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It is indisputable that women have historically been dealt with both inequity and prejudice, despite being the backbone of the nation and holding a key role in shaping progressivism as we know it today.
In recognition of the sacrifices and hardships women have faced, the US Congress passed Public Law 100-9 to nationally extend the commemorations of Women throughout the entire month of March. Many women have left their footprint in history, and overcome great deals of sexism and misogyny in their pursuit of their motivations and aspirations for society. Some of these notable women include:
Ella Baker, a renowned civil rights activist.
Dorothy Height, a women’s rights activist.
Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian-born woman in space.
Susan Ahn Cuddy, the first female gunnery officer of the Navy.
Anna May Wong, the first Hollywood Chinese American actress.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a U.S. representative and activist.
Jeanette Rankin, the first female federal officer in the U.S.
Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate.
Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President of the U.S.
It is crucial to note that many women continue to face the unfavorable effects of wage gaps, sexism, unequal opportunities, reproductive rights, and more.
We, as UMBC’s Student Government Association, strive to continue to uplift and highlight the voices of all identifying as women throughout March and encourage the inclusivity of all in our community. We continue to put our efforts into promoting diversity and inclusion within SGA and the student body we represent, and in so, hope that UMBC can work toward collective equity.
Yours in service,
Joshua Gray, SGA President
Sruthi Ramesh, Executive Vice President
Nailah-Bena Chambers, Vice President for Student Organizations
Ayah Aligabi, Treasurer
Workshop Wednesdays: Culture Box
Exploring Cultural Identities Across the Division
Wednesday, March 9, 2022 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m | Online
myUMBC Event Post: Link | Webex: Link
How to Be a Better Ally: "Challenging Nice Racism"
A Deep Discussion on Racism in Progressive Communities
Thursday, March 10, 2022 | 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. | In-Person
myUMBC Event Post: Link | The Commons: 2B23
Mindfulness Mondays: CBT Journaling
Understanding Your Thoughts and How to Journal
Monday, March 14, 2022 | 11:30am - 12:45 p.m | In-Person
myUMBC Event Post: Link | The Center for Well-Being: 209
OCA Mocha Mondays with i3b
Radical Wellness
Monday, March 14, 2022 | 5:00 - 6:30 p.m | In-Person
myUMBC Event Post: Link | Off-campus: OCA Mocha
PodByte: Disability Justice
Critical Social Justice: Disability Justice + Access Matters
Thursday, March 17, 2022 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m | In-Person
myUMBC Event Post: Link | The Commons: The Women's Center
Interfaith Dialogue Series
Privilege and Religion
Tuesday, March 29, 2022 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m | In-Person
myUMBC Event Post: Link | The Center for Well-Being ]]>The ConnectionCorps is a Center for Democracy and Civic Life initiative through which UMBC students learn to foster democratic participation and authentic connection among participants in the Center for Democracy and Civic Life's workshops and programs (e.g., Change Makers Dinner, Changing Maryland, and Dinner with Friends). ConnectionCorps facilitators participate in bi-weekly and ad-hoc training sessions to build community, develop skills, and prepare to facilitate.
The overall time commitment is approximately 30 hours in each of the fall 2022 and spring 2023 semesters. For specific dates, see the application.
ConnectionCorps facilitators receive a $400 stipend and a zero credit practicum notification (PRAC 096-08) on their transcripts for spring 2022. They also receive a graduation cord to recognize the contributions they have made to the education and growth of their peers. The Shriver Center coordinates PRAC 096-08 and the distribution of graduation cords.
All undergraduate students are invited to apply. Preferred but not required: Applicants will have participated in Center for Democracy and Civic Life workshops or programs.
The application is due by Monday, April 4, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. For more information, see thismyUMBC post.
]]>Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a six-day immersive learning experience organized by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life. ASB participants explore the systemic and human dimensions of complex social issues in Baltimore. Each small group focuses on a specific topic, but the groups also consider overlaps among their issues. ASB groups work with community partners, elected officials, and scholars to identify pathways to long-term local engagement.
Past ASB groups have explored challenges and solutions relating to housing, access to nutritious food, education, and health care, criminal justice, and a variety of other issues in Baltimore. Applicants can choose to explore these topics or propose new ones.
Each leader works with a co-leader and as a member of a leadership team organized and trained by Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff during weekly meetings in the fall 2022 and spring 2023 semesters. Together the leaders develop plans for a holistic, empowering ASB experience for all participants during the week of UMBC's Spring Break, March 19 - 24, 2023.
The overall time commitment is approximately 100 hours over the course of the fall 2022 and spring 2023 semesters. For specific dates, see the application.
Leaders receive a $1,000 stipend and a zero credit practicum notification (PRAC 096-08) on their transcripts for winter and spring 2023. Leaders also receive a graduation cord to recognize the contributions they have made to the education and growth of their peers. The Shriver Center coordinates PRAC 096-08 and the distribution of graduation cords.
All undergraduate students are invited to apply. Preferred but not required: Applicants will have participated in ASB or a similar multi-day experiential learning program.
This application is due by Monday, April 4, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.
If you have any questions about the application or the process, please email civiclife@umbc.edu. Thanks for applying!
STRiVE is an intensive, five-day leadership for social impact program organized by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life in partnership with the Student Government Association. The STRiVE coaching team prepares for and facilitates STRiVE, which will take place January 9-13, 2023.
STRiVE coaches meet weekly during the fall 2022 semester to practice sessions and make plans. Coaches also prepare to facilitate small and large group sessions. By the time of the retreat, all coaches have received all the training and practice needed to succeed as a STRiVE coach.
The overall time commitment is approximately 100 hours over the course of fall 2022 semester and winter 2023 term. For specific dates, see the application.
STRiVE coaches receive a $1,000 stipend and a zero credit practicum notification (PRAC 096-08) on their transcript for winter 2023. They also receive a graduation cord to recognize the contributions they have made to the education and growth of their peers. The Shriver Center coordinates PRAC 096-08 and the distribution of graduation cords.
All undergraduate students are invited to apply. Preferred but not required: Applicants will have participated in STRiVE or a similar multi-day experiential learning program.
Use this form to apply to be a STRiVE coach for the 2022-23 academic year. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 4, 2022.