Proposals sought for 2005 Women’s History Month

The Women’s Studies Program at NIU invites interested university departments, organizations and individuals to join in the planning of activities for the annual celebration of Women’s History Month in March.

The 2005 theme, “Body Waves,” will focus on the growing debate about the role of body display in feminism. Specifically, different generations of feminists have different perspectives on the importance and definitions of appearance.

Women’s Studies is seeking proposals for activities such as performances, concerts, films, visual displays, speaking engagements and panel discussions to be held in conjunction with the month-long celebration. Proposals are due Nov. 5.

The Women’s Studies Program also is conducting a search for a student artist or photographer to design the poster calendar for Women’s History Month. The student will receive a $200 commission sponsored by the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women. The final poster will include the student’s artwork or photography. Each applicant must submit a completed application form and five samples of past work by noon Friday, Oct. 29. Photography must be in black and white.

The Women’s Studies Program also will recognize outstanding essays by feminist NIU undergraduates and graduate students. Award recipients will be announced in March, with winners receiving cash prizes as well as gift certificates from the University Bookstore.

Essays may be on women’s issues or written from a feminist perspective. Undergraduate papers may not exceed 10 pages; graduate papers may be up to 20 pages. The deadline for submissions is noon on Dec. 17.

For online applications and more information, visit the Women’s History Month section of the Web site www.clas.niu.edu/wstudies/ or contact the Women’s Studies Program in Reavis Hall 103 at 753-1038.

10-4-04