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The Women's Resource Center is now hosting several events for Cal State Long Beach students and faculty to address new issues and new concerns pertaining to the empowerment of women in an ever-changing world.
The center has long been a provider for students to get support and obtain information regarding the concerns of women and students. Lynne Coenen, assistant director of the WRC, said the center also provides several opportunities for students to meet other students who share common goals.
"This is a critical time for women to really bond together and support one another," Coenen said.
Based on recent student issues and concerns, the center is hosting several themed events each month that are geared toward addressing and supporting those issues, and encourage women to take a politically active role pertaining to equal rights.
The first of such events is the Women's Equality Day Picnic, which will be held Thursday, Sep. 22 at 12:30 p. m.. The event is held monthly to celebrate the historical women's right to vote movement. Coenen said the first women's conference was held July 19, 1848. Four abolitionists were not allowed to speak or voice their opinions.
The women formed a Declaration of Sentiments based on the Bill of Rights to fight for the right to vote. It was not until the 1920s that women were finally allowed the right to vote Coenen said. Almost 75 years later, the battle was won.
"Women are political activists," Coenen said. "We are celebrating the right to vote."
The picnic is an informal event for students to relax and meet with other students, as well as to celebrate the empowerment of women, Coenan said. The center will provide coffee and tea and will also hold drawings for treats from the Blue Marble Cafe. Prizes such as T-shirts and buttons advertising women's pride will be awarded, she said.
"Women have an informal opportunity to meet other people on campus and it is open to staff and students," Coenen said.
The center will also feature a monthly spoken word series titled "Objects In The Mirror May Appear." This event will feature local poets reading and performing their works.
Topics ranging from motherhood and contraceptive choices, to rape concerns and money management will be the focal points for a series of lectures held several times a month provided by the center, Coenen said. A free self-defense workshop for women on campus will also be featured during the fall semester.
For information regarding the center's events or services, one may call
(562) 985-5466. The center is located in room LA3-105.