Women's History Month -- Gretchen Edwards

March is National Women’s History Month and this year’s theme is “Women Inspiring Innovation through Imagination”. President Jimmy Carter designated the first Women’s History Week in 1980 because women’s contributions have often gone unnoticed or unrecorded. If you look through the history books you will find the stories to be mostly male dominated. A few women here and there have been celebrated for their accomplishments, but they are few and far between in our record books. This month reminds us to celebrate the achievements, leadership, courage, and strength of women. There are many ways celebrate Women’s History Month. Here are a few ideas: 1. Attend events hosted by the Women’s Center 3/27 – LUNAFEST Film Festival & Fundraiser 6:30 PM – Free cake reception with a Raffle for great local prizes 7:30 PM – Showtime University Theatre, 4600 Hampton Blvd. An evening of short films made by and about women. All proceeds will benefit The Breast Cancer Fund and the YWCA of South Hampton Roads. Participate in our raffle for prizes from La Herradura, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Starbucks, Village Bookstore, The Green Onion, TR Dance Studio, Massage Envy, The Space Above Yoga Studio, Norfolk Ice Cream Company and more! Raffle tickets will be sold during the reception for $1. Tickets for the event are $5 with ODU Student ID, $10 for general admission and $15 at the door. Tickets will be sold prior to the show at the Webb Center Information Desk. 3/28 – Feminist Activist Fair 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM North Mall, Webb Center Want to get involved? Stop by to learn about volunteer, internship, and employment opportunities with local organizations promoting social justice, equality and empowerment for women and girls. Co-sponsored with the Women’s Studies Department 3/28 – Women’s History Poetry Slam 7:00 PM Mills Godwin Building, Room 101 In honor of Women’s History, Black Student Alliance and the Women’s Center will be holding a Poetry Slam. Current ODU student poets are invited to write and perform an original piece on a topic relating to women’s history and women’s rights. The piece must be 3 to 5 minutes in length. A prize will be given to the best poets in first, second and third place. Entries must be submitted by March 21, 2013 via email to bsaodu@gmail.com. Please include your name and class standing. For more information, please contact, bsaodu@gmail.com 2. Check out online resources like the National Women’s History Project for information on women’s stories and accomplishments. http://www.nwhp.org/resourcecenter/index.php http://womenshistorymonth.gov/ 3. Talk to the women and girls in your lives about their achievements, encourage their hopes and dreams and thank them for the positive impact they have had on your life. 4. Volunteer with the Women’s Center! We’re always looking for students, both male and female, to get involved. For more information email womenctr@odu.edu . Happy Women’s History Month! ODU Women’s Center womenctr@odu.edu http://www.odu.edu/womenscenter Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr & Instagram @oduwomenscenter !