By Laura Wishart
The UCSC Women’s Center is one of the six resource centers on campus, existing alongside the African American Resource and Cultural Center, American Indian Resource Center, Asian American / Pacific Islander Resource Center, “El Centro” the Chicano Latino Resource Center and the Cantú Queer Center. Each of the centers are dedicated to the retention and support of students from historically underrepresented or marginalized communities. They plan workshops, events, support groups, and other activities to address issues faced by students across different intersections of identity.
Founded in 1986, the Women’s Center is the oldest of the Resource Centers and celebrated its 30th anniversary this past fall. The Center is an open community space which affirms the dignity and diversity of all women. Our programs continue and challenge feminist traditions by confronting misogyny and violence at both the interpersonal and institutional level. Our annual programs include Sister Solidarity, a celebration of Women’s Heritage Month, and Take Back the Night, a week-long series of events raising awareness about sexual violence and supporting survivors. The Women’s Center is located at the Cardiff House at the base of campus and is open from 9-5 Monday to Friday. All are welcome to utilize the space! Come by and do homework, hang out, eat snacks, or make coffee or tea.
Volunteers are currently needed to help with Take Back the Night! Taking place from April 24th-28th, this year’s program consists of a rally, march, and keynote address and workshop by Amita Swadhin. Amita is a nationally renowned activist and survivor who centers the experiences of queer survivors of color in her work to end childhood sexual abuse. Mahroh Jahangiri, Executive Director of Know Your IX, will also facilitate a workshop on student rights under Title IX. Title IX is a landmark federal civil right that prohibits sex discrimination in education.
As a current intern at the Women’s Center, I can say that this year’s program was entirely initiated and coordinated by student staff who are passionate about dismantling rape culture and building consent culture. If you want to join us in this mission, you can email me at lwishart@ucsc.edu and my co-coordinator Morgan at mbostic@ucsc.edu. You can also connect with us if you would like to volunteer on a more regular basis. The Center typically offers paid internships to students each year as well.
