetown). I loved it because from the very moment I got off the plane, every professor and administrator was telling me that the students would not listen, that the attendance might be poor. About 400 people came out and they were the most attentive crowd I had spoken to. They've since begun raising money for UNICEF.
Did Disneyland really throw you a birthday party?
Yes, actually. How did you know about that? I happened to be speaking at a program organized by Disney on the day of my birthday, so they decided to throw a surprise party. It was the best.
How close are you to your first-year floormates?
Very, we were one big inseparable floor. You'd never see one of us without about six others.
How's living on the hill this year?
Let's just say that when you're living on the hill, people always think you're doing a semester abroad. I hardly ever come down to main campus anymore. Marx should consider a locomotive between the hill and main campus. The people in my dorm have nevertheless made it a wonderful experience. Go Plimptonians!
What's the best class you've taken here?
Whew, they've all been good. I really did enjoy World Politics with Machala so much that I've been known to keep dropping in on his class every now and then even though I'm not officially in it. The class was always a hub of info on world debates.
Any nicknames? What's the story behind them?
Kimmie is actually a nickname. But it has become official because it's now on all my travel documents and such. People need not ask me what the real name is. Only a precious few have heard the full story.
Where do you think you'll be 10 years from now?
Finally able to take a vacation? Camping out in Cancun? The possibilities are endless. For now, I focus on the work I have before me.
If you could handpick the next U.S. president, who would it be?
Well, first I'd have to change the Constitution to allow Bill Clinton to come back. The man was loved in the most remote towns and villages, in the furthest away places. I knew people in Liberia who did not know the names of their top ministers but who would have died for Clinton. But for this year, I'd go with Kerry. The man is presidential material.