The second annual Critical Social Justice campaign will be held February 16th-20th, 2015! This year’s theme is “Creating Brave Spaces,” inspired by the essay “From Safe Spaces to Brave Spaces” by Brian Arao and Kristi Clemens.

CSJ 2015 keynote speaker Franchesca Ramsey

Our keynote speaker will be comedian and social justice blogger Franchesca Ramsey (a.k.a. Chescaleigh), who’s perhaps best known for her viral parody video on racial microaggressions “Sh*t White Girls Say…To Black Girls.” Franchesca Ramsey’s keynote lecture “Your Powerful Online Voice: Social Media for Social Change” will be Tuesday, February 17th at 7:30pm in the UC Ballroom.

Several other programs will be held throughout the week which will support interdisciplinary learning and active engagement with social justice, including:

• CSJ 101 roundtable - Mon. 2/16, 12-1pm in Commons 329
• Invisible Privilege (Made Visible) activity & discussion - Tues. 2/17, 1-3pm on Main Street (event sponsored by: Mosaic Center)
• Women’s Center Occupies Main Street interactive exhibit & activities - Wed. 2/18, 11-2pm on Main Street (event sponsored by: Women’s Center)
• Social Justice Pedagogy: Tensions, Triggers & Teachable Moments faculty panel discussion - Wed. 2/18, 3-4pm in Sherman B-wing 220 (event sponsored by: Women’s Center)
• CSJ Reflection discussion - Thurs. 2/19, 3-4pm in the Mosaic Center
• Making Queer Spaces Safe Spaces roundtable - Thurs. 2/19, 7:30-9pm in the Women’s Center
• Feminist Art Gallery - Mon. 2/16 through Fri. 2/27 in the Commons Mezzanine Gallery

CSJ aims to support ongoing engagement with social justice across campus and we encourage all members of the UMBC community to get involved. If your department or organization is planning an event for that week that reflects the mission of CSJ, please fill out this form so we can contact you to find out more.

More details and events will be announced leading up to CSJ 2015, so like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and use the hashtag #CSJ2015 to keep up-to-date with the latest news!

Critical Social Justice is coordinated by the Women’s Center with Student Life’s Mosaic Center. 

A collaborative authorship post from Bria Hamlet and Jess Myers

Jess:
You guessed it! It’s that time of the year when the Women’s Center staff crushes your Halloween costume dreams and makes you feel guilty about your costume decisions. Sexist! Racist! Cultural appropriation! We know, we’re just no fun… but someone’s gotta do it.

A Halloween costume that represented Jess’ dreams of becoming the first female baseball player in Major League Baseball.

But in all seriousness, this is an important conversation…. one that I wish I would have had with thoughtful intersectional feminists back in my growing up days. I didn’t know what cultural appropriation was in 3rd grade… or if I’m being honest, in college. Halloween costumes I regret include dressing as a Harem Girl and a nagging wife (ugh, just writing those words breaks my women’s center director heart) among others. I feel guilty about these choices and up until now, I’ve done my best to keep these secrets to myself but somewhere along the way these memories have been shared with Women’s Center staff members and together we’ve walked down memory lane of costumes of Halloween past. We’ve used these conversations as an opportunity for us to hold up the mirror for ourselves and others. We are not exempt from histories of making harmful choices in our Halloween gear. By allowing ourselves to look into the mirror of racism, sexism, and cultural appropriation, we hope to diffuse the guilt and defensive that often comes from having these conversations related to Halloween costumes of choice so we can all dig a bit deeper into that critical thought and dialogue.

Plus… what better way to share some of our childhood photos from Halloweens of the 1980s and 90s!

 * * * * *

Bria:
I was an angel, a princess, and a pink Power Ranger in pursuit of candy. Queen Amidala and Mulan searched for the most haunting home decor while Cleopatra and Tinkerbell prepared for horror movie marathons with friends. It all started out so harmless.

Yoo-Jin takes on the “tweeter” side of being a pirate!

I have never taken the time to reflect on how the intent of celebrating Halloween changes from childhood to adulthood. Historically, All Hallows’ Eve has been about terrifying confrontations with the dead, but these days I have been aghast at the overpriced sexism on Party City’s walls. For just $49.99, you can please the patriarchy and unleash your inner sexist all in one night!

Halloween has become a night for adults to indulge in repressed fantasies through costume. I am cringing as I recall the year I decided to costume as Playboy Bunny (before I could even legally be one). I now believe that if this industry wasn’t so hellbent on supplying women with only “sexy” options for Halloween, then women everywhere could proudly say they wanted to dress like that, not that they were left optionless. It’s bad enough that women are oversexualized everyday, and this ‘tradition’ reinforces the idea that any effort put into appearing sexy is to please men. And thus, we welcome you to the Sexy Halloween Costume Industry!

Megan (on the left) with her Wonder Woman sister.

I chose my own costumes and wore them happily. My only regret is the lack of thought I put into the message I sent to the rest of the world. While I hoped my sexy schoolgirl costume screamed “I am poking fun at my all-girl secondary education and embracing my sexuality all at one time!,” I know that was not the case. Truly feminist costumes should leave you feeling respected, empowered, and happy. Although I am still struggling to settle on a costume idea, I am pleased to have the awesome resources below for some feminist costuming inspiration! Check them out!

* * * * *

What is cultural appropriation?

On Appropriation vs Appreciation
Costume Fails from @Chescaleigh
What Not to Wear on Halloween… a Stuff Mom Never Told You Podcast

Amelia’s love for cats started early on….

Daniel  as Flick, the blue ant!

Get Creative!

Feminist Halloween Costumes – a Post from Feministing with so many other cool links
Women in History Halloween Costume Ideas
5 Feminist Halloween Costumes… a video from Stuff Mom Never Told You

Get your Activism On!

Halloween Liberation Kit
We’re a culture, not a costume
How to tell your friend they’re Halloween costume is racist

Oh hey RAs! A Halloween Bulletin Board at your finger tips!

Name: Valeriya Nakshun

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: The Rosen Group

Major(s)/Minor(s): Media and Communication Studies

Expected Graduation Year: June 2016

Briefly describe your internship, co-op, research, or service-learning opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.

I had my internship over the summer at the Rosen Group, which is a company that produces the "American Made Show," a wholesale art/trade show. I was hired at the beginning of the fall to work part-time as an Exhibits Coordinator. My day-to-day responsibilities include printing exhibitor applications, looking through their works of art whether it be ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass, or 2-dimensional art. I put everything together, carefully reviewing the applications to make sure they really are American-made, and prep the applications for final review. I'm half of a two-person team in the Exhibitor Services department, which handles all exhibitor-related issues including payments, answering questions, assigning booths, and mailing out contracts among other things.

Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.

I actually found it on my own via the internships.com website. I received a positive response on my resume from the owner of the company so she sent me an email with her phone number to contact her. I did and we set up the interview and I was hired on the spot.

Which of the following resources did you use to find your current experience?

On my own online.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?

I love the fact that I work with artists. It keeps me sane. I look at art every single day when looking through applications, and at the end of the day, I know that the company I work for helps artists sell their work and display it to a much larger audience. My minor is Art History and Museum Studies, and I plan to go to grad school later on for Curatorial or Museum Studies, so this experience will open up a lot of doors in the art world for me.

What have you gained from your experience that you could not have gained from another opportunity?

Not only do I get to work with artists, but I work with artists all around the United States and Canada. It's great exposure. Another thing I gained is experience with different marketing and database software. We utilize a lot of different websites and software where I work. I work with software called InfusionSoft, a website called A2Z, and an application called FileMaker Pro. It's really great that I have experience working with all these technologies in one area, so it makes me a lot more employable in the future.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

I would say to look everywhere. Use UMBCWorks but also look online. Google art organizations and see which ones are looking for interns, volunteers, or employees. If you have a particular place where you want to intern or work, contact the business directly and ask if anything is available. Also, make sure you have at least the general knowledge to do well in the field.

Please provide a short quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / the internship placement process.

I like going to work and feeling like my work is valued, and that I'm part of a show that helps artists exhibit their work and make a living.

Below are just a few of the new Internship positions posted to UMBCworks in the past week. Check them out today!

2015 Summer Public Af fairs/Communications Internship(9269400)
United States Department of Labor - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
DUTIES INCLUDE:
-Writing/editing press releases, media advisories, news briefs, blogs, Tweets, Facebook posts, and informational blurbs for DOL’s weekly online national newsletter.
-Writing feature stories and photo captions for DOL internal website LaborNet and internal, monthly e-magazine Frances Magazine.

Media and Marketing Intern (9268667)
Maryland New Directions (MND)- Baltimore, Maryland
The Media and Marketing Intern will work with Maryland New Directions (MND) staff to develop creative ways to convey MND’s mission and story to the public, share news and successes to spread awareness and interest in the organization. The Intern’s role is to engage the public and share updates from MND through various media outlets.

Part-Time Marketing Intern (9269311)
IMS, Inc. - Beltsville, Maryland
IMS is looking for a Part-Time Marketing Intern to work in our Calverton, MD office. The Marketing Intern must be a creative and motivated individual who can provide innovative ideas and work independently. Help define and execute a social media strategy. Collaborate with teams to develop communications plans for web page and more!

Graphic Arts Marketing Intern (9269310)
Itaberco - Baltimore, Maryland
Responsibilities:
-Intern will, under supervision, work on design work related to packaging, website, print and other media.
-Marketing intern will also continuously update website and social media networks with new products and news.
-Intern will have to work with Product Development and Sales team in developing new ways to market products.

Social Media Internship (9269372)
Claire's Gourmet - nationwide, United States
ADKO Associates, Inc. is the parent company of Claire’s Gourmet and Challenge4kids. ADKO Associates, Inc. needs a creative and pragmatic intern that is interested in gaining experience in marketing and social media in an enjoyable and professional environment.

Human Resources Intern (9269297)
Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc. - Columbia, Maryland
Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc. seeks a Human Resources Intern to join our team. We’re looking for a talented person who wants to gain valuable work experience in the Human Resources field through Nemetschek Vectorworks’ Internship Program.
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To access these positions, login to your UMBCworks account (via the link in the Jobs & Internships topic in myUMBC) and find details and application instructions as well as hundreds of other job postings! Please note you MUST have an approved resume and be released to apply to internships. To schedule an appointment, access our online system in UMBCworks or call 410-455-2216.

Kate Phelps

Role at the UMBC Career Center: I help technical students find internships and full-time opportunities by helping students with their resume and other professional documents. Additionally, I help oversee the 0 credit PRAC course.

Q: Where have you earned your college degrees?

A: Florida State University (FSU)

Tallahassee, FL

M.S. Higher Education Administration-Student Affairs Concentration

University of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN

B.A. Communication Studies

Q: What program(s) did you study? How did you choose your major?

A: M.S. Higher Education Administration- Student Affairs Concentration
- I worked on campus in the Student Activities Office at UT. I was also involved in many other aspects of campus life. I asked my advisors and mentors how they earned their job, and they helped my find my career path into Student Affairs.

B.A. Communication Studies
- I came to UT as an undecided student. My freshman year, I took a career class to explore different majors. I discovered quickly that I wanted to be in the College of Communication. I spoke with a communication advisor and took a few classes to choose Communication Studies.

Q: Tell me about the job and internship process when you were in college. Were you able to find job/internship positions that were related to your major or your career interests?

A: In undergrad, I was lucky enough to have 3 paid internships for different non profits. I diversified how I applied to these positions as I used friends, Hire-a-Vol (our version of UMBCworks), and just a generic company website positing.

My student worker job in the student activities office along with my campus involvement helped me find a GA in the Career Center in grad school.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

A: You only have one chance to make a first impression. Use that time well.

Q: Why should students visit the Career Center?

A: Students should not wait until they are a senior to come to the Career Center and get their resume reviewed and attend our events.

We want them to come early in their career and start working toward their professional presence to find internships and jobs!

Q: What is your favorite aspect about UMBC?

A: Students are excited to try new things and approach a problem with a new set of eyes.

Q: What is one item on your bucket list?

A: Visit all 50 states. I love to travel!

Q: What is one aspect of the DC/Baltimore area that you often explore?

A: I live right in the middle of downtown Baltimore. I love finding a new restaurant, exploring a festival, or just taking in the different events Baltimore brings in throughout the year.

Want to connect with Kate or any of our great Career Center team? Call our office at 410-455-2216 or check out our contact us page here: http://careers.umbc.edu/aboutus/

Often when we talk about race in the United States, the classic picture is that race is polarized into two: black and white. Starting from a very young age, I had never truly understood these divisions, and felt confused as to where I fit in. If I was labeled into a color, it was always “yellow” and it was often said as an offensive joke.  I didn’t understand my place…I wasn’t white and I wasn’t black. I remember looking around the demographics of my classrooms noticing that I often felt alone. In history class, we talked about Columbus, the slave trade, and 9/11, but rarely did we ever engage in dialogues about asians, much less Koreans, except in passing when we note that North Korea is still radically separate from its southern counterpart, and the fact that the United States fought in the Korean War.  I remembered a clear moment in my U.S history class when we discussed apartheid in the United States, and I sat in the room wondering which restroom and school, if any, would I have been able to use and attend if we were still in that time? Was I a person of color?

The ever familiar sense of liminality and not quite fitting in was also manifested in my college life through my labeled identity as an “ undocumented” student, or from opposing side’s terms, an undocumented alien. Already, I had felt a sense of confusion growing up all my life in a country where I didn’t always find people who looked like me or understood me or my background. My identity as a Korean-American was treated as a novelty, an exquisite chance for somebody to stumble through the two or three Korean words and Korean people they knew, as well as informing me how much they loved Korean food. Of course, many of these statements were harmless and were not meant to create the sense of separation and isolation that often came as a consequence. Statements like, “So, where are you originally from?” have been scattered throughout my life, and I felt a sense of guilt or confusion as I always explained (much more thoroughly than someone expected) how I lived in Maryland most of my life, lived in Washington State for when I was young, and oh, yes, if this is what you were really asking- my family is from Korea and I was born there.

Overall, I am still exploring my multiple identities and it has been quite a journey. Through my work at the Women’s Center and beyond, where I am surrounded by people who are ready and willing to engage in thoughtful and critical dialogues, I am inspired and gradually feeling that I am worthy and do belong in this space equally.

A really awesome and affirming article from Time, brought a lot of my insecurities and feelings to light, explaining that, this idea that Asian Americans are “tech” oriented and know how to sit in front of a computer, overlooks the disproportionate amount of Asian American tech workers and those in leadership. In addition,  “What it says is this: Asians and Asian-Americans are smart and successful, so hiring or promoting them does not count as encouraging diversity. It says: there is no such thing as underrepresentation of Asians and Asian-Americans. The problem with this belief, historians and advocates assert, is that it not only obscures the sheer range of experiences within Asian and Asian-American populations, but also excludes them from conversations about diversity and inclusion in leadership and non-tech sectors.” This statement rang true in so many aspects as I have had students and faculty alike, assume me to be in a STEM field or that I would be “good at math”, etc. I look forward to bringing to light these cultural stereotypes, assumptions, as well as working to break them, to work to have representation of Asian Americans as the diverse and whole people that we, and everyone else, are.

The Counseling Center is excited to announce that our newest resource, the MindSpa is now open and available for use!

The Mind Spa is a space within our center in which students can come to relax, de-stress, meditate, and learn techniques to regulate stress levels. Students can walk-in, or call and reserve our resources.  

Some of the resources we offer include, but are not limited to:

A Massage Chair (with pre-set massage programs as well as customizable massage settings)

Biofeedback equipment: Biofeedback allows you to control your bodies functioning through “feedback”, or sensors that monitor your heart rate. Research has shown that through making these subtle changes, one can significant positive impact on their overall well-being.  

Light therapy: Research has shown that light therapy is an effective treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or “the winter blues”. As the amount of natural sunlight waxes and wanes throughout the year, students may notice an increase in depression or lethargy. The lamp can increase energy and foster a positive mood, even on the darkest of days! The Mind Spa offers individuals a private space to utilize this treatment in conjunction with other services offered, or you can sign out the lights to try at home.

Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy is the practice of using natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots, or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being. The various aromas from these “essential” oils is widely believed to stimulate brain function. It is also believed that the use of essential oils can help one attain a pleasurable emotional balance

Hot tea: Enjoy a cup of hot tea while you use the Mind spa resources.

Meditation space: The MindSpa contains meditation cushions as well as resources to engage your senses such as a SAND Box and a sand tray. 

Self-Help Resources: We have books and pamphlets on a variety of topics that you are welcome to use while at the mind spa

The Mind Spa is a space that students can use on their own. If someone wants an orientation to the space or have additional questions, they can make an appointment with one of the counselors at the front desk and we would be happy to assist you!

Also, there is no time limit. The Mind Spa is first come, first serve. The Mind Spa is open from 8:30am to 5:00pm.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I had my first mammogram today. I am still in the waiting room as I write these thoughts into the notepad of my iPhone. Despite the very hopeful notion I have that everything will be okay, I also have the overwhelming feeling of wanting to cry. All the Octobers of pink and more pink have created a sense within me that the question of breast cancer for me as a woman is not an if but when. Somewhat like the rape schedule most women live with on a daily basis I’ve realized through this process of doctor’s visits and tests that I operate in a sort of breast cancer schedule as well. The inevitability feels all too real.

Watching shows like L Word and Parenthood with main characters who were diagnosed with breast cancer always sends me into overwhelming sadness as I delve into their plot lines. I cry. I cry for the fictional characters but I also cry in fear. That could be me. My partner. My best friend. It has already been my aunt. My cousin. Co-workers. Friends of friends. I have created a chosen family for myself completely centered in women and womanhood. As I grow older, I know this list will only grow.

And, as I sit in this waiting room for my results I question if my fear is warranted. Or is just the onslaught of October Pink that has conditioned me to believe this is a real reality for me? Am I too hyper-vigilant? Is this real or just another social construction that inhabits within me due to my gender and gender socialization? Did all the Race For The Cures and pink ribbons and Denim Days of my childhood not only create an awareness but a deeply rooted fear?

I debate about posting these very personal thoughts on what for all extensive purposes is my work blog. Part of me feels these are not thoughts appropriate to share around the “water cooler” but thoughts meant to keep private or share only with close confidants. But my “water cooler,” my work – it is my passion. My work is the work rooted in these fears, these social constructions, these lived experiences of women. If I can’t or don’t talk about it as a professional who works in a women’s center, who believes in consciousness raising and “the personal is political,” who else will? Women’s centers and their community members exists to center these conversations, make space for inquiry, and give comfort for the fear. I share my thoughts to create brave spaces for us to critique the “pink industrial complex” while also validating the very real experiences of those living with breast cancer, those surviving breast cancer, those who have died from it, and those who wonder if it will happen to them.

In the waiting room, I got the answer I needed. I am fine and I can breathe a sigh of relieve… at least for now. And, yet I leave feeling I still have more questions than answers.