Advocates Coming Together (ACT)
What is ACT? We're glad you asked!
ACT stands for Advocates Coming Together, and started in Residence Life in the fall of 2008. ACT is comprised of a group of students who live in the University of Arizona residence halls, and are passionate about working for social justice and making change.
ACT’s goals are to learn about and reflect on systems of oppression (abelism, cisgenderism, classism, heterosexism, racism, sexism, etc.), as well as address these issues at the University of Arizona. In addition, ACT will plan large-scale social justice programs like the annual Day of Silence Photo Shoot and Hunger Banquet. ACT is run by 3 dedicated student co-directors, and advised by Residence Life’s Coordinator of Social Justice Education.
Mission Statement: ACT is a Residence Life social justice group that strives to educate students on issues of equity and equality, to have pride in the University of Arizona’s diversity, and to take action to make UA a more inclusive place.
When:
Spring 2013, Tuesdays, 5:00-6:30pm - Begins January 15, 2013
Where:
Kaibab-Huachuca Residence Hall
Contact:
Hannah Lozon, Coordinator of Social Justice Education, (520) 626-4855, lozon@life.arizona.edu
More info:
Here’s what students are saying about ACT…
- “It would be easier for me to say how ACT didn't change me as a person. ACT has made me more confident and has given me tools and skills in my own fight for social justice. ACT has become a family and a support system, and has given me so much emotionally.”
- “It has completely changed me as a person. It has given me a new purpose in life, and I now have a direction I want to head after I graduate… It has also helped me to accept some identities I hold for myself. I never would have felt safe coming out as LGBTQ without the support of ACT and the knowledge and comfort being in it gave me.”
- “Being in ACT, I have learned that changing my perspective on some things in life will take lots of time, with twice as much effort. But most importantly, I learned that this is possible – and it gives me hope.”
How to become an ACT member:
Each residence hall will be able to elect 1 Director of Social Justice to their Hall Council. Arbol de la Vida, Arizona/Sonora, Coronado, Hopi/Graham/Greenlee, & La Paz halls can elect 2 Directors of Social Justice.
Once elected, all Directors of Social Justice will make up the membership of ACT, and must fulfill requirements outlined below.
The requirements of all ACT members include:
- Attend weekly ACT meetings
- Give detailed reports of the ACT meetings to your Hall Council - be the social justice voice for your hall!
- Help plan and participate in annual ACT programs - Hunger Banquet, Raise Your Voice Photo Shoot, & Stomp It Out Series. Bring residents from your hall to these programs.
- Put on programs for your hall to educate residents about social justice. ACT members are required to put on 1 program in Fall 2012, and 2 programs for Spring 2013. Input programs into Residence Life's Program Manager within 7 days of the program.
- Participate in at least 2 “Stretch Yourself” educational opportunities each semester
- One must be a UA heritage/cultural event – Native American Heritage Month, Transgender Awareness Week, etc.
- The other can be any activity that increases your awareness around social justice issues or the topics of diversity, power, privilege, and oppression (e.g. read an article, watch a movie)
- Heritage/cultural events are still acceptable
- Attend another campus/community event/lecture
- Check out a DVD from the Residence Life Social Justice Library
- ACT members are required to keep track of their Stretch Yourself events by filling out the following form: Stretch Yourself Tracker
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead