BY LINDA MACIAS

Center for Women and Culture

California State University, Fresno

Located at:

Thomas Building Rm. 110

(559) 278-4435Open 8am – 5pm

On Campus Resource

Social Justice Issues

The activities and staff inspire the campus community to collaborate to eradicate sexism, racism, heterosexism, ableism, xenophobia, and other forms of discrimination that women and men may experience.

Organizational Structure

The Center for Women and Culture is under the Division of Student Affairs at CSUF

The Center for Women and Culture houses both the Women’s Resource Center and Central Valley Cultural Heritage Institute

The Center is run by the director and coordinator

All of the activities that take place are put on by the student assistants and student volunteers

Populations at Risk

The Center is open to anyone that needs to talk to someone about any issue or if they need a welcoming place to study

Women, men, students, staff, and facultyDomestic violence victims that need

resourcesSexual assault victims that need resources

Agency Mission

The Center for Women an Culture is established to enhance the learning, work, and life experiences of students in the university community and to educate the campus on women and divirsity issues.

It is a compassionate, inclusive place that provides a sense of belonging, advocacy, and resources for the campus community.  

It promotes success and nurtures holistic growth and development through various opportunities, activities, and events that focus on women with an eye toward gender, founded in a framework that is fully inclusive of diversity.

Goals

To provide a physical space in which students can share with each other, learn in a collaborative rather than competitive fashion, and seek growth-promoting experiences consistent with the unique modes of learning and communication.

To provide referral and peer counseling support services to anyone who is coping with personal transitions, crisis or any other life experiences for which they need nonjudgmental guidance and support.

To promote the eradication of individual and institutional sexism, racism, heterosexism, classism and other forms of prejudice and discrimination which affect all of us in a university community.

To provide students with a variety of intellectual, cultural, social, artistic, recreational, and professional growth activities the celebrate the multicultural composition of our community and promote healthful lifestyles and non-violent relationships.

Agency Practices

Resources Available

Quiet room that can be used for prayer, meditation, quiet time and breast feeding mothers

A lounge area that is open and welcoming for students to do homework

Computers Microwave and

refrigerator Volunteer opportunities

Brochures and handouts for many agencies like, the Marjaree Mason Center and Breast Cancer education

Files on a variety of issues that students could use for research projects and homework

Small library with books focusing on women’s issues and diversity

What it is: Who it’s available to:

Part of the Violence Prevention Program

If anyone ever needs to talk about anything there is someone there to listen

Trained peer counselors are available during the Center’s office hours

Anyone is welcome to come in

Both appointments and walk-ins are accepted

This is a great opportunity to see how it feels to be on the receiving end of services

Peer Counseling

Goals Groups:

To promote student involvement and to feel that they have a place in which they can talk about things that affect them on a daily basis

Entre Mujeres- An informal discussion group for college Latinas that looks to empower them and give them a place to belong and have their opinions heard

Lunch Express- a discussion group that gathers at lunch time and talk about issues that affect college students in general

Sistah to Sistah- a discussion group for African American college students that get together to discuss issues that affect them and encourage each other

Discussion Groups

Support Group for Survivors

This group is open to both men and women that have been a Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault Witness and/or Survivor

Peer led group that provides a safe and confidential environment

Meet weekly

Diversity in the Center

BSU-Black Students UnitedUSP-United Student Pride MSA- Muslim Student AssociationWomen’s AllianceS.P.E.A.K.- Students Providing Empowerment,

Advocacy & KnowledgeP.O.W.E.R.- People Organized for Women’s

Empowerment and RepresentationPoetry Jam- a venue for students, poets,

performing artists, musicians and artists to express themselves freely

Take Back the Night

Oct. 19th, 2011This event is held every

yearRaises awareness about

violence against women – this year the focus was on invisible violence

The program included keynote speakers, a candle lit march through campus and having victims tell their story at an open mic

Events

Lunafest

This year it will beNovember 18, 2011

An event that shows short films that deal with women’s issues produced by women

The proceeds of this event are used to help the fight against cancer

There are raffles as well as silent auctions

Events

Welcoming Diversity Workshop

Dates: Nov. 19, 2011 Dec. 3 , 2011

Registration is requiredFree to Fresno State

studentsA one day workshop that

encourages and helps participants become more culturally aware and culturally competent

Events

Social Work Values Human Rights

Provides many services that are available to students as well as staff

Advocates for minorities and marginalized populations

Encourages he dignity and self worth of a person

Provides a space for positive relationships to develop

Peer counselors and staff maintain confidentiality and are trained to be competent in what they do

Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms

Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible

Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits

Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

All of these rights are encouraged and carried out in the Center

How the Agency pertains to Social Work

End

If you ever want more information on any of the upcoming events, discussion groups or resources feel free to contact or come into the Center for Women and Culture

CSU, FresnoThomas Building Rm.

110(559) 278-4435

Open 8am – 5pm