We invite you to attend any of the following events offered by the various programs and services of CWC along with our collaborators. We are happy to tailor a workshop for your group or organization. For information about our events call 413-545-0883. Request a training or workshop.
Fall 2019
P.R.O.P.S: Presenting Real, Original, Powerful, Stories
P.R.O.P.S (Presenting Real, Original, Powerful, Stories) offers students the opportunity to share inspiring stories & innovative discoveries. Selected students will present their talks in a showcase used to further educate and inspire UMass and the larger community. Talks can explore a range of topics including personal growth, academic research, or new perspectives. Talks aim to motivate, inspire, and promote shared learning. Participating students will attend workshops and receive support to prepare them for the showcase. For more information and to apply or nominate a student for P.R.O.P.S
Students can also attend an info session on:
- Tuesday, September 17th 5:30-6:30 PM – Berkshire Room /Berkshire Dining Hall
- Friday, October 4th 12:30-1:30 PM -New Africa House Room 127
- Wednesday, October 23rd 4:00-5:00 PM - Campus Center 805
WOCLN Leadership Retreat!
Saturday, October 19, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Location: Shutesbury, MA
Open To: Women and nonbinary students of color
The Women of Color Leadership Network will be taking a group of emerging and dynamic women and nonbinary student of color leaders from our undergraduate UMass Community to share in personal development and community building at our first annual Women of Color Leadership Network (WOCLN) Retreat!
Participants will engage in workshops and team building activities that will foster leadership skills and help build a supportive and engaging community as you pursue your goals and strive for success- whatever that means to you!
Participants will engage in workshops and team building activities that will foster leadership skills and help build a supportive and engaging community as you pursue your goals and strive for success- whatever that means to you!
This year's retreat will be all day on Saturday October 19, 2019 held at Sirius Community in Shutesbury, MA. Transportation will be provided.
To join us, please fill out the application at this link for review: http://bit.ly/2OyIVQoLeadershipRetreat
Space is limited and we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.
This application is open to all self-identified women and nonbinary undergraduate students of color. Preference will be given to first and second year students.
If selected to attend you will be notified via email and/or phone and asked to provide more information to confirm your spot.
Central Area Block Party!
Thursday, September 26, 3:30-6:00 PM
Location: New Africa House
Open To: Public
Join us for our annual Central Area Block Party! Free carnival food, DJ, crafts and activities! Free activities include: tie-dye; painting your laundry bag; making slime; and more! Free raffle prizes!
This event is offered in collaboration with CMASS, IPO, UMPD, CHP, Afro Am Studies Dept, CCPH and Residential Education
WOCLN Welcome Social
Wednesday September 18, 5:30-7:30 PM
Location: New Africa House, Room 127
Come meet other women and nonbinary students of color and make new connections over some snacks and conversation. Meet our staff and volunteers and learn more about our upcoming programs.
Spring 2019
Study Break and Pizza
Thursday, May 2, 12 noon-2pm
Location: The WOCLN Office, room 127, New Africa House
Open To: All
Join us on May 2nd from 12- 2 PM at our office in room 127 New Africa House. Come meet our staff, connect with other community members, and take a break from your busy schedules. We will have comfy seating, various activities like slime making and painting, and can watch film if you just want to relax.
Pizza, snacks and refreshments will be provided! All are welcome.
WOCLN Leading as your Authentic Self
Saturday, April 22, 5pm-7pm
Location: The WOCLN Office, room 127, New Africa House
Open To: All self-identified women and non-binary people of color
As an aspiring and engaged leader, you always want to put your best self forward. What does this mean for you? In this workshop, you will reflect on what aspects of your identity are most important to you to preserve, present and articulate as you engage in leadership. You will have a chance to reflect upon the challenges that you may face in remaining true to yourself while pursuing opportunities and practice articulating a personal elevator pitch and vision to help you gain confidence in presenting your authentic self to the world.
WOCLN The Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback
Saturday, April 06, 10am-12noon
Location: New Africa House Library (rm. 203)
Open To: All self-identified women and non-binary people of color
No one is perfect all of the time- even when placed in a leadership position and expected to make tough and significant decisions. Part of being a leader is learning from mistakes and using feedback as an opportunity for growth. Join this session to understand the way that you process feedback and learn strategies to make the most of the feedback that you receive to achieve your goals. Learn also how to share your ideas with others in a way that helps them develop their skills and build positive relationships that contribute to healthy and high functioning groups.
WOCLN Seed, Sow and Grow
Wednesday, April 03, 5:30pm-7pm
Location: The WOCLN Office, room 127, New Africa House
Open To: All self-identified women and non-binary people of color
Join us as we decorate flower pots and plant seeds to celebrate the commencement of spring. As the semester approaches a close we want to set aside time for you to celebrate all that you have accomplished over the semester. We also want to recognize this time as a moment to think about self-growth; including thinking about what that has looked like for you and how you can continue to do so over the rest of the year. There will also be refreshments, snacks, and company for you to enjoy.
America in Transition: Documentaries about Trans People of Color
Thursday, March 28, 7-8.30 PM
Location: Bernie Dallas Room, Goodell Hall- UMass
Open To: All
A screening and discussion of three short documentaries (each 20 minutes) on the lives and experiences of trans people of color in the U.S.
This event is offered in collaboration with Stonewall Center and UMass Department of Communication.
WOCLN Ditch Your Doubts about Debt!
Saturday, March 23, 10AM-12 noon
Location: Reading Room 203, New Africa House
Open To: All self-identified women and non-binary people of color
Between college, graduate school, vehicles, homes, family and the multitude of other payments and responsibilities that you juggle as you begin “adulting”, managing your money can be daunting. Join this workshop to learn more about and assess your debts, options for future financing and credit so that you can feel in control of your debt and not let it control you.
WOCLN Start Smart Salary Negotiation for Women
Tuesday, April 2, 6-8 PM
Location: Reading Room 203, New Africa House
Open To: All women and non-binary people of color
Did you know that women on average are paid only $.80 for every dollar a man is paid in the U.S. and that the wage gap grows even more for women of color? Join this workshop written by the American Association for University Women to learn more about the gender pay gap, gain confidence in negotiating your best possible salary as you enter the job market and learn to advocate for your value. Pre-registration is required http://bit.ly/2FjJ05W
International Women's Day Celebration
Thursday, March 7, 4-6 PM
Location: Reading Room 203, New Africa House
Open To: All
In honor of International Women's Day, we are celebrating women and non-binary people from around the world. The event includes performances, international hors d'oeuvres, speakers and more. It is open to the public and is wheelchair accessible. Come join our celebration! In spirit of this celebration, we encourage everyone to wear your traditional clothing.
This event is offered in collaboration with IPO, Afro-Am Studies Department, Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies Department and Auxiliary Enterprises.
WOCLN People of color and TV Show: Discussion, Snacks and Community
Wednesday, March 6, 5.30PM-7.00PM
Location: 127 New Africa House
Open To: All
Join us as we watch a TV episode about the experiences of people of color in the US. Share your opinions and build community with other students of color on campus.
All are welcome. Bring a friend!
All are welcome. Bring a friend!
WOCLN Self-Care for Self-Growth Leadership Workshop
Saturday, February 23, 10AM-12 noon
Location: Reading Room, rm. 203, New Africa House
Maintaining the focus, passion and energy imperative to achieving your goals and those of the groups you lead can be exhausting! That’s why it’s important to figure out what “self-care” means to you and how you can ensure you’re able to function at your best. Join this session which is a part of the Women of Color Leadership Network's Spring Leadership Workshop to learn strategies that you can incorporate into your personal routines to aid you in applying your best self so you can achieve your goals. Apply to join at http://bit.ly/2FjJ05W before the priority deadline of January 31. Remaining spaces will be filled on a rolling basis.
WOCLN Healthy Conflict Management Leadership Workshop
Saturday, February 9, 10AM-12 noon
Location: Reading Room, rm. 203, New Africa House
Working with dynamic groups of passionate individuals with different opinions and personalities can put you in a position where, as a leader, you have to manage communication and conflict in an effective and healthy way. In this session which is a part of the Women of Color Leadership Network's Spring Leadership Workshop, we will consider what it means to approach conflict with a “healthy” mentality and share strategies that you can use to make sure you respectfully and clearly communicate your wants, needs and objectives clearly- even in high stress and situations. Apply to join at http://bit.ly/2FjJ05W before the priority deadline of January 31. Remaining spaces will be filled on a rolling basis.
WOCLN Sweets and Self Love- Cookie Decorating
Wednesday, February 6, 5:30-7 PM
Location: 127 New Africa House
Open To: All
Have you given yourself the self-love and compassion you give to loved ones? Have you been able to reflect on what you are passionate about, and what your dreams are? Or on how to get over your fears and work through your challenges to achieve your goals?
Join WOCLN to talk about how we can practice self-care, compassion, acceptance and love while we decorate cookies and drink hot chocolate and tea!
WOCLN P.R.O.P.S: Presenting Real, Original, Powerful Stories
Open To: All
P.R.O.P.S is a program/platform which offers students the opportunity to share inspiring stories & innovative discoveries. Selected students will present a 5-12 minute-talk at a live showcase which will be recorded and made available to larger audiences. Talks can explore a range of topics addressing personal growth, academic research, or new perspectives. This can result in shared learning, inspiration, and motivation to make a positive change. Participating students will attend workshops and receive support to prepare them for the showcase. If you have a narrative that would be a good fit for this program and you like to write, apply to be part of this great opportunity. Here is the link to the application: https://goo.gl/forms/tSn8QhXa7ngDsCEU2
Applications will be reviewed until spaces are filled. If you have questions about the program, please email wocln@umass.edu
Fall 2018
WOLCN Making Slime for Self Care
Wednesday, December 5, 5:30-6:30 PM
Location: 127 New Africa House
Open To: All
Join us for a relaxing time before the finals. Participate in a conversation on what self-care means to you while making slime.
Light refreshments will be served.
Free, wheelchair accessible, and open to all!
Light refreshments will be served.
Free, wheelchair accessible, and open to all!
"Fighting the U.S. Sex Trade: Gender, Race & Politics:" A Lecture by Prof. Carrie N. Baker
Thursday, November 29, 4 PM
Location: 601 Herter Hall, UMass Amherst
Open To: Public
Prof. Baker's new book Fighting the U.S. Sex Trade: Gender, Race & Politics tells the story of political collaboration over the last 50 years among feminists, evangelical Christians, human rights advocates, and sex worker rights activists to shift perceptions and public policies on the prostitution of youth in the United States. Carrie N. Baker is Professor and Director of the Program for the Study of Women and Gender at Smith College. She teaches courses on gender, law, public policy, and feminist activism, including topical courses on reproductive justice, sexual harassment and sex trafficking.
This event is offered in collaboration with UMass Departments of History, Political Science and Legal Studies, WGSS, Sociology, Health Promotion and Policy; Pre-Law.
WOCLN Turning Your Passion into a Business: A speaker panel of local women of color entrepreneurs
Wednesday, November 28, 7PM
Open To: All
Location: 203 New Africa House
Join us as we welcome a panel of local women of color entrepreneurs to share their stories of how they started and run their own successful businesses. Hear about their successes and challenges and ask questions that could help you turn your own passion into a business.
WOCLN Is a Career as a Librarian For Me? The Difference Librarians of Color Can Make 
Tuesday, November 13, 5:30-7 PM
Location: 127 New Africa House
Open To: All students interested in becoming librarians
Join us for dinner to learn about how being a librarian can, not only be a rewarding career, but also help positively impact library patron, students and communities.
Listen to a presentation and ask your questions. Presented by Isabel Espinal, librarian to the Afro-Am Department, and Maria Rios, the Diversity Resident Librarian.
This event is made possible by a Campus Climate Improvement Grant.
Free, wheelchair accessible, and open to all!
RSVP
Listen to a presentation and ask your questions. Presented by Isabel Espinal, librarian to the Afro-Am Department, and Maria Rios, the Diversity Resident Librarian.
This event is made possible by a Campus Climate Improvement Grant.
Free, wheelchair accessible, and open to all!
RSVP
This event is offered in collaboration with W.E.B. Du Bois Library.
Asian American Film Festival
Wednesday, November 07, 08, 09
Open To: All
A 3-day film festival that features Asian American film screenings, and events with writers that use media as a tool for positive change.
This event is offered in collaboration with Yuri Kochiyama Cultural Center at CMASS.
WOCLN Fall Mixer
Wednesday, November 07, 5:30 pm-6:30pm
Location: 127 New Africa House
Join us for this social gathering for women and non-binary people of color. Meet new people and help build a strong community.
Bring a friend. All are welcome! Refreshments will be served.
Bring a friend. All are welcome! Refreshments will be served.
Women in Arts Leadership Symposium
Saturday, October 27, 2018, 9.00am-4.30pm
Location: South College, 2nd Floor, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Open To: All
The Women in Arts Leadership Symposium will connect UMass and Five College students with emerging and professional arts leaders through workshops and network building. Speakers include artists, arts managers, scholars, and arts advocates from the Pioneer Valley and beyond. Together we will identify issues and define steps to build a future in which women and nonbinary people lead across all sectors of the arts.
This event is offered in collaboration with Arts Extension Service and other departments.
It's On Us
Thursday, October 25, 2018, 7.30pm-9.00pm
Location: UMass Student Union Ballroom
Open To: All
It’s On Us is a national movement to end sexual assault. It’s On Us asks everyone – students, community leaders, parents, organizations, and companies – to step up and realize that the conversation changes with us. Participants at the UMass It's On Us will be invited to take the pledge to end sexual violence. A survivor speak out will offer the opportunity for survivors of sexual violence to share their stories. Campus and community resources for survivors will also be highlighted.
This event is offered in collaboration with UMass It's On Us.
Partners in Building a Community of Dignity and Respect
Saturday, October 20, 2018, 9:30AM-10:30AM
Location: UMass
Open To: UMass Families
This session will explore how family members can be partners to work with their student when encountering issues of hazing, drugs, alcohol, and questions of consent. Staff will discuss data from the UMass community, policies associated with these matters, and how to partner in educating and assisting their students.
Believe Survivors Dinner
Tuesday, October 16, 2018, 6.30pm-7.30pm
Location: Hillel House
Open To: All
Open floor discussion on sexual assault, women's empowerment, resources and ways to get help.
For Freedoms Town Hall: Art, Activism, and Social (In)Justice?
Friday, October 12, 2018, 5.30pm-7.30pm
Co-Sponsors: WOCLN, University Museum of Contemporary Arts (Original sponsor) and other departments
Location: John W. Olver Design Building Atrium
Open To: All
As part of a national conversation on art and democracy, the University Museum of Contemporary Art (UMCA) will host a lecture with nationally renowned artist and For Freedom’s Co-Founder, Eric Gottesman, and a free, public For Freedoms Town Hall titled, “Art, Activism, and Social (In)Justice?” The UMCA is proud to be a part of the For Freedoms 50 State Initiative, the largest public art campaign in U.S. history. Founded by artists Eric Gottesman and Hank Willis Thomas and inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms (1941) — freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear — For Freedoms uses art to encourage and deepen public explorations of freedom in the 21st century.
WOCLN P.R.O.P.S: Presenting Real, Original, Powerful Stories Info Session
Wednesday, October 10, 2018, 5pm
Location: 127 New Africa House
Open To: UMass Amherst students
P.R.O.P.S is a program/platform which offers students the opportunity to share inspiring stories & innovative discoveries. Selected students will present a 5-12 minute-talk in a live showcase which will be recorded and made available to larger audiences. Talks can explore a range of topics addressing personal growth, academic research, or new perspectives. This can result in shared learning, inspiration, and motivation to make a positive change. Participating students will attend workshops and receive support to prepare them for the showcase. Students can learn more about participating in P.R.O.P.S by attending this info session. Refreshments will be served. If you have questions about the program, please email. To apply visit: https://goo.gl/forms/tSn8QhXa7ngDsCEU2.
WOCLN R.E.S.P.E.C.T. as a WOC
Wednesday, October 03, 2018, 5.30pm-6.30pm
Location: 127 New Africa House
An informal discussion on what Respect mean to women and nonbinary people of color.
First Generation College Student Drop-In Q&A Session
Friday September 21, 12-1:30pm & Tuesday September 25, 3:30-5pm
Location: Middlesex House (CCPH new location)
This is an informal drop-in Q & A session about connecting with other first gen students, decreasing stress, learning about when to reach out for help, and exploring campus resources for mental wellness. Students may attend either or both sessions.
This event is offered in collaboration with CCPH.
