Student: VOICES for Gender Equality
VOICES– For Gender Equality is a club that was started in 1999 to address the lack of a pro-feminist movement on UMSL’s campus. A group of concerned students worked closely with the Institute for Women’s and Gender Studies to form a student-run group that advocates for equality on campus. The group is open to all faculty, staff, and students with an interest in gender studies and equality regardless of ethnicity, sex, age, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin. The group was recognized with the University in September 2006, and now has an operating budget of $1050 for the ‘08/09 school year.
Purpose of VOICES
The purpose of VOICES is to promote awareness of gender issues and the pursuit of social equality both on campus and in the community-at-large. In addition to providing a voice on campus for students, staff, and faculty interested in pursuing these goals through the introduction of socials groups, consciousness raising activities, and the open exchange of ideas.
Goals
- Advocate for a parent’s lounge for students who are parents and a drop-off center on campus as well as establish a parent’s network group that meets regularly.
- Be a voice and advocate for the concerns of parents and other non-traditional students on campus.
- Host campus activities that raise awareness of gender issues on campus.
- Work with the Institute for Women’s and Gender Studies to promote Women’s and Gender Studies courses and programs on campus.
- Create a safe and open forum for exchange of ideas.
- Publish an annual newsletter/journal showcasing student/faculty writing on topics of gender issues.
American Association for University Women