Get Involved: The Many Benefits ofCo-curricular Activities!

By Kelsey Joronen and Betsy DanforthAs students complete their college careens, theimportance of resume building and involvement in co-cunicular activities becomes crystal clear during the madjob search, Why not get involved right noW? There arenumerous (about 135 and counting) registered MSUstudent organizations that can most certainly use yourtalents and skills, The benefits of volunteering and workingwith a student group on campus are numerous. Use yourtalents and skills, make new friends with similar interests,flnd new interests, gain usefulorganizational skills andwork experience, and, most importantly, HAVE FUN! JoinBobcats 4 Bozeman and help with communrty projectsaround ourtown;join the Philosophy Society and helpcoordinate the A-Z lectures on campus;join the CyclingClub and get out on rides with some new fiiends; joinEngineers Without Bordens and help bring clean drinkingwater to primary schools in Kenya; check out the Friendsof Local Foods club and raise awareness about localfoods and sustainability here in our community; or join thenewly established Amnesty Intemational organization andhelp raise awareness about the existence of human righbabuses around the world. The opportunities are endless!

It is commonly known that extra- or co-cunicularactivities engage students in ways that academics oftendo not. Students who actively pursue involvement inactivities outside their studies tend to remain in schoollonger (helping retention rates), receive better grades,learn important life lessons, build character, leam usefullifelong skills, feel more connected to their univensity orcollege (making them more generous and active alumni),and build important personal and professionalrelationships. Co-cunicular involvement, concluded MaryRombokas (who conducted research on high school

extracunicular activities and students' contin uedinvolvement in college) enhances not only the socialdevelopment of students, but also their intellectualdevelopment.

The department of Student Activities isresponsible for the overall functioning of registeredstudent organizations, lf you are interested in researchingthe wide variety of MSU student organizations, check outtheir website at www.montana.edu/studentactivities, AsDirector Patty McGowan points out, involvement withstudent activities provides an education outside theclassroom through experiential leaming. Skills studentsdevelop while engaging in co-cunicular activities includetime management, delegating, leadership, learning tofollow policy and procedure, event planning, criticalthinking, budgeting, and an awareness of social issues.

The Women's Center co-sponsors events with avariety of student organizations including: MSR- MenStopping Rape, Students for Choice, TRIOTA -MSU'schapter of the National Women's and Gender StudiesHonor Society, MASH- Montana Advocates for SexualHealth, SASA-Students Against Sexual Assault QSA-Queer-Straight Alliance, and Amnesty International. Thesesocialjustice and health promotion organizations raiseawareness around sensitive topics or social issues thatare often overlooked or ignored. Each works to highlightthe need for socialjustice and progress, and hopes toraise sludents' sensitivi$ to many significant issues whilecelebrating cultural divensity.

Do you have the desire to support a good causeand feel connected to your campus community? Thinkabout what mafters to you, and figure out how you canmake MSU and the world a better place. There are manyopportunities for co-cunicular involvement that facilitatepositive change. So, be proactive, make new friends,have fun, and get involved!

Sack Lunch SeminarsOctob er / November

Octob er L2Homicide and Domestic ViolenceSUB 168By the mid 1990's, approximately fifteenhundred women were murdered each year by anintimate partner. Tragically, this number hascontinued to rise over the past fifteen years, andhas impacted many people in our state andcommunity. In honor of Domestic ViolenceAwareness Month, members from the MSUVOICE Center and HAVEN will explore the causesof homicide in domestic violence cases, andexamine the warning signs that could potentiallylead to relationship violence. (1,000 ChampChange points!)

Octob er 26Bosom BuddiessuB 168October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Wenow know through research that mental healthand support contribute greatly to healing andgood health. foin us for this panel discussionoffered by "Bosom Buddies," Bozeman's breastcancer survivor support group. Members willshare their experiences with breast cancer, givehelpful tips for those recently diagnosed, anddiscuss the wonderful support offered by thislong-standing group. (Champ Change TBA)

November 2Getting A.L.I.C.E. Out of WonderlandSUB 168Here A.L.I.C.E. refers to women who are "AssetLimited, Income Constrained, and Employed."This Sack Lunch Seminar, presented by DianeEhernberger, Treasurer, and CorkyBush, Vice President of Montana Women'sLobby, will address the serious financialchallenges faced by many of today's workingwomen in Montana, even those who havefulltime jobs. Diane and Corky will discuss thisdisturbing trend as well as possible solutions.(Champ Change TBA)

November 9Native Women WarriorsHistorical and ModernSUB 168This Sack Lunch, presented by Veronica Maday, agraduate student at MSU who served in the U.S.Army for five years and is currently researchingNative Women Warriors and Native WomenVeterans for her master's thesis, willexplore historical Native Women Warriors,gender roles, and their effect and influence in themany conflicts of the United States. Veronica willalso examine Native Women veterans andsoldiers in modern times and will lookspecifically at identity, challenges, andaccomplishments. (Champ Change TBA)

November 16Homeschooling Your Children in BozemansuB 168foin us for this panel discussion, lead by HeleenBloethe, about the benefits and challenges ofhomeschooling, and find out why more familiesare choosing this option. Several parents andtheir homeschooled children will share theirideas and methods, challenges and successes aseducators and students learning in the home.(Champ Change TBA)

November 30AIDS: 30 Years and CountingsuB 168In honor of World AIDS Day, December Lst,Laura Mentch, Health Educator at bridgercare,will present this look at HIV/AIDS 30 years afterdoctors first observed symptoms of what wenow know as HIV/AIDS. f oin us for a look at thispandemic in the United States and around theworld, and listen to voices of those living withHIV in our community today. (Champ ChangeTBAJ

Receive Champ Change for all Sack Lunchseminars now! Check outwww.champchange.com to find out howmany points each seminar is worth. See youthere!

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month-Every Home a Safe Home

All events are free and open to the public.

*Wednesday October 72th'SIJB 768 @ noon--Women's Center Sack Lunch Seminar: DomesticViolence and Homicide, presented by the VOICE Center and HAVEN*Tuesday, October 78th: HAVEN's 3{d birthday porty, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Baxter Hotel. Comemeet HAVEN's new Executive Director and learn how you can help. Birthday presents from ourwish l ist are requested (no need for wrapping) and refreshments wil l be served!*Thursdoy, October 20th: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., SuB Bollroom C. The MSU VOICE Center andHAVEN offer this speak-out for anyone who has been affected by domestic violenceimmediately followed by a candlelight vigil. This evening of remembrance honors victims ofdomestic violence and celebrates the courage and strength of survivors.*The Clothesline Project: MSU compus, October 77-27-- This exhibit features t-shirts painted byvictims of abuse and partner violence.*soturday, October 22nd: Cholk the Walk, Downtown Bozemon, 77:00 a.m.-7:O0p.m.--HAVENand community supporters wil l chalk the downtown sidewalks to share positive reflections onrespect and healthy relationships. Join us and share your thoughts on love and support!*Sunday, October 23'd: HAVEN Trivia Nightl 5:00-7:00 p.m. @ 406 Brewing Compony: Back bypopular demand-join us for a FUN evening of trivia featuring DJ Missy O'Malley! Donationssuggested !

QSA UPDATE:

MSU's Queer-Straight Alliance is a studenfrun organization devoted to developing community, fostering education,and empowering action. Members are diverse individuals who share the belief that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual andTransgender people are equal members of the MSU community, There are lots of exciting QSA events happeningthis Fall, so be sure to mark them on your calendar!Weekly meetings:Where: Room 233 or 168 in the SUBWhen: Every Monday at 7pm (excluding holidays and summer break).FallCharity Drag ShowThe Fall Charity Fundraising Drag Show on Saturday, October 8th will be raising money for QSA, AIDS Outreach and PrideFoundation. The show will be @ 7-9pm in the SUB Ballrooms (doors open @ 6:30) and will be followed by a dance. Buy yourtickets now at http://www.montana,edu/qsa/FILM SCREENINGS:"Hedwig and the Angry lnch" will show at the procrastinator @ 7 p.m. October 13-18.The Diversity Awareness Office and QSA will screen two additionalfilms to commemorate National Coming Out Day (October11tt'). Both will be shown on Wednesday, October 12th. The first is called "You Are Loved," and is a documentary chroniclingthe Montana PRIDE! Celebration, and will be shown at 7 p.m. This will be followed by "Living Two Spirit: Montana GatheringReflections," a documentary chronicling a gathering of Native two spirits.BUTTE COPPER CITY DRAG SOIREE:Saturday October 22nd,the lovely community of Butte will be hosting the 1st Annual Copper City Drag Soiree. This show willjoin all of Montana's LGBT Organizations for a fun filled, entertaining, and wild night! The purpose of this gathering is to thankall the organizations in the Montana LGBT community, and to allow for an opportunity for those organizers to sit back, relax andenjoy themselves!

Birth Control ROCKS!

By Hannah Arends

As an influx of bright young minds flood our lovelytown and campus, an all too familiar concernplagues them. Opinions about sexual activity mayvary, and obviously, abstinence is always anoption, but many students are unaware of theresources available that can help them avoidunintended pregnancies and sexually transmittedinfections.

The definition of contraception in condensed termsreads: "prevention of conception" (Second CollegeEdition of the American Heritage Dictionary)-- amore detailed definition includes the intentionalprevention of conception by artificial or naturalmeans. In layman's terms, it means a personintentionally (and wisely, I might add) takes controlof their sexuality by making choices to protectagainst unintended pregnancies and sexuallytransmitted infections, or STI's. Below are briefdescriptions of some methods currently available:

Condoms- There are both male and femalecondoms available. These are usually made ofLatex, but can also be made of lambskin (althoughit should be noted that these do NOT protectagainst HIV/AIDs)-this is a barrier method ofcontraception and protection.

Hormonal options- although historically, the onlymethod of hormonal birth controlwas an oralcontraceptive option, known as "the pill," there arenow various forms of hormonal contraceptives. Aprescription is needed for "the pill," and this methodrequires taking a pill every day. Also available is aninjection administered by your doctor called DepProvera. Both the pill and Dep-Provera work byaltering the body's rhythm by stopping ovulationand implantation--in other words by making yourbody think you are pregnant-- ingeniousl TheNuvaRing contains two types of hormones:estrogen and progestin, which work together toprevent your ovaries from producing mature eggs.The NuvaRing begins releasing hormones once itcomes into contact with your vagina. The hormonesare absorbed and distributed into your bloodstream.

Spermicide- ls a chemical, called nonoxynol-9,which is placed against the cervix in the vagina tokill sperm-this method is often used with barriermethods such a diaphragms, condoms, andcervical caps.

Diaphrams and Gervical Caps- Barrier methodswhich are placed in the vagina to cover the cervix,thus blocking the cervical opening to avoid lettingsperm enter. Be sure to use with spermicide!

Intrauterine Device, or lUD, is a small device(either plastic or metal) placed inside the uterusthat prevents pregnancy by changing theenvironment of the womb.

Emergency Gontraceptive or "Plan B"- In caseyour birth control method fails, Plan B is a series oftwo pills which can be taken up to 72 hours afterunprotected sex as a preventative measure againstpregnancy. EC works by either preventing theovary from releasing an egg, or stopping theconnection between sperm and egg.

Here are some great (affordable) places to findthese methods:

MSU Student Health Service- Offers birth control,emergency contraception, sexual health exams,pregnancy tests, STI checks/ treatment, andconfidential HIV testing.

brldgercare- Formally Bridger Clinic-is awonderful community reproductive health clinic,and always welcomes new clients and, of course,donations. Offers sliding fee scale basedreproductive health care for men and women, birthcontrol, emergency contraception, sexual healthexams, pregnancy tests, STI checks/ treatment,and anonymous HIV testing.

Condom Jars- are often placed around town andon campus. Yes, they contain free condoms, andcan be found at the Women's Center, CactusRecords, Sacks, and Erotique. You have NOexcuse to ever be without a condom!

Being knowledgeable and proactive about yourreproductive health helps make sex more fun andworry-free. Just know what's out there and how toprotect yourself !

Thank You to Donors!

Tlmnk lou all so rnuchfor lour donations to our "Twenlt-eight Dollarsfor 28 Tears" cam.paign. I am trulyoaerwhelmed by the generous support shown $t all ourfriends. It warms our hearts to know that you are out thererootingfor the Wornen's Center! With your generosity, we haue raised oaer g I,ooo toward new library resources,

programming, and educational ffirts !

* Wendy Bianchini * Sheri Blackwood * Phyllis Bock * Dorothy Bradley * Corky Bush * KatieCady * Christy Baldner Castronovo * Kathy and Butch Damberger * Jill Davis * Mari

Domingtrez * Dorothy Eck * Joseph & Wendy Fedock * Patricia and GeoffGamble * KarenGrigry * Rolf and Ja5rnee Groseth * Deborah Ha5mes * Julie Hitchcock * Glenniss Indreland *

Sheila and Mike Joronen * Brad Kemph * D'Arla King * Julie Kipfer * Colette and SteveKirchhoff * Edis Kittrell * Matthew and Kristi Lavin * Michelle Maskiell , Billy and Sage Smith* Kristy McFetridge * Carmen McSpadden * Mary Murphy * Nancy O'Neil * Pat Oriet * ShaunPhoenix * Adele Pittendrigh * Martha Rotella * L5mda and Michael Sexson * Becky Sheehan *

Jenny Swick x JoAnne Troxel * Julie Videon * Clarice Walters *Frances Weatherlv t'Bill

Wyckoff*

TRIOTA National Honors Society

TRIOTA is an honor society for students with an interest in women's and gender studies. You may know that the Women's andGender Studies minor here at Montana State is still developing. We feel that adding an honor society at MSU will help bringattention to this program, as well as offer recognition to students studying in the minor, ln order to join TRIOTA, students musthold a 3.0 cumulative GPA and should have completed at least two Women's and Gender Studies classes. The new chapter ofTRIOTA was founded by students and will be student run. We hope to bring attention to gender issues and support andrecognize students who excel in women's and gender studies. Please keep an eye out for upcoming TRIOTA events-we wouldappreciate your support!

Women's Center StaffDirector: Betsy Danforth

Assistant: Krystal FischerAssistant: Kelsey JoronenVolunteer: Annah ArrasmithVolunteer: Hannah Arends

Oc{ober io....National Bneast Caneer Awaneness Month-National l)omestie Violenee Awareness Month-National Corning Out Month-National Farm to Sehool Month

Be sure to keep an eye out for special events and programs!

Women' s Center On-Line!

Check out new odditions to our website @http:/lwww.montana.edulwwwwomen/AND, we are on Fqcebook! Show how much you "Like" us! @

httpt / / www.f oceboo k.com/ pageslMSU-Womens- Cent er / 553 13 8 16 866

October is National Farmto School Month!

Help to ensure our children obtain thehighest quality food at school, help fosterlocal farm job growth, and create localeconomic development. Coming at a timewhen the Child Nutrition Act is up for the finalvote, the confirmation of October as NationalFarm to School Month demonstrates acommitment to healthy children, land, andcommunities. Farm to School programsshould be recognized as a proven effective

strategythat canprovideimmediateand long-termbenefits tochildhealth,small andmedium-sized agricultural producer income,and community economic development! Thiswin-win program is a no-brainer!

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Support our locql Gallatin Valley Form to School progrom by checking

out their website of www.gvformtoschool.org ond purchasing items

from locol farmers ond vendors!

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lllomon'e Gmtcr3/2 Strand Unlon Eurl{tirt&rrgYflan. MT 5971I21OO

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