Fall 2009

We have SO many fun events this semester! Check out our calendar, and print your very own copy!

Monday, August 24

G3: Girls, Grills and Games

Join the WRC, Women’s Studies and women’s organizations from around campus for good food, games, and fun!! Stop on by the WRC for a BBQ to kick the school year off right. Carnivores, omnivores, herbivores, and just plain anyone who likes to eat is welcome to stop by! We will also have tons of games to play, or you can just come to meet new people! Come see how women across campus kick it at the WRC! (Yes, men are welcome.)

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Women’s Resource Center – on the lawn

Thursday, September 3

We’re Turning 30!
Open House and Reception

It’s a girl! Thirty years ago, the Women’s Resource Center at NIU was born; in honor of this great occasion, we’re throwing ourselves a party. Please join us for an afternoon of food, fun, and friends as we celebrate our first thirty years at NIU. Wondering what to get the girl who has everything? Check out our book wish list.

Time: 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Women’s Resource Center

Wednesday, September 9

Repro Rights Movie Night

The WRC is partnering with Advocates for Choice, a campus-based organization that fights for women’s right to reproductive health access and accurate sex education. Together we’ll be screening The Education of Shelby Knox, a documentary about a young girl who rallies for comprehensive sex education. Stay for a dialogue about the film and ways that we can organize around reproductive rights issues at NIU.

Time: 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Women’s Resource Center
Co-Sponsored By: Planned Parenthood of Illinois

Saturday, September 12

Selfless Saturdays

Join us on the second Saturday of each month for bagels, coffee, and a little dose of do-goodyness as we partner with several organizations in the DeKalb community for different volunteer activities. We’ll provide the transportation and supplies; you bring a good attitude and a willingness to help. For more information, or to RSVP, contact Sarah at (815) 753-0320.

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Dates/Locations:
September 12 – Afton Forest Preserve
October 10 – Art Attack
November 14 – DeKalb Public Library
Location: Meet at the Women’s Resource Center

Thursday, September 17

Bike-aholics: Bike Rehab 101

Love riding your bike but sick of not knowing what to do when something goes wrong with it? The Women’s Resource Center is partnering with North Central Cyclery to show you some basic bike maintenance tips for taking care of your sweet ride! Learn how to change a tire, check air pressure, register your bike on campus, and get information on DeKalb bike trails. Bring your bike and meet us at the Center – we’ll ride to North Central Cyclery together for a hands-on session.

Time: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Women’s Resource Center
Co-Sponsored By: NIU Cycling Club

Monday, September 21

Groupie Recruitment!

Have you been on campus awhile and have some free time, or are you new to campus and looking for a place to plug in? Become an official WRC groupie by volunteering a few hours a week helping us spread the word about what we do, while making friends across campus. We are looking for a few good (wo)men who are bright, energetic and FUN to join us in creating a more female-friendly campus. We can’t do what we do without you!

Time: 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Women’s Resource Center

Tuesday, September 22

An Evening with Rigoberta Menchu

A woman who has turned her struggles throughout life into the inspiration of others around the world, Rigoberta Menchu was awarded the 1992 Nobel Peace Prize for her work as an advocate for indigenous rights of Guatemalans. She was also the first female presidential candidate in Guatemala. Menchu has touched many with her words and continues to share her life with others. Join the Latino Resource Center and the Women’s Resource Center in welcoming Rigoberta Menchu as she shares her courageous story with NIU.

Time: 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Carl Sandberg Auditorium, Holmes Student Center

Wednesday, October 7

The Porn Paradox

The liberal/conservative debate often dominates discussions of pornography. The WRC wants to help move discussion beyond this debate with a screening of The Price of Pleasure, a documentary on pornography and how the sexual interactions depicted in porn shape personal relationships. The film debunks common myths about pornography and the industry as a whole. We’ll discuss the hyper-sexuality of women, the possible dangers of consuming mainstream pornography, and whether or not it has the potential to empower.

Time: 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Women’s Resource Center

Wednesday, October 14

The Personal is Political: Feminist Disruptions in Art

What exactly is feminist art and what’s at stake when art is labeled feminist? Are there any differences between feminist and mainstream art? Join us for an illustrative presentation about the ways that feminism influences various artists and art forms. Stick around after the discussion for a unique opportunity to contribute to a collaborative art piece that will be permanently displayed on campus.

Time: 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Holmes Student Center, Heritage Room
Co-Sponsored By: Women’s Studies and NIU School of Art

Friday, October 16

LUNAFEST: Short Films By, For, About Women

The WRC is bringing LUNAFEST to NIU! LUNAFEST was established in 2000 to promote women filmmakers, raise awareness for women’s issues, and support worthy nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Why not take a break from midterm stress, and join us for one or all of the amazing shorts featured in this mini film fest? Students pay only $2 for a festival that Chicagoans pay an average of $25 for –what a deal! You do not want to miss this event!

Time: 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Wirtz 101
Cost: $2 – students
$5 – faculty/staff/community members

Tuesday, October 20

Rape Culture? Sexual Assault and Women in the Military

Statistics show that 1 in 3 women serving in the military will be a victim of sexual assault, compared with 1 in 6 in the civilian world. Women serving in the military in Iraq are more likely to be raped than killed by enemy fire. What is “rape culture,” and why do some people believe the military fosters the development of such a culture? Join the WRC as we discuss the unsettling trend of the sexual assault and rape of our women soldiers.

Time: 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Women’s Resource Center
Co-Sponsored By: Off-Campus and Non-Traditional Student Services

Thursday, October 29

Stalking: Prevalence, Lethality, and Impact

We’re surrounded by films, TV shows, and songs that depict stalking as a joke or demonstration of love. To many who are victims, stalking is not a form of entertainment but a terrifying part of life. The WRC and College Panhellenic Council welcome Michelle Garcia, a specialist in stalking prevention, from the National Center for Victims of Crime. We’ll address the very scary realities of stalking on campus, how technology can be used by stalkers, and ways to recognize problematic behavior before it becomes stalking.

Time: 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Carl Sandburg Auditorium, Holmes Student Center
Co-Sponsored By: College Panhellenic Council

Tuesday, November 3

I am the F Word and So Can You

Do you think that you can’t be a feminist because you: can’t live without your mascara, love chick flicks, wear dresses…or you’re not a girl? Think again! Join us for a discussion on what Feminism really is as we break down stereotypes and start talking issues.

Time: 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Women’s Resource Center

Monday, November 9

Taking it Back: an Attempt to Revalue Femininity

Though we’re not always aware of it, our daily lives and interactions with others occur in a gendered world. When masculinity becomes the norm, are expressions of femininity considered inherently deviant? The WRC, together with Women’s Studies and LGBT Studies, will explore the ways in which the feminine is marginalized and sexualized, as well as possible solutions for change.

Time: 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Women’s Resource Center
Co-Sponsored By: LGBT Studies and Women’s Studies

Wednesday, November 18

If Looks Could Kill

Can’t walk out the door without your favorite lip gloss and a swipe of mascara? Do you know what’s hiding in those flirty pink hues? Recent studies have shown that many of the trusted cosmetics we use every day may contain harmful chemicals. Even products that claim to be organic may contain carcinogens or mutagens. Bring your fave beauty products and, together, we’ll find out what you are really putting on your body and what beauty companies aren’t telling you.

Time: 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Women’s Resource Center