Educational Programs
Weekly discussions...
The Women’s Center at F&M is noted for our weekly lunch-time discussions of wide-ranging topics. Students, professors, and administrators at F&M, as well as community members, are welcome to attend. The discussions take place every Friday at noon, last for about an hour and offer free bagels and drinks for all.
The Women's Center in 2009 received a grant from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to do a mentoring program called College Connections for 20 ninth graders at Columbia High School, which has a low graduation rate and does not send many of its students on college. The main objectives for the project are to motivate and empower the ninth graders to consider going on to college, and to give them the information and encouragement they need to prepare themselves academically to do so.
Lecturers...
We host lecturers who sometimes speak at the Friday discussions or at separate times throughout the semester. The intimate setting of the Center allows participants to interact, ask questions and oftentimes continue the conversation afterwards. Some of our recent guest speakers have been Alex Sanger, grandson of birth control pioneer Margaret Sanger; Patrice Gaines, Washington Post reporter; Diana Dolev, Israeli feminist and anti-war activist, and Farooka Gauhari, Afghani educator.
International Women's Week...
On March 8, the Center celebrates International Women's Day with a speaker and reception. Other activities including a photo exhibit and a film occur during that week.
Week Without Violence...
In late October, The Women's Center sponsors programming during the Week Without Violence. It is part of a nationwide effort to empower both men and women to unite against the violence in our communities. Programming elements include a major speaker, the Clothesline and Shoe Projects, a film, and Red and Black Day when students wear those colors to show support for stopping violence.
Take Back the Night...
In March, The Women's Center sponsors Take Back the Night, a program aimed at raising awareness of sexual assault and abuse on the campus and in the community. The evening includes a guest speaker, a candlelight march, testimonials, and a reception.
