The Director of Operations at ISU Student Leaders for Equality, Joshua Travis has a lot on his plate. Not only does he balance his time between work, school and his director position, he also put on the No Hate campaign last year and is currently sending around a petition for a LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) floor in residence halls. We interviewed him to learn more about his ISU involvement.
HC: What student organizations are you involved with and what lead you to join each?
Travis: I started off in supporting my resident hall area government and unity, and with that I got to see opportunities that lead me to different student organizations like Student Health Advisory Board (SHAB). Other than the current RSO I head, sitting on SHAB is becoming one of the most treasured experiences I could have ever been gifted to have. Our current Board is working hard to get the organization a bigger role in the operations and each student that sits on the board is growing their leadership and it’s so beautiful to see this progress.
HC: What leadership positions do you hold in any of these organizations?
Travis: In SHAB I am currently a Student Board Member and have recently been selected to sit on the committee to help in the search for a new Student Health Services Associate Director.
HC: As Director of Operations for Illinois State Student Leaders for Equality, what is the purpose of this RSO and what are some responsibilities of your position?
Travis: The RSO, Student Leaders for Equality, was created to help young coordinators do what they do best- coordinate for the students while opening their eyes to social and global issues. We start with nothing which is something that we are extremely proud to say. Starting from just a dream and the will to make something happen and seeing it grow can help form amazing leaders for tomorrow. As the Director of Operations 2011-2012, it’s my job to make sure everything goes off the way everyone planned it. From setting up our website (www.ISUsle.com), to somehow running meetings from the other side of campus, I find ways to make everything happen.
HC: Last year you put on the NOH8 campaign on campus. What went on at this event and what inspired you to bring the campaign to Illinois State?
Travis: Yes, I’ve been a follower and supporter of the NOH8 campaign since I first learned of it in 2009. I’ve watched it grow into the internationally known name it has become. I contacted them in December of 2010 and within 2 hours I got an email back from one of the Co-Founders with their excitement to come. After 4 months of planning and a lot of work with RSOs on campus and amazing understanding from the campaign staff, we had a great event with a great show-out. At the event they talked about leadership and campaign starting and what we can do as young people with a cause.
HC: Do you plan on organizing this event again this year?
Travis: As of this moment I will not be doing that event again this year, but I would love to help anyone that might want to try it out for themselves. However, next year is another story and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a “NOH8 in ISU 2013” poster.
HC: You are currently sending around a petition to have a LGBT themed floor in the residence halls. What is the goal of having this floor and what will it mean if ISU decided to add this community floor?
Travis: The floor will be designed to have a focus toward LGBT understanding and history. From tolerance programs to LGBT and ally bonding. If ISU added this floor for just two years they would see that the students here are not close-minded and immature.
HC: Lastly, where can Her Campus ISU readers access and sign your petition?
Travis: You can sign the petition on our website at http://www.isusle.com/news.htm