College Connection: Increasing awareness
Monday, February 23, 2009 10:30 AM PST
One of our roles as a community college is to support community discussion and dialogue about current events, cultural issues and diversity awareness. In an effort to bring more speakers and events to campus to help facilitate diversity conversations and opportunities for increased awareness, we established monthly events for students and faculty, and now we want to specifically invite and extend these opportunities to community members.
Treasure Valley Community College Diversity Dialogues are academic symposiums that strategically convene local and national experts to examine topics related to social justices and community transformation. Invited panelists provide a context for understanding and advocacy through dialogue and exchange with TVCC’s faculty, staff, students and guests.
TVCC’s Diversity Committee members are responsible for the planning and scheduling of topics for discussions. Presenters’ opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TVCC, but we do value a healthy exchange and dialogue.
The following are upcoming Diversity Dialogue events that we want to invite the community attend:
The Japanese Internment
As part of the Oregon Reads project, TVCC is participating with the Malheur County Library and the Ontario School District to sponsor a community-wide event to read and discuss “Stubborn Twig,” by Eugene author Lauren Kessler. The true story of three generations of a Japanese-American family, the book chronicles the events of Joan Yasui Emerson’s family.
On March 2, Emerson will come to TVCC and the Four Rivers Cultural Center to discuss the book and her family’s experience. She will be joined for a panel discussion with local Japanese-Americans who will also share their stories. The event will be held at 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. March 2, in the Meyer-McLean Theatre. There is no admission charge for this event and we encourage community members to come. Copies of the book “Stubborn Twig” are still available at local libraries, but if you don’t have time to read it before the event, hearing this speaker and the stories of local community members will inspire you to learn more.
Political Advocacy and Empowerment for Women
As part of Women’s History Month in March, the college is offering two opportunities for students and community members to learn about local politics and activism.
On March 3, Donna Wade, executive director of the Idaho Women’s Network, will be the featured speaker at 4 p.m. at the TVCC Caldwell Center. The Idaho Women’s Network serves as a voice for women, their families and communities in the development of public policy, primarily in the state legislature. The IWN uses education, grassroots organizing and lobbying to improve the political climate, develop positive, values-based policies and build power among those who are most disenfranchised and marginalized. The event is free.
Women in Politics: Local Leaders Speak
On March 5, we are excited to offer a perspective of politics from three local leaders. Pat Sullivan, Malheur County Circuit Court judge; Linda Simmons, co-chair for the Malheur County Democratic party; and Cheryl Cruson, precinct chair for the Malheur County Republican Party and a TVCC Board of Education member, will share their experience with local, state and national politics. This program includes a free lunch and is co-sponsored by the American Association of University Women and the TVCC Chapter of the American Association of Women in Community Colleges. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. in Weese Room 10. The community is welcome to attend, but reservations are requested. To reserve a seat, please call Cathy Yasuda, (541) 881-8822, ext. 201.
We also welcome community input in helping bring additional topics to our community.
Dr. Jim Sorensen is the president of Treasure Valley Community College. For information about TVCC, visit its Web site at www.tvcc.cc, or call (541) 881-8822
