Celebrated in This Issue:
Greek Life Diversity
p. 2-3
IncarceRACEtion
p.4-5
Stand Against Hazing
p. 6-7
Student Spotlight
p. 8
Hispanic Heritage
p. 9-11
My Culture is not your Costume p.12
Welcome to the Office for Diversity and Inclusion’s
(ODI) newsletter which celebrates UNC Pembroke’s rich
cultural and ethnic diversity. UNC Pembroke has been
designated as one of the most diverse universities in the
South. With a very multicultural student population of
approximately 6,442, ODI strives to provide programming
and services that are inclusive, but more importantly, to
support student success.
The Diversity Committee for Communities of Interests
hopes you enjoy this issue of UNISON!
Native American Perspective
p. 13-15
Volunteer Opportunities
p. 16-17
On behalf of the Office for Diversity
and Inclusion (ODI) team, I welcome
you to an environment that
welcomes everyone, offers a
plethora of events and programs
that will engage you, challenge you,
but more importantly, help develop
you into the best BRAVE ever! We
strive to promote and sustain a
cohesive and inclusive environment
among the University and a local
community that truly values and
embraces diversity, groups,
cultures, differences and
perspectives. We would like to
remind each of that we are available
to assist you in your diversity efforts.
Greek Life shows Diversity on Campus
By Anastacia Alvarez
Greek life hosted its first annual Latin and Native American
Forum on Sept. 1, from 6- 8 p.m. This forum was hosted in the UC
Annex to give students the opportunity to explore the Latin and
Native American Greek organizations and to learn about their
history, values and culture. This event was a great opportunity to
show students the different options that Greek life has to offer and
show that Greek life also supports other Greek options.
First in the Nation
This event showcased two sororities and two fraternities;
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc., Lambda Theta Phi Latin
Fraternity Inc., Alpha Pi Omega Sorority Inc., and Phi Sigma Nu
Fraternity Inc. All four of these Greek organizations are also the first
Greek organizations to represent Latin and Native American
students in the country.
Sisters of Alpha Pi Omega pose for a
picture after performing a round dance.
This was an exciting night for the members. D’angelio Scott
president of Lambda Theta Phi comments on the event, “I think that
this event is acknowledging that there are other Greek
organizations that exist. In order for a campus to be really diverse,
there needs to be a way to showcase the diversity within it,” he
said.
The event was a surprise for those students who attended
it.
“This is a good way to show we, as a campus, don’t
discriminate against others, and we are willing to show other
ethnicities that are alive and active in Greek life,” said Josefina
Tate, nursing major.
Dance and Culture
Aside from recruiting and giving potential new members
information on their organizations, all four organizations also gave
presentations not only on what their organization means to them
and what they represent but also shared their culture with all who
attended.
D’angelio Scott, president of Lambda Theta
Phi, shows off his Lambda.
Alpha Pi Omega Sorority Inc., represented Native American
culture with a round dance performance. The round dance
represents not only culture, but friendship and togetherness where
those participating, dance in a huge circle.
Continued on page 3
Page | 2
Greek Life continued…
“The dance is performed in a circle because in Native
American culture everything happens in a circle, life, death and
nature,” said Tyler Blue, member of Phi Sigma Nu. The whole
audience was encouraged to get up and dance with the sisters.
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., also performed a
dance for the audience to learn. To showcase Latin culture, the
sisters performed a dance called Bachata. Bachata originated in the
Caribbean, although the dance and rhythm are fast paced, the songs
either deal with love, heartbreak or sadness. This is a very popular
dance in Latin culture and just like the round dance is more fun when
everyone joins in.
“It was very different; I have never seen Latin dancing in
person. It let me see more of what Latin culture is that most people
don’t get to see,” said Sam Malpass, a senior and member of Alpha
Pi Omega.
Students participated in a traditional Native
American round dance.
Roots in History
While the sororities preformed dances to represent their
Greek organization and culture, the fraternities decided on
PowerPoint presentations to give students more information on who
and what they represent.
Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc., members are
commonly known as Conquistadors. Their Powerpoint presentation
educated the audience on how they believe that they should have
pride and chivalry in a world where there is a lack thereof. The
Conquistadors do not only perform chivalrous deeds, but they also
salute to show pride, culture and chivalry. ‘Saluting’ originated when
conquistadors and knights would lift their helmets to greet/salute one
another. This chivalrous action is what prompted the brothers to
salute.
Phi Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc., also presented a power point
that gave information on the fraternities hometown history. The Alpha
chapter, or the first chapter initiated in the United States was
established here in Pembroke and since its installment in 1996, has
grown to 300 brothers and 10 chapters in the country. They are the
largest Native American fraternity along with their sisters Alpha Pi
Omega. The goal of these brothers is to promote and inspire growth
in tribal communities through education and culture.
Phi Sigma Nu educates on what their
fraternity represents and values
Page | 3
IncarceRACEtion: issue explored at
By Anastacia Alvarez
UNCP
The 8th annual Social Justice Symposium
“IncarceRACEtion: Where is the Justice?” was hosted by
the Office of Diversity and Inclusion on Sept. 10. Students,
faculty and staff joined in the UC Annex to better
understand the incarceration system and the contingencies
that people have to live with because of it. The issue of
discrimination, drug addiction and creating change within
the incarceration system was heavily discussed.
The audience had the opportunity to hear from five
panelists who were educated on the topic, but at the same
time could give their own personal point of views. The
panelists varied from faculty, alumni and outreach
professionals. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion had
Irving Joyner, Law Professor at North Carolina Central
University to serve as the keynote speaker.
A Broken Incarceration System
Dr. Renee Lamphere, assistant professor in the
Sociology and Criminal Justice department, opened her
discussion on the incarceration system with some
uncomfortable facts. “Blacks are three times more likely to
get stopped by the police for drugs, while whites are four
times more likely to have the drugs actually on them,” said
Lamphere. This fact rubs many people the wrong way as
Caucasians continue to deny their white privilege instead of
making a change for the entire community, she said.
Panelists at the symposium educate attendees on
America’s incarceration system. Dr. Ellerbe quotes some
uncomfortable statistics.
The discussion of ‘Black Lives Matter’ brings up a
similar example to the incarceration issue that the country
is facing. Many people are aware of the “Black Lives
Matter” movement and the newer “All Lives Matter”
movement. According to Lamphere, the “All Lives Matter’”
movement is dismissing the call for black lives to matter as
well by putting the focal point on another cause. Through
this dismissal, the problem of racial discrimination still is not
resolved.
This is the same way that discrimination within the
incarceration system is handled, however the contingencies
of white privilege can be resolved through Caucasians
looking at the world differently…for what it truly is for those
around them, not how they would like to believe it to be.
Continued on page 5
Page | 4
IncarceRACEtion: continued
Be the Change You Want To See In the
World
Commonly referred to as the “drum
major of social justice” keynote speaker,
Professor Irving Joyner is very optimistic on
the future of not only the incarceration
system but the way America views hard
topics in our society regarding race. Joyner
believes that some people are born with
“scarlet letters” on their chest whether it be
racial, religious, or sexual differences that
determine how the world views them.
Students from different classes listen in on the conversation.
“The change we are looking for…is
in you…because you learn, you control and
change how the world thinks,” said Joyner.
The millennials have the power to change
the world around them, because they have
the capability, he said.
Students left feeling empowered
about the world they lived in.
“I learned a lot of new things I have
never heard before. The speakers didn’t just
drone on, they were informative and had
experience in this field,” said Cece
Abumohsen, freshman, chemistry major.
The seminar proved to not only
educate others on the incarceration system,
but it also inspired those in attendance to
look at the government system with fresh
eyes, so they may create their own opinions
and judgments for themselves.
Lifetime likelihood of imprisonment by race and gender.
Page | 5
UNCP Takes a Stand against Hazing
Stephanie Villalobos and Jade Rountree
show off their black and gold handprints.
Shirlene Bittle takes a stance
against hazing.
By Anastacia Alvarez
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., hosted an anti-hazing campaign on September 18
for UNCP’s students, faculty, staff and Greek life. This campaign was held on the UC lawn and
everyone was asked to take a pledge against hazing by placing their handprint on a UNCP banner.
Many students were willing to participate in this campaign that promoted such a sensitive
issue. Many students stressed that, although this is an important topic, many universities seem to
ignore the problem.
“People take hazing too far and having this anti-hazing event out here shows to people that
this campus is going to take hazing for what it is wrong,” said Quincee Tompkins, a senior
psychology major.
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., wanted to show that the entire campus was unified
against hazing. The event symbolized that it did not matter whether you were Greek or a traditional
student, hazing was wrong.
“Hazing should be banned; it should not be anything that a Greek or non-Greek individual
should have to go through,” said Dustin Chavis, 2015 Homecoming King and member of Phi Beta
Sigma.
The banner was designed where the top read, “Lambda Theta Alpha is Anti-Hazing” and the
bottom read, “UNCP is Anti-Hazing,” in the middle of the banner was a circle that said “Greek Life is
Anti-Hazing.” The purpose of this was to show not only was the Latina sorority against hazing but
the campus and Greek Life is united together against all acts of hazing.
Continued on page 7
Page | 6
UNCP Takes A Stand Against Hazing
Sisters Emily Laws, Sonya Goveo and Anastacia Alvarez hang up the anti hazing banner on UNCP’s
campus
“We as a university stand behind not hazing, because hazing does not promote a Greek or community
culture,” said Leann Strickland, Director of Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
Bringing education and awareness to the campus of UNCP will always be an important topic that is
openly discussed.
To learn more about hazing visit hazingprevention.org.
Page | 7
Student Spotlight
Erica Rodgers is a senior at
UNCP, who is studying psychology
and is expecting to graduate in the
spring of 2016
By Kiambi Baker
Erika Rodgers is not just a member of the UNCP's modeling troupe Intrigue but she is also one of the
founders of the organization. Intrigue Modeling was established on UNCP’s campus in the fall of 2011.
During Rodgers' freshman year, she along with five others, founded Intrigue Modeling. Intrigue is group of
females and males who stem from different backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures that put on different themed shows
for the campus. Their shows consist of doing runways, routines and also sporting different clothing lines and clothing
styles. Intrigue Modeling also raises money for children during Christmas with the help of these shows. Rodgers puts
a lot of time and effort into the organization and is proud to have created an organization like this on campus.
"Modeling is important to me because not only is it an extracurricular activity to get involved with but it puts
me in an area where stress can be relieved, bringing out that alter ego of mines, having something fun to enjoy other
than school work,” she said.
Rodgers is also interested in cosmetology and puts a lot of time and effort into perfecting this craft. To
challenge herself, she is doing her own cosmetology show on Nov. 10 in the UC Annex. The show is entitled “Black
Out”. The organization “I Am Boss” and Intrigue Modeling are not only promoting the event but also participating in
the show. The organization will work the runway giving students, faculty and staff samples of her craft. This event
will help build her professional portfolio, which could open many doors for her in the cosmetology field.
"Beauty is one thing but when you can enhance it, it's even better. Doing makeup brings out the creative
side in me, being able to Picasso a portrait is something I enjoy,” she said.
Rodgers hopes to perfect her craft and get picked up as a makeup artist for some of the big names.
“Hopefully one day along with my degree I could possibly open a small business, teaching women how to
either model or apply makeup the right way, building their self-confidence, giving women the chance to step outside
their comfort zone, enjoy something other than the normal daily life" she said.
Erika Rodgers does all of this despite working as a manager for Bath and Body Works, going to school
fulltime and still maintains a 3.2 GPA. Not only does her passion and fierceness drive her to succeed in her craft but
also her dreams of entering the professional world not just as an exemplary student but a goal driven woman.
Page | 8
UNCP Celebrates Hispanic Heritage
By Anastacia Alvarez
North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory, sent out a declaration on Sept. 15 that states North Carolina will
recognize and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
This declaration prompted many departments on UNCP’s campus to come together to create a
program that not only celebrates Hispanic heritage but educated those on the campus as well. The Office of
Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Foreign Languages Program, Lambda
Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Inc., and Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. all collaborated to bring
awareness to Hispanic culture from Oct. 5-8, and Oct. 23.
The Hispanic Festival presented five events to the campus that were open to not only students,
faculty and staff but to the citizens of Pembroke as well. The events were an educational event, Breaking
Down Hispanic Stereotypes, a plate sale showcasing Hispanic cuisine, a showcase highlighting Hispanic
culture, a Salsa Night social and a Hispanic Heritage Fall Festival.
The educational event focused on breaking down Hispanic stereotypes and educating those in
attendance about the origins of Hispanic history, culture and ethnic background. Although the event was held
in a smaller location, many individuals came out to the event, even standing to hear the lecture.
The event was an open forum for individuals to speak freely with the professionals and Latino Greek
life members about Hispanic culture that they were unsure of. The event also made Latinos in attendance
feel comfortable to share how they feel when faced with discrimination.
“I absolutely loved the event. In a way it was like a group therapy session, and it allowed me to see
my own ‘Latin-ness’ through the struggles of my own Latino population. I was personally able to understand
myself better and feel more at peace knowing that such a conversation was had with so many beautiful
individuals,” said Rob Quintero, a UNCP alumni.
Continued on page 10
Page | 9
UNCP Celebrates Hispanic Heritage
Students from the Foreign Language program presented Hispanic cuisine on
the UC Lawn.
Tanya Goveo and Robert Quintero perform a salsa number
during the showcase.
The event finished off on an enthusiastic beat as many of those in attendance felt more educated
and empowered about Hispanic Heritage Month. With the plate sale the next day, members of the Latino
Greek organizations received questions about the type of food they should expect.
“Just come out and taste what Hispanic culture can offer everyone,” said Sonya Goveo, Vice
President of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.
The plate sale was held Oct. 6 on the UC Lawn. Many departments cooked food that originated from
Hispanic countries, such as churros, empanadas, tostones and arroz con gandules. Food was sold from
one dollar to five depending on the item, and proceeds went to the department who was selling the food.
The departments and organizations who were selling items also presented on poster boards
information on what type of food they were selling, where it is from and what exactly it was. Many people
who came out to the plate sale were just excited to see something different being sold on campus.
“I think the plate sale went pretty well. It was nice getting a taste of something different for once. It
allows people to explore different cultures they may not have been familiar with and get out of their comfort
zone,” said Giany Guzman, freshman.
The rain that had made the departments and organizations nervous the day before held off for the
event and it was met with a successful turnout.
Continued on page 11
Page | 10
UNCP Celebrates Hispanic Heritage
Pictured above: Students partner up and dance to
bachata music Pictured left: Anthony Vincent leads his
partner in a slow bachata.
Rico Carrasquilo and Sonya Goveo instruct
students on how to Bachata
The Hispanic Heritage Showcase was held Oct. 7 in the UC Lounge. The showcase was open to
the public for whoever wanted to perform in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.
The showcase was not a stereotypical culture-based show case that only focused on the popular
aspects of Hispanic culture. It focused on the African, Indigenous and European cultures that make up
Hispanic descent. From Salsa and Round Dances to African and Latin influenced poetry the showcase
was alive with many different cultures.
“I am really honored that Lambda Theta Alpha asked me to dance at the showcase. That really
mean a lot to me not only as a dancer, but as a Native American because most people don’t really care
about our culture or they pick on us. As indigenous people it is vital to show everyone we are still here,
we do have a voice and we do matter,” said Jasmine Jacobs, member of Alpha Pi Omega.
The Hispanic Heritage celebration ended with a Fall Festival on Oct. 23, in the UC Annex hosted
by the Foreign Languages Program. Any department or organization was allowed to not only help out with
the event but perform, cook, or have a table in honor of Hispanic heritage.
The event opened up with a parade that began in front of the Dial building and led back to the UC
Annex. After the parade, there were performances by individuals and organizations. The Spanish
Intermediate I class performed a mini novella, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. performed a salute
and stroll to El Taxi, Pamela Beauchamp sang Como La Flor by Selena and many others.
A buffet of Spanish food was also provided to those in attendance that offered a wide variety of
Spanish cuisine. Students, faculty and staff were encouraged to browse the tables, play games and
socialize during the event.
Overall, the Hispanic Fest was a great success on campus with a lot of student, faculty and staff
participation. UNCP as well as the departments, who put on this event, hope to continue this festival for
many more years.
Page | 11
My Culture is Not a Costume
By Anastacia Alvarez
Phi Sigma Nu hosted the event, “My Culture is not a Costume” from Oct. 26- 30. “My Culture
is not a Costume” was an event where organizations educate students, faculty and staff about
cultural appropriation and to bring awareness on respecting other cultures during Halloween.
Phi Sigma Nu asked for the participation of other multicultural Greek organizations to help
with the event. Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Inc.,
Kappa Alpha Psi, Alpha Pi Omega, Phi Beta Sigma, Alpha Phi Alpha, Student Involvement and
Leadership and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion all partnered with Phi Sigma Nu to put on this
event.
“’My Culture is Not a Costume’” was a great turn out and the Greek community came
together to talk about cultural appropriation. The UNCP community had an opportunity to learn
about other cultures and how important our cultures are to us,” said James Rudd, president of Phi
Sigma Nu.
Organizations dressed up in their culture’s regalia to show how their cultures dress in
appropriate settings. Organizations also had examples of pictures that showed how people take
these cultures regalia and represent them in a stereotypical or discriminatory way.
“It is important for people to be aware about your social environments when dressing up or
thinking about dressing up in someone’s culture because they can get offended,” said Spencer
Demery, a brother of Phi Beta Sigma.
With this event, organizations wanted to show that, especially around Halloween, cultural
appropriation is a growing problem that many cultures have to face.
“Halloween being this week, people are going to dress up however they want - Indian, Black,
Mexican - so we are trying to bring awareness before the holiday,” said Aaron Kotay, a brother of
Phi Beta Sigma.
Thanks to the efforts of the Greek life community and other organizations on campus, this
event was able to bring awareness to the vast diversity of cultures that are on UNCP’s campus.
Page | 12
Native American culture: lies, misconceptions
and the truth
By Kayla Cox
“They’re dumb,” “they’ll cut you,” and “they’re not real Indians.” These are some of the reckless
statements that I have heard concerning the Lumbee people in Robeson County, since I began college
here at UNCP. The most disturbing reality about these statements is not simply that they are unkind or
incorrect, but that they are held as truths by many non-native individuals.
Gaining a clear and authentic perspective of how the negative stereotypes directed toward
Lumbees, and Native people overall, is essential to understanding the issue. Dr. Jacobs is the associate
professor and chair of American Indian Studies on UNCP’s campus. In an interview concerning the
stereotypes attached to Lumbee Indians and Native people overall, Dr. Jacobs offered crucial insight into
the distortions of Indian culture. When asked what the most damaging stereotype is attached to members
of the Lumbee Tribe in Pembroke, Dr. Jacobs answered quickly and simply, “that we’re not real Indians.”
She explained that in questioning whether or not a person is truly Indian (whatever that might mean) you
“…threaten a person’s identity and in challenging the identity of the Lumbee people today, you challenge
the identity of all of their ancestors that told them that they were Indians.”
One of the more prevalent stereotypes often attached to the Lumbee Indians of Pembroke is
centered on the local dialect. The dialect of most members of Robeson County can be described as a
deep southern accent, with heavy use of colloquialisms. Dr. Jacobs addresses the issue of discrimination
against many members of the Lumbee community concerning their dialect during the interview.
Dr. Jacobs explains that the term “dumbee” is a derogatory phrase commonly used by non-native
peoples to describe a Lumbee individual with a heavy dialect.
Continued on page 14
Page | 13
Continued from page 13
The term is meant to insinuate that there is a lack of education within the Lumbee Tribe.
Professor Jacobs says that Lumbee people are generally viewed as “stupid.” Dr. Jacobs goes on
to say that the strong dialect is motivated by a complex linguistic history within the community.
For the ancestral Lumbee peoples, the dialect was birthed out of necessity. In an effort to speak
English (a language that was foreign to the Native people of that time), groups of tribe members
developed interpretations for the English language, based on their understanding of how it should
sound.
One of the most insightful aspects of information exposed during Dr. Jacobs’ interview was
the explanation of race, as it is viewed by Native people. From the perspective of most
Americans, race is determined by a series of visual tests; hair color, eye color, physical frame,
and most importantly…skin color. However, as argued by Dr. Jacobs, the Native view (all Native
groups, beyond just the Lumbee tribe) of race is one of culture, rather than aesthetics. Yes, looks
have their place, but the assessment of race is more consumed with questions of community. Dr.
Jacobs states “…if you’re our people, we don’t throw you out because you look too white, or you
look too black…you are Lumbee because you were raised in a Lumbee community, and you
know how to BE in a Lumbee community.” Dr. Jacobs goes on to say “… if both of your parents
are Lumbee, but you never come home, you don’t interact with Lumbee people…there are a lot of
Lumbees that will say, you’re not Lumbee”. Jacobs reveals that race, for Native people, is about
heritage and respect of culture.
More perspectives for the discussion of Native cultural misconceptions, are offered through
non-native faculty like Dr. Jane Haladay, Associate Professor of American Indian Studies at
UNCP, and non-Lumbee students. Student James Rudd is a member of the fraternity Phi Sigma
Nu, the oldest and largest American Indian fraternity in the United States. Rudd is also a member
of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe. He recounts his time and experiences here at UNCP, in regards to his
Native culture: “…everyone identifies me as Lumbee. I feel that the school can do a lot more to
educate students about Native culture and their tribes.”
Though UNCP is a historically American Indian university, as stated earlier, there is no
requirement for students attending the university to take a course in American Indian Studies.
Professor Haladay suggests that “all UNCP students should be required to take at least one
American Indian class…it would go a very long way toward improving understandings about
American Indian people.” Dr. Haladay was asked a series of questions mirroring those asked to
Dr. Jacobs regarding damaging stereotypes against Native individuals. When asked the question
“what is the most damaging stereotype attached to members of the Lumbee Tribe in Pembroke,
Professor Haladay offered strikingly familiar answers: “…they’ll cut you” – meaning, of course,
that Lumbees are somehow inherently violent people. The other is that Lumbees are not ‘real
Indians.’
Continued on page 15
Page | 14
Just as Dr. Jacobs explained during her interview, the most prominent and damaging
stereotype held about Indian people, is this idea that there is a “real” and “authentic” Native identity.
Professor Haladay shared these same concerns. She spoke about her time living in other regions of
the country such as California, Arizona and abroad in Europe. No matter the location, the
misconceptions were the same. Also, just as Professor Jacobs taught in her definition of race as
viewed by Native people, Dr. Haladay dissects the concept of race as it pertains to indigenous
people: “Native American people do not all look, speak, dress, or act the same way, and their beliefs
and cultures are as diverse as the hundreds of tribal nations that exist throughout the United States.”
Dr. Haladay continues, “To believe that there is a certain way to ‘look’ or ‘be’ Native is as ignorant as
believing that there’s one certain way to be ‘white’ or ‘black’… it is highly insulting, derogatory, and
inappropriate to try to define or judge who another person is without understanding their history and
culture.”
This concept of “identification” regarding Native people, contains countless fallacies and
offensive misconceptions. Sam Malpass is a member of Alpha Pi Omega, the first Native American
Greek organization in the United States, she shares some of the difficulties and discrimination that
she has experienced during social situations with friends: “…being Native American already
generates bad stereotypes. People make jokes about me ‘scalping’ them, or asking me why I don’t
have a dot on my head. It gets old, and I shouldn’t have to justify to others how Native American I
am.”
Of the innumerous points of education and wisdom that can be gained from the stories and
insight of these brave and honest students and staff, two main themes ring throughout each
response: Race and identification CANNOT be reduced down to a series of menial visual tests (hair
color, eye color, skin color, etc.); it must be based on an overall view of respect of culture. How in
tune is one with their own personal history. How connected is one to their own community, family,
and culture. These are the only questions that should ever matter in discussions of race and identity.
And even so, it is not the responsibility of an outside party to determine someone’s identity. Those
details of a person’s sense of self should be sorted through on an individual level. The second theme:
Stereotypes are damaging. Stereotypes take substantial and complex issues, and condense them
into weak, surface explanations based on assumptions. They are not useful in conversations about
race and identity.
Page | 15
Volunteer Opportunities
contributed by Cindy M. Campbell
"One person can make a difference, and everyone should try" -John F. Kennedy
You don’t need to do everything, but you can do something. The list below has a variety of global and local
concerns. See which one interests you and follow the organization on Twitter. Find out how you can get
involved. If volunteer opportunities are available, start small, maybe one hour a month. Search for other
opportunities. Find your passion and become more involved as you learn more about the issues.
UNCP Volunteer
Search for local opportunities
http://serve.uncp.edu/need/
Climate change
NC Warn
@ncwarn
Organizing for a safe, sustainable energy future for North Carolina
Clean Water for NC
@CleanWaterforNC
Working with communities for clean, safe places to live, work and play.
SustainableSandhills
@SustainableSand
501(c)3 dedicated to conservation & preservation of the environment in 8 counties around Ft. Bragg, NC. Education.
Demonstration. Collaboration.
350 dot org
@350
Join a global movement that's inspiring the world to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis. 350=safe upper limit
of CO2 in atmosphere.
Human Rights
Human Rights Watch
@hrw
We provide timely information on #humanrights crises in 90+ countries. Curated by @jimmurphysf,
Continued on page 17
Page | 16
Amnesty
International
@amnesty
Amnesty
International is a
global movement of
people fighting
injustice and
promoting human
rights.
NC NAACP
@ncnaacp
Fair Food Program
Animal Rights
@FairFoodProgram
Humane Society
The Fair Food Program
is a worker-driven,
market-enforced human
rights program – created
by @CIW and monitored
by @FairFoodSC.
@HumaneSociety
CIW Coalition of
Immokalee Workers
@ciw
Civil rights
organization and
partner in the
Forward Together
Moral Movement.
Worker-led human rights
organization. Pioneer in
fight to end modern
slavery. Creator of the
@FairFoodProgram&
Campaign for Fair Food.
@moralmondays
Hunger in America
Supporting the
efforts of the
@NCNAACP. Official
inquiries, please
contact
[email protected]
NC Food Banks
NC Justice Center
\@ncjustice
A North Carolina
nonprofit fighting for
prosperity and
opportunity for all.
Workers Rights
Fight for 15
@fightfor15
Internationalmoveme
nt of underpaid
workers taking a
stand against poverty
wages.
@NCFoodBanks
The voice for North
Carolina's
@FeedingAmerica Food
Banks. Fighting #hunger
in North Carolina through
feeding, teaching and
building hunger
awareness.
A Place at the Table
@PlaceAtTheTable
A #documentary about
#hunger in America from
the people who brought
you #FoodInc. Netflix:
http://nflx.it/15ARers
The Humane Society of the
United States (HSUS), a
national animal welfare
nonprofit celebrating
animals and confronting
cruelty!
The Humane League
@TheHumaneLeague
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Mission Statement:
The Office for Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) serves as a vital resource that fosters and
promotes student success, by providing programs and services that support the University’s
academic mission by preparing socially and culturally aware students, who will develop,
disseminate, and implement originality, constructive ideas, and insight to encourage community
engagement for the future. ODI works to consistently increase the professional standards,
understanding, and appreciation for diversity and culture through programs, services,
initiatives, and collaborations. Overall we strive to advance the University’s commitment to
respecting, embracing, and valuing diversity by serving for students, staff, and faculty on issues
of justice and equity, through inclusion, education, outreach, advocacy and being true change
agent leaders.
Dr. Robert L. Canida, II
Director, Diversity and
Inclusion
Director, Multicultural Center &
Primary Web Information
Coordinator (WIC)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 910.521.6508
Office for Diversity and Inclusion
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372-1510
Phone: 910.521.6508
Fax: 910.521.6742
Relay: 910.521.6508
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.uncp.edu/odi
Diversity Committee
Dr. Kevin Freeman
Dr. Sonali Jain
Dr. Michele Fazio
Ms. Nicolette Campos
Dr. Shilpa Regan
Mr. Virgil Oxendine
Dr. Robert L. Canida, II
Lisa Gonzalez Bullard
Administrative Associate &
Secondary Web Information
Coordinator (WIC)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 910.521.6508
Newsletter Editor:
Anastacia Alvarez
Diversity Newsletter
Editor
Newsletter Writers:
Anastacia Alvarez
Kayla Cox
Kiambi Baker
Location: Old Main, Suite 124
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