So as I sit to write this, I have completed my time at JMU and am currently an alumni. The SGA has been a great organization for me, and I wish everyone gets the opportunity to understand what it is all really about. In life sometimes you don't understand what everything is because you don't give it a chance, and I beg of you to open your eyes and ears to your student representation strictly because they have some say in what seems to be important to your time at JMU. If you don't care to be heard, then don't care to listen.
Tommy Bluestine is the new Senate Speaker, Larson Thune is the president. Those are two of the figure heads of the SGA for next year. Find out who they are and look out for them, it can be worth your while...
In regards to covered business, contingency money ran out by the last meeting, and it was stock piled to something around $20,000 for next semester, so it shall be an intense and selective process for your group/organization to ask for contingency money. The program grants were handed out as well to 2 groups, and of course as you know FEB night was deemed complete and set for next years budgets. So the only thing left is the program and representation aspects of SGA, and for that I challenge the SGA members to find a way to appeal to students that might not care, because the ones who do care are generally opinionated...
The JMU experience is one that can never be repeated or replicated, it is unique in its own way and manner, so enjoy it while you have it. Tootles, I wish everyone at JMU next year the best of luck, pay attention to your lives and be mindful of your existence.
I have no idea what comes next for me, but I hope someone takes this blog and continues the work to sprinkle in a little awareness into the daily regimen of us students...
Monday, May 5, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Positions of Positions
Well the last time in Senate the major deal was the Impeachment hearings that were so well publicized in The Breeze. So the rules are pretty set, and if you have more then 3 absences then you can be called for a hearing to occur, to which after everyone votes for that to happen, the CIA of the Senate conducts an investigation and proceeds with a hearing after 2 weeks. The voting occurred in a way that it was deemed that the absence of Adam Hall shouldn't lead to him being impeached because he was an integral part of his committee and to the organization as a whole.
In the past there have been similar hearings, and normally the senators don't want to go through the hassle of doing the bureaucratic process so they in a sense take a smaller position as a Representative, which essentially is an individual that doesn't vote but is present at the meetings and only has to really go to a minimum of 2 meetings a semester. Some see this as a demotion others see it as a different position, but it indeed offers less responsibility and it can become pretty meaningless if the person doesn't put forth the effort that is required from a regular senator.
The organization started the year with a little over 100 members, and through all the people dropping, resigning, being impeached, and dropping down to a senator, we have almost 66 members now. The other day we had a Senate Reform bill that structured the number of senators for each sect of constituency on campus, and I believe it was effective in creating good competition for certain seats and making the organization more efficient.
I think there are a lot of senators that do the job for a variety of reasons, maybe to publicize for themselves, boost a resume, help the student body, fix a problem they see, or because they just want to feel connected to a tight group of people. Whatever the reason, there are too many senators that don't take their positions seriously, and you aren't getting a range of people being represented in the SGA. So the reform bill helps maintain the passion of the strongest members and allows for the more qualified people to take the job. This is good, however it still will be a problem for certain people that are intimidated by the organization and its ego. But this isn't the SGA's fault, or is it ?
P.S. Marley Green is the new S.R.B.O.V for JMU 08-09'. I know he has the passion of awareness and open mindedness of character to truly represent JMU from all its aspects, so I urge you all to get to know him and his exceptional and genuine quality.
In the past there have been similar hearings, and normally the senators don't want to go through the hassle of doing the bureaucratic process so they in a sense take a smaller position as a Representative, which essentially is an individual that doesn't vote but is present at the meetings and only has to really go to a minimum of 2 meetings a semester. Some see this as a demotion others see it as a different position, but it indeed offers less responsibility and it can become pretty meaningless if the person doesn't put forth the effort that is required from a regular senator.
The organization started the year with a little over 100 members, and through all the people dropping, resigning, being impeached, and dropping down to a senator, we have almost 66 members now. The other day we had a Senate Reform bill that structured the number of senators for each sect of constituency on campus, and I believe it was effective in creating good competition for certain seats and making the organization more efficient.
I think there are a lot of senators that do the job for a variety of reasons, maybe to publicize for themselves, boost a resume, help the student body, fix a problem they see, or because they just want to feel connected to a tight group of people. Whatever the reason, there are too many senators that don't take their positions seriously, and you aren't getting a range of people being represented in the SGA. So the reform bill helps maintain the passion of the strongest members and allows for the more qualified people to take the job. This is good, however it still will be a problem for certain people that are intimidated by the organization and its ego. But this isn't the SGA's fault, or is it ?
P.S. Marley Green is the new S.R.B.O.V for JMU 08-09'. I know he has the passion of awareness and open mindedness of character to truly represent JMU from all its aspects, so I urge you all to get to know him and his exceptional and genuine quality.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Campaign Week ?
Well as one section of our campaign is complete, we are now entering the second section of campaigning regarding class officers, senate elections, and this special case RUN-OFF for the S.R.B.O.V. position. The election is tomorrow Thursday April 10th from 7am-7pm on the sga website : http://sga.jmu.edu
So the funny thing about student government elections is that there is normally a competition between people already within the system, vying for the head positions of President, VPSA (vice president of student affairs), and VPAA (vice president of academic affairs). The general rule to winning elections with our lack of care for voting and representation creates a scenario where if you win the senate, then you win the election. This however is becoming less and less of a rule of thumb since it seems that the individuals who succeed in elections are merely those individuals that are stupendous net workers and can get people to do things for them. This comes from activities on campus, social networks, organizations, image, and drive. I think that anyone in an Greek organization, saferides, ambassadors, anyone who was a frog or OPA, or anyone involved with other such organizations have an easy time staying connected, since there are amazing lines of communication within these organizations. It is also interesting that these organizations do a lot for students, and so there are many ways to reach out and get your name out there.
I think it wouldn't be hard to create a sketch of the hierarchy of this campus, and there are a lot of overlapping faces and organizations that are apparent in SGA, in Ambassadors, and these types of orgs. The key to being a leader or public figure lies in the image that you create for yourself, and the very first characteristics that you TRY to get people to see would be ones of leadership, responsibility, and a genuine compassion for some facet of life. That equation equals success, and so we make ourselves follow these steps and become something we are not sometimes. Do all these people that are here for the students really care for everyone ? Do we really do justice to the term constituency ?
There are power brokers on campus that have sucked influence into the hands of a few, and this is something that unfortunately makes for a dismal future. We need diversity in our candidates running for positions, we need competition so that we chose the best candidate, we need different kinds of people from different aspects of the campus in our senate, and seldom do we accomplish this since we have given in to the big organizations to foster our paths for social success through leadership roles. We give up so much of who we are to appeal to everyone so we can be liked, and at the end of the day we get the position we want, we fill in the resume we dream of, we create the connections needed to get our pictures on the Madison Magazine, and we are active enough a name drop in the The Breeze publication.
We prepare everything of who we are to campaign for a week for a position, and at the end of that week or two of elections, you go back to being in your niche and you aren't out there talking to students all over campus. Once the votes are tallied, your life lies in the hands of the numbers. If you win then you get the job and you are no where to be found; If you loose, you are no where to be found. So the next time you see someone out on campus with their pretty clothes to match their pretty face, remember to take a good look because you might not see them again for a while...
Our two school motto's are "Be the Change" and " All together one" is it me or isn't that just ridiculous?!?!?!?!?
So the funny thing about student government elections is that there is normally a competition between people already within the system, vying for the head positions of President, VPSA (vice president of student affairs), and VPAA (vice president of academic affairs). The general rule to winning elections with our lack of care for voting and representation creates a scenario where if you win the senate, then you win the election. This however is becoming less and less of a rule of thumb since it seems that the individuals who succeed in elections are merely those individuals that are stupendous net workers and can get people to do things for them. This comes from activities on campus, social networks, organizations, image, and drive. I think that anyone in an Greek organization, saferides, ambassadors, anyone who was a frog or OPA, or anyone involved with other such organizations have an easy time staying connected, since there are amazing lines of communication within these organizations. It is also interesting that these organizations do a lot for students, and so there are many ways to reach out and get your name out there.
I think it wouldn't be hard to create a sketch of the hierarchy of this campus, and there are a lot of overlapping faces and organizations that are apparent in SGA, in Ambassadors, and these types of orgs. The key to being a leader or public figure lies in the image that you create for yourself, and the very first characteristics that you TRY to get people to see would be ones of leadership, responsibility, and a genuine compassion for some facet of life. That equation equals success, and so we make ourselves follow these steps and become something we are not sometimes. Do all these people that are here for the students really care for everyone ? Do we really do justice to the term constituency ?
There are power brokers on campus that have sucked influence into the hands of a few, and this is something that unfortunately makes for a dismal future. We need diversity in our candidates running for positions, we need competition so that we chose the best candidate, we need different kinds of people from different aspects of the campus in our senate, and seldom do we accomplish this since we have given in to the big organizations to foster our paths for social success through leadership roles. We give up so much of who we are to appeal to everyone so we can be liked, and at the end of the day we get the position we want, we fill in the resume we dream of, we create the connections needed to get our pictures on the Madison Magazine, and we are active enough a name drop in the The Breeze publication.
We prepare everything of who we are to campaign for a week for a position, and at the end of that week or two of elections, you go back to being in your niche and you aren't out there talking to students all over campus. Once the votes are tallied, your life lies in the hands of the numbers. If you win then you get the job and you are no where to be found; If you loose, you are no where to be found. So the next time you see someone out on campus with their pretty clothes to match their pretty face, remember to take a good look because you might not see them again for a while...
Our two school motto's are "Be the Change" and " All together one" is it me or isn't that just ridiculous?!?!?!?!?
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Elections
Well this past week was the first week of elections. Here are the student representatives for next year :
Pres : Larson Thune
VPAA: Dan Stana
VPSA: Candace Avalos
Treasurer: Tara Rife
And the SRBOV position was a run-off between Marley Green and Fred Rose. Be sure to vote this Thursday !
So as the most important week of elections has mostly come to an end, I assume everyone thinks that each of the candidates will dance away with a victory and score one for their resume. But aside from the many facebook friends they will surely make, the many faces they will officially meet from the administration, and the pretty little SGA business cards that will have their names on it, they will need to remember the students ( NOT ONLY THE ONES THAT VOTED FOR THEM ). I challenge everyone to hold their student representatives accountable for their actions, and to use their position for the betterment of everyone on the campus.
I can explain to you the complacency that runs wild throughout our campus, and it makes no sense when we have such low turnout. The reason is communication, because we have to be connected to stay together. Use our differences to know that we can be strong as a united student body, but that would require some shaking up, because life is made to have the strong and the weak, the oppressor and the oppressed.
We have on average 12-14% voter turnout. The last election was filled with drama, and with 2 candidates there was about 25% turnout. That special election was truly special because it had lots of coverage, good and bad, and it caused a lot of students to think about their student government and dig them out of the hole that most people put them in. There was a large controversy that shed light on the power brokers of our campus, and the interesting inner workings of the influential organizations on campus, so of course some people payed attention. The one before that only had 12% turn out, and it was very much uncontested from many aspects, with there being a semi-contest election for Student Body President with an incumbent going against a write-in candidate, along with one legit race for the S.R.B.O.V. osition where the incumbent Stacey Fuller won.
Our current election had 26% voter turn out, which is the largest its been in a while, but this is for a general election, with a multitude of candidates, with 2 very popular presidential candidates, and 4 S.R.B.O.V position, of which there were a multitude of special interests represented ! We need to have voter turn out stay at the level it is, so as we get bigger and we approach expansion, we need to make sure that we reach out to the best of our abilities.
Elections have traditionally been popularity contests, and I hope that as the days go on we get the ability to have a good understanding of the character and qualifications of someone wanting to represent us ( EVERYONE OF US AND NOT JUST ONE CLIQUE )
For this election, I would love to give you my my insight on the candidates, I will keep my opinion away from the characters running for the particular positions because I wouldn't want to use a place such as this to expose or bolster any candidate in any means or form.
Next week along with discussing SGA bills, I will take some time to talk about the process of campaigning and getting to know the student body from a representational aspect. So stay tuned. ..
Pres : Larson Thune
VPAA: Dan Stana
VPSA: Candace Avalos
Treasurer: Tara Rife
And the SRBOV position was a run-off between Marley Green and Fred Rose. Be sure to vote this Thursday !
So as the most important week of elections has mostly come to an end, I assume everyone thinks that each of the candidates will dance away with a victory and score one for their resume. But aside from the many facebook friends they will surely make, the many faces they will officially meet from the administration, and the pretty little SGA business cards that will have their names on it, they will need to remember the students ( NOT ONLY THE ONES THAT VOTED FOR THEM ). I challenge everyone to hold their student representatives accountable for their actions, and to use their position for the betterment of everyone on the campus.
I can explain to you the complacency that runs wild throughout our campus, and it makes no sense when we have such low turnout. The reason is communication, because we have to be connected to stay together. Use our differences to know that we can be strong as a united student body, but that would require some shaking up, because life is made to have the strong and the weak, the oppressor and the oppressed.
We have on average 12-14% voter turnout. The last election was filled with drama, and with 2 candidates there was about 25% turnout. That special election was truly special because it had lots of coverage, good and bad, and it caused a lot of students to think about their student government and dig them out of the hole that most people put them in. There was a large controversy that shed light on the power brokers of our campus, and the interesting inner workings of the influential organizations on campus, so of course some people payed attention. The one before that only had 12% turn out, and it was very much uncontested from many aspects, with there being a semi-contest election for Student Body President with an incumbent going against a write-in candidate, along with one legit race for the S.R.B.O.V. osition where the incumbent Stacey Fuller won.
Our current election had 26% voter turn out, which is the largest its been in a while, but this is for a general election, with a multitude of candidates, with 2 very popular presidential candidates, and 4 S.R.B.O.V position, of which there were a multitude of special interests represented ! We need to have voter turn out stay at the level it is, so as we get bigger and we approach expansion, we need to make sure that we reach out to the best of our abilities.
Elections have traditionally been popularity contests, and I hope that as the days go on we get the ability to have a good understanding of the character and qualifications of someone wanting to represent us ( EVERYONE OF US AND NOT JUST ONE CLIQUE )
For this election, I would love to give you my my insight on the candidates, I will keep my opinion away from the characters running for the particular positions because I wouldn't want to use a place such as this to expose or bolster any candidate in any means or form.
Next week along with discussing SGA bills, I will take some time to talk about the process of campaigning and getting to know the student body from a representational aspect. So stay tuned. ..
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Dolla Dolla Bill Yaalll....
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...
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...
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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