January 23rd: Snowshoeing, Lake Sag, 11:30-12:30
Winters in Minnesota provide for many opportunities in the outdoors. Snowshoeing is a fun way to get outside and enjoy nature! We will be going show-shoeing for about an hour in the Arboretum on Sunday, Jan. 23 from 11:30-12:30pm. Meet at the OLC to get your snowshoes and congregate with the group. Self-confidence and communication skills are often met while experiencing new thing with other women. Come enjoy an afternoon of snowshoeing!
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February 1st: Pizza and Politics: Reflecting on Female Political Participation and Reception Today, Gorecki 204B, 5:00-6:30pm
A panel and discussion, featuring Minnesota Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher, on American women in politics will be hosted by the Institute for Women's Leadership on February 1st from 5-6:30. In light of the recent tragedy in Arizona, which targetedCongresswoman GabrielGiffords, how can we predictwhat will happen tofemale participationin civic engagement and elected office? How do events like this one, media portrayals of female politicians, and stereotypes encourage or deter women from sharing their political beliefs? Panelists will include females involved in politics at different levels from student campaign worker tolocal politicianwho will share their perspectives on these issues and their own experiences.
February 7th: Claim the Name: Feminism at CSB/SJU, TRC, 4:15-5:15pm
Women AND men can Claim the Name of 'Feminist'! Come learn more about feminism and listen as we discuss many of the negative and positive connotations that go along with the label of feminism. Whether or not you consider yourself a feminist, listen and learn more about why people around you are Claiming the Name! Refreshments will be served.
February 10th: Walking on Water: Ice Fishing, East Gemini Lake, 4:30-6:00pm
Some people think fishing is a man's sport--prove them wrong with us! Fishing is a time to sit around with friends, talk, and reap the rewards of your own patience...what's so manly about that? Don't let these cold stereotypes keep you from joining in the fun! Warm yourself with some hot coco, and lively conversation with other Bennies.Test your outdoor skills or learn new ones like how to bait your own line, dig an ice hold, and the difference in fishing techniques. Don't be the one to miss out on this chilling adventure!
February 15th: Breakfast with a Leader, IWL, 8:30-9:30am
The IWL welcomes Renaissance speaker, Vandana Shiva. Students will sign up to join us for a stimulating conversation and a freemeal with this inspiring female leader. Vandana Shiva is a world-renowned environmental thinker and activist. A leader in the International Forum on Globalization (IFG) along with Ralph Nader and Jeremy Rifkin and the Slow Food movement, Shiva won the Alternative Nobel Peace Prize (the Right Livelihood Award) in 1993. Hear Vandana's story and be inspired to lead in your own life!
February 26th: North House Folk School
Interested in learning more about Minnesota's roots and women's roles back in the day? Come and enjoy a weekend away from campus with great women and an educational experience you won't forget. Learn how to make a basket from wood splints off a black ash tree-wood splints that you will have to chop! The baskets we will be making were essential in the harvesting of crops before the invention of machines. Generally, it was a woman's role to not only craft the baskets but also to harvest the wild rice that was held in the baskets. Learning how much work went into the production of these baskets and their use will broaden participant's views on Minnesota history and the role of women in it.
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Tuesday, March 1st: Release Your Mind: Practicing the Benefits of Yoga, Alum Hall, 6:30pm and 7:45pm
Does your mind need to take a break? Whether you are a yoga fanatic, curious about trying a new workout, or just want to take some time off for the night, join us for an hour of yoga. Two FREE sessions will be held in Alum Hall from 6:30-7:30 pm and 7:45-8:45 pm for CSB women. Door prizes will be available! The night will be filled with relaxation, good friends, and a chance for you to challenge yourself to broaden your horizons- or to simply bask in the stress-release benefits of yoga. This event is co-sponsored by Health Advocates.
Wednesday, March 2nd: Airing Out the Closet, Alum Hall, 7pm-8pm
On Tuesday, March 2nd, we are airing out the closet and dispelling common stereotypes about lesbians and bisexuals! Go out of your comfort zone and break stereotypes in this engaging event. Join us as we listen to a panel of female students and faculty talk about their challenging and empowering journey of when they discovered their sexuality. Enjoy great dialogue and desserts while learning more about what it's like to be gay or bisexual at CSB/SJU. This event is in collaboration with PRiSM.
Thursday, March 3rd: Let's Talk About Race, Upper Gorecki, 7pm-8pm
Discover new perspectives with other students while discussing how the intersection of race and gender plays a role in our day-to-day lives. Maybe you think race isn't an issue at CSB/SJU, or perhaps you have a lot to say about how it has affected interactions on our two campuses--all opinions are welcome at this informal, intellectual discussion! Come for personal and large group conversation, and let your voice be heard.
Friday, March 4th: Friday Forum, TRC Main Building, 4:15pm-5:15pm
Take a journey to the Caribbean with us during this Friday Forum. CSB student Danae O'Brien will discuss the research she completed during the summer of 2010 for her Independent Learning Project (ILP). Danae will discuss the cultural influences of politics on Caribbean women, discovering what their perception is and how this influences their decision whether or not to become involved. Follow the adventure to the Caribbean, and learn something new!
Saturday, March 5th: Bennie Bowl
Tackle gender stereotypes! Who says football is a man's sport? Register your team of CSB women for the Bennie Bowl, a flag football tournament held right here at CSB. So try something new, have some fun, and challenge yourself physically! Players from the Minnesota Vixen, Minnesota's very own women's tackle football team, will be there to lend support and cheer you on!
Tuesday, March 8th: Where the Water Meets the Sky documentary, Gorecki 204B, 7:30pm
Challenges come in all forms, all across the world. Where the Water Meets the Sky, an award-winning documentarywritten by Jordan Roberts (March of the Penguins) and narrated by Academy Award-winner Morgan Freeman,chronicles the true story of 23 women in a remote region of northern Zambia who learn to make a film as a way of speaking out about the challenges in their lives. The group chooses to tell the story of Penelope, an 18-year-old orphan, who was forced to drop out of school and provide for herself and her siblings after her parents' death. What begins as a filmmaking workshop becomes a journey of empowerment for all the participants.This event is in collaboration with the GWST department.
Tuesday, March 8th: Natural Beauty Day
Defy societal standards of beauty and show CSB/SJU how you lead in your personal life. Get your free Natural Beauty Day t-shirt from the Institute for Women's Leadership on March 7th and then wear it March 8th while challenging yourself to go make-up and hairstyling free. Be sure to stop by the IWL table in Gorecki for a free muffin to celebrate muffin tops and to write your Bennie friends a post-card telling them why you think they're naturally beautiful!
*Please note: T-shirts are limited to one per person and will be given away at 7am on March 7th in he IWL- first-come, first-served.
Wednesday, March 9th: Women's Wellness Fair, Gorecki Fireside Lounge, 3pm-7pm
In collaboration with Health Advocates, the Women's Wellness Fair is specifically geared toward college-age women. Many groups from campus will be represented, and plenty of information and goodies will be given out to those who come! Swing through Gorecki Fireside Lounge that night to be a part of the CSB community of women who are passionate about their health and want to explore new ways to step up in the wellness world.
Monday, March 21st: Keynote Speaker: Kit Deslauriers, Upper Gorecki, 7pm
Ever had a dream you weren’t expected to achieve? Listen to the story of a woman whose goal was to climb and ski seven of the greatest summits of the world. Kit Deslauriers an accomplished skier, mountaineer, and rock climber will be sharing her experience during Women’s Month to empower others to set goals for themselves and to make these goals happen. Don’t miss out on this thrilling and intuitive presentation; you could be the next to climb a mountain!
Wednesday, March 23rd: Wise Women Panel, Upper Gorecki, 7pm-8pm
Maybe you've always known about the sisters at the monastery, or maybe you don't know much about them at all! In this Wise Women panel, Sister Lois, Sister Mara, Sister Ann Marie, and Sister Trish will join us in an inspiring conversation of challenges, adventure, and risk-taking. Take time to hear from these women who have experienced what we're going through, learn about monastic life, and see what advice they have to offer!
Friday, March 25th: Lunch with a Leader, IWL, 11:30am-12:30pm
What is it like for the only Latina woman on the St. Paul police force? Watch for emails to join us for lunch on March 25th to find out! Our inspiring guest, Pam Barragan, is a sergeant in the St. Paul police force and the vice president of the National Latino Peace Officers Association. Engage in discussion with Pam as she talks about the many challenges she's overcome on the job and how stereotypes of her ethnicity impact her work.
Saturday, March 26th: 5K Fun Run, CSB Campus,10:00am
Run, run, run as fast as you can you can’t catch me I am an AMAZING WOMAN! Come and participate in an exciting run around campus with other amazing women. Empower yourself and others through the physical endurance of a 5K run/walk. Enjoy interactive stops along the route and thrilling conversation with other participants to get your blood pumping and get outside. Join us during Women’s Month on March 26thand have some fun.
Sunday, March 27th: Fleece Tie-Blanket Making, Alum Hall, 3pm-5pm
This Women's Month, you've participated in discussions, dispelled stereotypes, and perhaps you've even went on adventures of your own. Still feel like something is missing? Volunteer with the IWL and AKS! Help us make fleece tie-blankets for the women and children at Anna Marie's Women's Shelter in St. Cloud so that on cold nights they have something warm to snuggle up with! This event is a great way do something good for the community, meet other Bennies, and wrap-up Women's Month. This event is co-sponsored by AKS Service Sorority.
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April 9th: 10 Feet off the Ground: Rock Climbing, 1:00-3:00pm
Go Vertical! Ever been to the St. Cloud Quarries? Test yourself and your own endurance by climbing the rock walls. See how high you can get with our trusted balers from the Campus Wall. If you don't like heights, try something a little closer to the ground like hiking and swimming. Pushing your comfort zone and boundaries can have huge rewards in future endeavors, helping you build confidence in yourself and others now. Use this as your stepping stone by coming and taking a healthy risk with other great Bennies. Be a role model for other women and together we can breach physical stereotypes proving women have amazing physical strengths. Let's get our blood pumping 10 feet off the ground!
April 15th: Lunch with a Leader, IWL, 12:30-1:30pm
TBA.
April 16th: Biking, Wobegon Trail
Tour de France only for men? We think not! Come join the IWL out on the Wobegon trail! Fresh air and exercise are good for women's mental and physical health. We will be leaving at 1pm on April 16th and the ride will be an hour.
April 25th: Women and the Economy, 4:15-5:15pm
Have you been hearing things like "He-cession"? Many sources are claiming that this recession is hitting men the hardest. Learn and talk about the issues that women are facing as the work environment is changing as it deals with the struggling economy. This is a topic that is relevant for many students who are about to enter the work force-learn about the current work environment and how one can, not only survive, but also succeed. Refreshments will be served.
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May 7th: Canoeing, Lake Sag, 1:00-2:30pm
Whether you love and embrace water or it makes you nervous, this event is for you! Come and enjoy an activity you love, or learn how to canoe for the first time. We will be canoeing on Lake Sag Saturday, May 7th at 1pm. This event will last about an hour. Canoeing is an important skill to know as it helps in self-confidence, team work, and communication. This will be a fun event so bring your friends and enjoy a study break!