Representing over 15 different tribes and nations, Natives at Penn (NAP) is dedicated to increasing awareness and visibility of our Native & Indigenous students, cultures, histories, and contemporary issues. Our Annual Powwow event provides one such opportunity. Starting with the first powwow on Pennʻs campus in 1993 (organized by NAP founders, Six Directions), to the start of our annual events in 2010, to our last powwow in 2019 before the pandemic, these gatherings have brought together singers, dancers, students, teachers, elders, and learners across diverse backgrounds, both Indigenous and not, to celebrate, elevate, and amplify Native voices and wisdom.
While we of course can’t wait to be back in person with everyone, Natives at Penn and the Greenfield Intercultural Center are extremely excited for our upcoming Powwow Education event on Saturday, March 27, from 1 - 3pm ET! This year’s virtual event provides an intentional space and time for all of our attendees to better understand and connect with the elements of a powwow. Our featured guests will share the significance of different songs, dances, regalia, and protocols in their traditions. Once we have that greater insight, we will have the unique opportunity of participating in an abbreviated virtual powwow. Whether you’re a more seasoned powwow practitioner missing this space and community, or you’re new and eager to learn so you can participate in powwows in a respectful and appropriate way, this event is for you! As we collectively work to be more mindful, intentional, and inclusive, we hope that you will join us this Saturday at 1pm ET. Register at http://bit.ly/NAPpowwow2021.
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One Month Since the Storms in TexasIt’s been one month since the devastating winter storms in Texas. While the ice may have melted the storm has not passed and the effects of the crisis are still very much relevant and need is still high. Hear from a local voice, Samaira Sirajee '15, who discusses what happened in Texas, how she leveraged her connections to support her community, what she learned, and the power of mutual aid. Who is Samaira? I am a 2015 Penn alum who works in K-12 education. Currently, I live in Houston and am the Founding Assistant Principal of Operations at KIPP Mosaic Primary School, a brand-new KIPP campus in Southwest Houston. I live with my husband, Jonathan Lym, who is also a 2015 Penn alum, our two guinea pigs, and our dog. We are expecting our first child together in August! What have you been doing to help your community in light of the historic storms? The storm was a very traumatic experience for me and my family. We went days without electricity, water, warm food, internet, and cellular service. However, I knew that we were one of the lucky ones who didn't suffer any long-term consequences of the storm (e.g. no damage to our home, we live in a more affluent community that restocked its grocery shelves quickly). It became apparent to me that that was not the case with many of the families who attended our school. In the aftermath of the storm, KIPP gave us a few days as a staff to check-in with all 260 of our school's families. Our teachers made note of which families needed help and our Leadership Team got to work figuring out the best way to assist these families. From this experience I learned that by taking the time to ask and understand what each family needed prior to jumping into "help mode", we were able to identify patterns and address the issues more thoroughly and using a more tailored approach. I have a tendency to jump into "help mode" prematurely, which can lead to wasted resources or help that is superficial. How you were able to leverage your connections to do for parents and families and what you learned? Coincidentally, over the past few months I have been working to make connections with community organizations in Southwest Houston that serve the same families we serve. At the time I was making these connections, I didn't realize how soon I would need to call on their support. The Houston Food Bank chose our campus as one of its food distribution sites. Over the course of two days, they were able to distribute fresh produce and water to over 1000 Houston families. A local faith community donated dozens of blankets that we were able to make available to our families. We opened up our campus, which had running water, for families to fill large containers with potable and non-potable water. However, the biggest lesson for me came from a fundraiser I was conducting with my personal connections. The wonderful, Valerie de Cruz, reached out to me during the storm asking how I was doing and how she could help. She suggested that she might be able to find a few Penn alums who would be willing to donate to Houston families in need. This suggestion sparked an idea and made me realize that there were probably many people outside of Texas who wanted to help but didn't know the most impactful way to do so. I made a post on my personal Instagram page asking for donations from my family and friends that would go directly towards assisting the families at our school who needed it. Many of our families needed help making unexpected repairs to their home from burst pipes, restocking their fridges after everything spoiled, paying higher than normal electricity bills, finding drinkable water since most of the water was on boil notice, etc. I was expecting a few hundred dollars to help a few families. However, in just a few days, I received close to $4,000 in financial donations. I was truly overwhelmed with the generosity of my friends and family and knew this amount could help us have a greater impact on more families. Because I live in a more affluent community, I was able to use some of the donations to buy many of the supplies our school's families were having trouble getting access to at their local stores (e.g. bottled water, cleaning supplies, medicine for children, diapers, etc.) and I drove around delivering these supplies to families. From the teacher call notes, I was able to identify 11 families who had suffered severe damages to their homes and were in need of financial assistance. With the remaining funds, I was able to give cash payments to these 11 families ranging from $300-$450, which helped pay for plumbers, handymen, groceries, car repairs, etc. From this experience I learned that by taking the time to ask and understand what each family needed prior to jumping into "help mode", we were able to identify patterns and address the issues more thoroughly and using a more tailored approach. I have a tendency to jump into "help mode" prematurely, which can lead to wasted resources or help that is superficial. What are you taking away from this experience and what should we, non-Texans, know or do to help? There is still a great need in the community in the aftermath of the storm. Unfortunately, many insurance carriers are not covering the damages that many homes sustained. As a result, many families are having to pay out-of-pocket, even after suffering from lost wages from not working the week during or weeks after the storm. Many are still paying off large utility bills. Because many families were forced to shelter with others during the storm, many have contracted COVID and are having to deal with the aftermath of that. This has been a horrific experience for many, on top of the pandemic. Non-Texans can help by staying informed, donating to mutual aid funds in Texas, and advocating for stricter regulation of electricity companies who are seeking to profit off of these traumatic events. Organizations to check-out and support!
What happened in Texas?
Being the first in the family navigating college and workplace can be challenging. Being first sometimes means not knowing what you don’t know until you know it. At Penn, we strive to do our best to help our Penn FGLI community members with internal and external resources. As such, we are excited to share a valuable resource with you. Rise First is an online platform/community to serve as a one-stop destination for all first-generation and/or low-income (FGLI) students and professionals to turn to for information, advice and support. This platform is built for and by FGLI students/professional with a goal that no FGLI student needs to navigate their paths alone. Let’s hear it from a recent Penn alum who utilized the Rise First connections. David Thai, a 2018 graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences, shares his experience working with the Rise First organization. “In 2018, I became part of Rise First's founding team after working with Cindy Rentala during the 1vyG Conference on Penn's campus. Cindy connected with me with a business proposal to develop a one-stop destination of resources that is built for and by FGLI students and professionals. The idea immediately resonated with me. I was motivated to join Cindy's efforts in democratizing information, especially given that the broader FGLI demographic often didn't know what they didn't know. Speaking from personal experience, I oftentimes learned about opportunities (e.g. scholarships, jobs/internship postings) too late, compared to my non-FGLI peers, who I often believed had resources readily available. I wanted to ensure that students like myself didn't come across valuable resources too late, so I thought working on Rise First would be the perfect opportunity for me to do just that.” What have you gained as a result of participating with Rise First? “Having joined Rise First during my last year in college, I was able to enter the professional workforce with experience in people and project management, strategy development, and cross-functional collaboration. Through Rise First, I gained the confidence to speak up during meetings, share my thoughts, and openly ask questions without feeling timid. These are soft skills that take time to build, and I'm thankful I had Rise First to give me a safe space to foster them. Moreover, Cindy has been (and continues to be!) a meaningful, inspiring mentor and role model, who has devoted hours of her time to foster my personal and professional growth. For example, I remember looking for my first apartment after college, and I knew nothing about personal finance and budgeting. She spent a few hours sharing her experience and knowledge, which to this day, I pass along to other recent, FGLI college grads. In return, I have fostered relationships with many students and young professionals who have worked with and continue to work with Rise First. It becomes cyclical in nature, where many of our members take on opportunities to mentor those around them.” How has RF complimented/enhanced the work you do outside of RF? “My ongoing engagement with Rise First has taught me how to speak comfortably across a diverse audience, manage different expectations, and learn to not only provide but also receive feedback constructively. I apply these skills as someone who works in the consulting industry, where people-facing skills are essential. Rise First has offered unique opportunities for me to learn about best practices in managing and prioritizing different workstreams, which are often happening simultaneously. Further, Rise First also equipped me with a strong, foundational understanding of how to set personal boundaries and to hold myself (and others) accountable. I feel as though I possess a level of comfort that also allows me to maintain an appropriate work-life balance and to prioritize my health and well-being.” Why should other FGLI students get involved with RF? “Rise First is committed to empowering FGLI students and professionals nationwide to achieve their full potential. We offer a platform that is built for and by FGLI students, which offers a great opportunity for folks to gain real-life business and professional experience. I encourage FGLI students to get involved with our organization as we have so much to offer, especially as a young, start-up, across a number of different teams: marketing, content development, tech, UX/UI, design, partnerships, operations, and finance. Students get the chance to work alongside other student volunteers and professionals who work collectively to close the achievement gap.” Rise First has a robust, content rich website as well as active FGLI community on social media. To leverage their resources, you can:
Follow them on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to get real-time updates on FGLI related articles, tips and advice as well as career related content (i.e., career webinars, internships and job opportunities) Sign up for their newsletters (at the bottom of Rise First homepage) for career related content, internship and job opportunities (many are specifically for FGLI students) We hope that you will take advantage of these wonderful (and free) resources as you continue with your educational and professional journey. Welcome to the ‘In Translation Book Club’! We will meet every month to discuss a book/story/literature from around the world. Each month will have a theme or chosen book to center our conversations around. March’s Book: We Should All be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Meeting Date: Thursday, March 25th, 2021 at 7 pm ET 💌 If you’d like to receive a card & tea bag from us, indicate so on the zoom registration link! 💌 Deadline: March 16th, 2021 | Send out date: March 17th, 2021 Register in advance for this meeting: https://upenn.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0ud--qpzMrEtE11BMVponT1YzV2z6WZ1D7 *Passcode: book DESCRIPTION OF BOOK: In this personal, eloquently-argued essay--adapted from the much-admired TEDx talk of the same name--Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century, one rooted in inclusion and awareness. Drawing extensively on her own experiences and her deep understanding of the often masked realities of sexual politics, here is one remarkable author's exploration of what it means to be a woman now--and an of-the-moment rallying cry for why we should all be feminists. Come as you are and no prior knowledge is required! Feel free to come even if you don’t read the book! More directions below on how else you can engage. While this book club was made with the intention to create space for graduate students, all are welcome! The book club will be facilitated by GIC’s graduate assistants: Mary Ann and Amy. We use the word “facilitated” loosely because we hope to make this an environment rooted in open conversation and not bound by academic structure. WHERE TO BUY THE BOOK: Consider buying from Black-owned book stores in Philadelphia! Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee and Books Harriett’s Bookshop Other: Amazon If you don’t want to buy the book, no problem! Feel free to come as you are and just join in on the conversation or if you want to (but not required) you can watch this TedXTalk from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie herself on the same topic (see video below): Please join the Penn Law Immigrants’ Rights Project, co-sponsored by organizations across Penn’s campus including the Greenfield Intercultural Center, for a virtual symposium focusing on gender-based violence in Central America and gender-based asylum law in the United States. The virtual symposium is being held on February 19, 2021 from 2 PM to 5 PM EST.
The first panel will discuss the current state of gender-based violence in Central America and the challenges that asylum seekers with gender-based claims have faced during the past few years. This panel is meant to discuss the complex issues and conditions that overlap in Central American countries that can lead to gender-based violence. Joining us on our first panel are:
The second panel will be more forward-looking, focusing on how U.S. asylum law can and should change and how this new administration can help support gender-based asylum seekers. Joining us on the second panel are:
A live Spanish translation of the event will be available
Wharton Global Youth Program is beginning the hiring search for Wharton/Penn undergrad and graduate students for summer 2021. We have teaching assistant (TA) positions available to assist with a variety of academic programming as well as community assistants (CAs) who will help bring the Penn experience to life virtually. The current program lineup includes:
All programs marked with * are either already online or have the capacity to move online if needed. Specific program information https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/summer-high-school-programs/ Application: https://wharton.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7VwL9FaAr9qRvg1 The application for the Penn Museum Summer Internship Program is live!
The Penn Museum offers 150 to 300-hour nine-week summer internship opportunities for undergraduates, recent graduates, and graduate students from any college or university. Internships are comprised of a project-based placement in a Museum department and the Museum Practice Program, which includes orientation, weekly lectures, collections tours, a field trip to a local museum (if the program is in-person), and final presentations. The Museum only hosts paid interns during the summer (see our website for all funding options). The Penn Museum Intern Stipend provides stipends of $2,250 for 150 hours up to $4,500 for 300 hours ($15/hr), to cover the costs of living expenses. The summer 2021 program will run from June 7 - August 6, 2021. The Museum Practice Program will be held on Wednesdays 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm. Applications are particularly encouraged from African American, Latinx, Native American, and other underrepresented minorities in departments such as collections, conservation, registration, and curation. Please see our website for more information about this and other funding opportunities: penn.museum/studentopportunities Application requirements include an essay, cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, transcript(s) (unofficial preferred), and 2 letters of recommendation from a current or former college professor, academic advisor, or employer. The application deadline is Sunday, February 14, 2021. Please check our Summer Internship website for more information. Questions can be directed to Summer Internship Coordinator, Stephanie Mach at [email protected] **Application is rolling, feel free to keep applying even if it is past the deadline!**
Looking for: Work-study only, Virtual work, potential for some in-person work in West Philly, up to 20 hours a week (closer to 5-10 some weeks), undergraduate freshmen and grad students in a three or more year program preferred Who we are: The High School Voter Project is a new, nonpartisan team at the Netter Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Pennsylvania focusing on getting high school students in our University-Assisted Community Schools (UACS) registered to vote and civically engaged. What we do: We run after school and in-class programming for high school students in UACS schools as well as a 6-week summer internship program for high school students through the Philadelphia Youth Network. The position: You will be in-charge of developing and managing new after-school and in-class partnerships and programming at public high schools in Philly focused on voter registration, education, and civic engagement. Responsibilities may include: recruiting and training high school students to lead voter registration drives, and developing new school-day voter education programming. You are right for this position if: ● You are passionate about voting, grassroots and community organizing, public education, and civic engagement ● You can remain 100% nonpartisan ● You are excited for a fast-paced, work intensive environment up until the election ● You can work independently and bring creative ideas to fruition To apply, please send your resume to [email protected] by February 3th. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Learn more about us: Website - HSVoterProject.com Instagram - instagram.com/hsvoterproject/ Facebook - facebook.com/hsvoterproject/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@hsvoterproject Saturday, December 19th, 2020 | 1 PM – 2 PM EST
Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/GICvirtualcelebration We made it through 2020! (Well, almost there.) We invite all current students, alumni, and community members to join us for brunch on Saturday morning/afternoon to simply check-in with one another and celebrate in the community. We hope to see your lovely faces. If you like, wear your festive sweater or bring a warm holiday drink/dish or just simply join us to close out the year on Zoom!Open to students, alumni, and Friends of GIC! |