Oh, October. Most of you may fondly think of the month and think candy, parties, pumpkins, fall, and of course, Halloween! Those things are all amazing, but October holds many other deeper meanings for various groups. October is the month for some key awarenesses, including Breast Cancer, LGBT History, National Domestic Violence, National Hispanic Heritage, and others.
How could you show your support for these awarenesses during this lovely month? Well, thankfully, SCU’s somewhat diverse student body showed their passion through different events on campus. Here are some ways that SCU acknowledged these causes and ways you can get involved to show your superior awareness to your peers:
1. Breast Cancer Awareness
During the Men’s Soccer Game against Gonzaga, pink pom poms were handed out to support the cause. The hashtag #KickCancer went along with the event. Not only did they do it during that game, but also at the Women’s Volleyball game versus Portland.
2. LGBT History
In light of recent events regarding hate crimes at SCU, the LGBTQ+ community has offered various ways to support the campus community. The club meets every Friday at 5:30 p.m. for open dialogue as a youth space. On National Coming Out Day, many dropped by to make banners with the club to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. There was also a LGBTQ Faculty, Staff, Student & Allies Reception at the de Saisset Museum. It was open to anyone to come as an ally or member of the community. Other Rainbow Resource Center activities included OUTober’s Got Talent, Spirit Day, Tender Gender Cookies, Lez Paint, and the Rose Quartz Jubilee.
3. National Domestic Violence
You may have noticed SCU Violence Protection Program’s flyers posted all over campus. The poster reads, “You deserve to be with someone who accepts you for who you are and doesn’t try to change you. Love should be empowering.” VPP held a One Love Escalation Workshop on the 11th that focused on the issue of domestic violence and how common it is. There was also a panel discussing dating violence in the age of apps and social media that included various groups like the YMCA, Women’s and Gender Studies, CAPS, and VPP members.
4. National Hispanic Heritage
MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano Aztlan) El Frente is a student organization based on the empowerment of the Chicanx/Latinx community. The club hosted a Día de los Muertos event on October 29th where student-made altars were displayed. The event provided food and entertainment and was open to the public. They also had a discussion on what it meant to be a Chicanx/Latinx student at SCU. Additionally, the Campo-nichi event hosted by MEChA and JSA (Japanese Student Association) was a light-hearted sports field day that showcased Latinx as well as Japanese games.
If you’re ever looking for ways to show your support, know that SCU will have one or two things going on for you to join. If you think it’s not enough, reach out and create an event on your own!