So I just got home from a very long senate meeting referred to as FEB night ( Front End Budgeted groups and orgs ). Essentially there is money that the SGA gets to give to these certain (9 specifically) organizations that are top-notch super representative groups on campus that provide amazing programs. Here they are...
BSA - Black Student Alliance
CARE - group about sexual assault prevention
IFC-Inter Fraternity Council
Madison Equality - GLBTIQA awareness
Pan-Hellenic - Sororities
Student Ambassadors
UPB- University Program Board
NAACP- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
Now as we all know these groups and organizations, we know that they play significant roles in representing the University, promoting diversity, enhancing communication, developing better student relations, and putting together events for the entire community and campus. Every year these groups have to make a budget and lobby ( per se ) to the SGA about their group successes and failures, to produce a budget to continue their efforts for the upcoming year. Now those of you that are familiar, there is also another facet of money for student clubs and organizations to ask for, and that is contingency. The contingency process is sort of a long process ( ~ 1 month ) with a lot of bureaucratic work that needs to go into making a proposal for sponsoring an event, going to a conference, or purchasing resources for their endeavours. The catch is that in order to apply for contingency money from the SGA, you have to have exhausted all facets of your fundraising, and you must show that you desperately need the money ( max of $3000) to do what you want. The contingency money accumulates from whatever money isn't given out to FEB groups from the total money that the SGA deals with ( ~$500,000 ). The money leftover after FEB groups take theirs rolles over into the contingency pot so other orgs can apply for it. The Senate uses its discretion, based on the groups previous precedent and their abilities, to judge whether they deserve the money they want.
Now the problem is that after all the number crunching, taking into account all the money and where it went, this year we were left with absolutely nothing left over from the overall budget, so meaning there is the potential for no contingency next year or the years to come ( if the trend continues ). IF you want more info on contingency and how your organization or group can qualify and the process, here you go :
http://sga.jmu.edu/documents/contingency/The%20Joys%20of%20Contingency.ppt#265,1,Slide
Taking into account the issues with the budgets and the amount each FEB club wanted, the SGA had to decide on what aspect of spending it would take away from groups ( or what the group was willing to give up to still function ). This goes to show the strength and power struggle in SGA to deal with large organizations and effectively ( in an unbiased manner ) go about deciding on what should and shouldn't be funded. This brings up issues, how does this happen ? Who is judging ? Why did this group get this and not that one ? Why is this group getting more money then the other one ? There are many questions that can be asked, but the answers are to be upheld by the senators that SHOULD be deciding on behalf of their constituency, and at times I think people become biased since they have had limited experiences with some groups. It is not too crazy to say that they judge and assume a lot about events and people from the very little they have seen of them. So how do we solve this ?
MAKE NOISE ! You should be aware of things going on in your group or organization. You should know at least some of the people in your student government, and you should open up lines of communication to have your ideas and thoughts heard. The decisions are left to a small group of individuals; until you know those individuals, you won't know whether you agree or disagree with their ideals. Would you want that person making decisions about YOUR money which again trickles into what opportunities you have on campus ! ! We are all connected in some way, some of us just choose to look into it. So I urge you to make smart decisions with your activities on campus, join groups, know the groups your joining, know the people on this campus, know your student representatives, know the campus and community, because until you do, you will have no significant say in anything that happens on campus or your life in this jmu bubble...
SO, every groups budget was ripped apart during the meeting and judged for content, significance, and successes. But how much do the people of the senate know of the events if they have not been to them or seen them in action ? How can we judge these groups based on the opinion of the exec board giving their presentations that one single night of the year ? How can we judge the success of an event or program if we gauge our decision on the opinion of one or two people who went to the event and barely payed any attention ? How are we to gauge these facts objectively if most all of our thoughts act subjectively ?
If we are open minded, then lets be open minded about everything. If we care about spreading awareness then we would think of it objectively; we would be open in our beliefs and thoughts. We must be aware, we must pay attention, we should dig deeper, we should ask questions, we should care a little bit more. Even if its not for someone else, just do it for yourself, but do it...
We have the slogan " all together one " so lets really want to be that and not " all together one, as long as your not that different from everyone else ." We should think outside the box and not give in to our own mental slavery, lets try it for a change. Go to events you don't know about, join groups outside of your connection of friends, do something your not used to, listen to people and what they have to say, try to understand people for who they are ; try humility, because you cant look ahead if your looking down at everyone and everything...
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Diversity II
OK so this is the second part to my last discussion. HERE WE GO AGAIN...
Going back to my point on our school fluidity... I have been on many diversity panel discussions, been in a lot of organizations, and made sure my voice is heard on campus, yet I know that we have a long way to go before our campus is less compartmentalized. And I'm not only talking about issues regarding ethnic diversity, it branches out to all issues of diversity, whether it be diversity of opinion, class, ethics, and so on and so forth, because at times it seems in the hierarchy of the campus ( and maybe even the world ), there is a huge power/representation gap between the ones who got it and those who don't. But you know what, I still have faith in our future.
I know that the relationship is getting better, and I hope anything I have said is in no way a stab at any group or organization, but it is a critique on everyone in the school representing the integrity of the people on this campus, respect those around you and you shall gain respect. When communication is called for, open your mind and allow for an exchange of opinions, don't shy away from issues because you want to be politically correct or you want to save face, we can't grow unless we open discussion on universal struggles and inherent oppression that exists in all our lives. Equal representation is only a dream, but we must not take sides and be selfish in such dilemmas. We are products of our surroundings, and if you don't allow yourself the opportunity to open up to new people then you will only propel your inherited misconceptions of days past, and you won't allow for a freedom of mind and thinking. We can always grow and learn, so we must allow freedom from mental slavery and subconscious biases. As Americans we are a nation of differences but this has to be the backbone of our evolving progressive ideals as we grow stronger in the amalgam that is our people.
This discussion ironically happened on the same day that Barack Obama opened similar discussions on his background after he had been targeted from a recent media mud slinging escapade. I recommend that you take a look into the issue, no matter what your political creed or view may be, it will help you as a JMU student, as a member of any community, as an American from any background, and even greater as a human being on this earth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWe7wTVbLUU
talk to you soon !
Going back to my point on our school fluidity... I have been on many diversity panel discussions, been in a lot of organizations, and made sure my voice is heard on campus, yet I know that we have a long way to go before our campus is less compartmentalized. And I'm not only talking about issues regarding ethnic diversity, it branches out to all issues of diversity, whether it be diversity of opinion, class, ethics, and so on and so forth, because at times it seems in the hierarchy of the campus ( and maybe even the world ), there is a huge power/representation gap between the ones who got it and those who don't. But you know what, I still have faith in our future.
I know that the relationship is getting better, and I hope anything I have said is in no way a stab at any group or organization, but it is a critique on everyone in the school representing the integrity of the people on this campus, respect those around you and you shall gain respect. When communication is called for, open your mind and allow for an exchange of opinions, don't shy away from issues because you want to be politically correct or you want to save face, we can't grow unless we open discussion on universal struggles and inherent oppression that exists in all our lives. Equal representation is only a dream, but we must not take sides and be selfish in such dilemmas. We are products of our surroundings, and if you don't allow yourself the opportunity to open up to new people then you will only propel your inherited misconceptions of days past, and you won't allow for a freedom of mind and thinking. We can always grow and learn, so we must allow freedom from mental slavery and subconscious biases. As Americans we are a nation of differences but this has to be the backbone of our evolving progressive ideals as we grow stronger in the amalgam that is our people.
This discussion ironically happened on the same day that Barack Obama opened similar discussions on his background after he had been targeted from a recent media mud slinging escapade. I recommend that you take a look into the issue, no matter what your political creed or view may be, it will help you as a JMU student, as a member of any community, as an American from any background, and even greater as a human being on this earth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWe7wTVbLUU
talk to you soon !
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Diversity
Hello all, todays Senate meeting began with a presentation/open discussion with Mr. Art Dean and Dr. David Owusu-Ansah who are both members of the office of the president. They spoke on issues of diversity on the campus and the future of the JMU community. The major issues talked about were the communication and representation that is needed to increase diversity, and the special details that entail the process of accepting the differences in people.
The very first discrepancy made was that the definition of diversity does not only refer to blacks/african americans, in this day and age it is however spread to people of all ethnic backgrounds ( i hope you all know that races don't exist ), sexual orientations, religions, and other such categories that may distinguish someone. I think the discussion of diversity that needs to start with our students on this campus, and it has to end with the a level of comfort that we may gain, each and everyone on this campus. Only when that happens will we build bridges in our social groups, clubs, and organizations. I must say that at JMU there is a lack of fluidity in most of the smaller non traditional organizations, and even between CMSS and the rest of the organizations on campus, and they must be given the proper respect to join along in the JMU community. This is an issue because representation and presence is lacking, and when the LEAST thing you can do is show up to a meeting, event, or program, and that doesn't happen, then what is to be expected ?
I have been active on campus in diversity issues, and although I don't have all the answers and don't agree with the many glorified institutionalized visions of increasing diversity; I strongly believe in increasing awareness and consciousness among students before we get ourselves in too deep of a hole.
This brings me to a side note, I think some very perceptive senators ( I am one of them hah) shall soon be working on a bill to recommend to the Gen Ed Dept to include a wider variety of diversity oriented courses and classes regarding non Western/European studies in the humanities ( some of cluster 2 and 4 ) in order to prepare our students for the globalization that has spread to every facet of our contemporary lives. If we don't learn about diversity through our campus, then let us at least develop a global opinion in our class rooms and try to understand that the world isn't limited to the distance between the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans...
OK so I will pick up on this issue again but I gotta run...
There will be a part II to this discussion.
The very first discrepancy made was that the definition of diversity does not only refer to blacks/african americans, in this day and age it is however spread to people of all ethnic backgrounds ( i hope you all know that races don't exist ), sexual orientations, religions, and other such categories that may distinguish someone. I think the discussion of diversity that needs to start with our students on this campus, and it has to end with the a level of comfort that we may gain, each and everyone on this campus. Only when that happens will we build bridges in our social groups, clubs, and organizations. I must say that at JMU there is a lack of fluidity in most of the smaller non traditional organizations, and even between CMSS and the rest of the organizations on campus, and they must be given the proper respect to join along in the JMU community. This is an issue because representation and presence is lacking, and when the LEAST thing you can do is show up to a meeting, event, or program, and that doesn't happen, then what is to be expected ?
I have been active on campus in diversity issues, and although I don't have all the answers and don't agree with the many glorified institutionalized visions of increasing diversity; I strongly believe in increasing awareness and consciousness among students before we get ourselves in too deep of a hole.
This brings me to a side note, I think some very perceptive senators ( I am one of them hah) shall soon be working on a bill to recommend to the Gen Ed Dept to include a wider variety of diversity oriented courses and classes regarding non Western/European studies in the humanities ( some of cluster 2 and 4 ) in order to prepare our students for the globalization that has spread to every facet of our contemporary lives. If we don't learn about diversity through our campus, then let us at least develop a global opinion in our class rooms and try to understand that the world isn't limited to the distance between the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans...
OK so I will pick up on this issue again but I gotta run...
There will be a part II to this discussion.
Hello Madison !
Hello to everyone and anyone reading this blog.
My name is Ilk Ghavami and I am a senator for the college of math and science. I want this blog to be about concerns, issues, and current events that are going on in our student government. When it comes to SGA there are allot of mixed feelings about the organization, and I hear a lot of students having issues with their elected leaders, since they only seem them out and smiling the week of campaigning. So here is one way to deal with it, know whats going on so you can hold the school, administration, student representation, and every JMU student accountable for what goes on in and around the Harrisonburg/James Madison community.
This blog will be here to give you a perspective on some of the things being planned through the SGA organization and to inform you on certain legislation that might be important to you or for anyone in a club or organization here at JMU.
First off I want to wish JMU a happy birthday !
http://www.jmu.edu/birthday/
We just completed our Centennial Celebration, and it was great to see all the people that came out to the many celebrations that the school had scheduled, of which Governor Kaine was the highlight of the week in his address on friday march 14th. His speech composed of issues regarding the ideals of investing in education, bridging the gap in society and the real world through concerted efforts of promoting education and enlightenment. I personally thought he could have been a little more moving, but in the nature of politicians, he glossed over some points and was making the everyday things in our lives seem grandiose. The centennial celebration was however interesting since we were able to see Dr.Carrier, which was the former president of the school ( he is hilarius ) and Mr.Dingledine ( started off bland but ended on a def high note with the purple blood joke ) who has his family legacy instilled in the existence of JMU since day one. So back to what I really want to get at, SGA ! ! ! There is a lot going on right now and i haven't reported anything yet, but my next blog will be informative and i will def cover issues and bills that are raised in Senate !
OH SENATE, THATS YOUR REPRESENTATION - Tuesdays at 5pm in the Highlands room in Festival. On that note, i invite anyone who feels like it to come to our meetings, they are open to the public, but no one ever comes ( maybe they get boring at times, and allot of people talk for the sake of talking ) but if your interested, come make it out !
So this was my hello. Today is our meeting and after it I will be sure to explain everything that happened. Tootles !
My name is Ilk Ghavami and I am a senator for the college of math and science. I want this blog to be about concerns, issues, and current events that are going on in our student government. When it comes to SGA there are allot of mixed feelings about the organization, and I hear a lot of students having issues with their elected leaders, since they only seem them out and smiling the week of campaigning. So here is one way to deal with it, know whats going on so you can hold the school, administration, student representation, and every JMU student accountable for what goes on in and around the Harrisonburg/James Madison community.
This blog will be here to give you a perspective on some of the things being planned through the SGA organization and to inform you on certain legislation that might be important to you or for anyone in a club or organization here at JMU.
First off I want to wish JMU a happy birthday !
http://www.jmu.edu/birthday/
We just completed our Centennial Celebration, and it was great to see all the people that came out to the many celebrations that the school had scheduled, of which Governor Kaine was the highlight of the week in his address on friday march 14th. His speech composed of issues regarding the ideals of investing in education, bridging the gap in society and the real world through concerted efforts of promoting education and enlightenment. I personally thought he could have been a little more moving, but in the nature of politicians, he glossed over some points and was making the everyday things in our lives seem grandiose. The centennial celebration was however interesting since we were able to see Dr.Carrier, which was the former president of the school ( he is hilarius ) and Mr.Dingledine ( started off bland but ended on a def high note with the purple blood joke ) who has his family legacy instilled in the existence of JMU since day one. So back to what I really want to get at, SGA ! ! ! There is a lot going on right now and i haven't reported anything yet, but my next blog will be informative and i will def cover issues and bills that are raised in Senate !
OH SENATE, THATS YOUR REPRESENTATION - Tuesdays at 5pm in the Highlands room in Festival. On that note, i invite anyone who feels like it to come to our meetings, they are open to the public, but no one ever comes ( maybe they get boring at times, and allot of people talk for the sake of talking ) but if your interested, come make it out !
So this was my hello. Today is our meeting and after it I will be sure to explain everything that happened. Tootles !
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