Boston College - Sub Turri Yearbook (Boston, MA)

Page 232 text:

MASSPIRG Action for a Change! As the rallying cry of the PIRG movement that has swept across college campuses since the early seventies, it reflects the constructive channelling of stu- dent energy, idealism, and talent into a sus- tained and meaningful effort to influence the policies and institutions which affect all of our lives. Where alienation and defeat had typified the experience of trying to work on the issues of consumer sovreignty, environmental pro- tection, and human rights — these issues that, against the backdrop of the Vietnam escala- tion of the sixties, shattered for many the illu- sion of a pe rfect status quo America — PIRGs offered to students a structure that served not only as an effective facilitator of social change, but also as a unique educational ex- perience. Since 1972, Boston College students have maintained a campus chapter of MASSPIRG. The passage of time has proven itself to be an effective challenge to the theory on which PIRG ' s were founded. The prevailing outlook of students has changed almost with each incoming freshman class, and the PIRG con- cept — of students pooling their resources to hire a professional staff with which to work on issues we determine to be important to ourselves and our community — has proven itself to be an enduring institution, dynamic enough to keep pace with these turnovers in priority. However, regardless of these changes in the organization ' s focus, the benefits derived 1st row: Rochelle O ' Gorman, Kevin McKeln, 2nd row: Bob Kuehl, Gene Trainer. John McGlynn, 3rd row: Joanne Gvina (co-chrm), Darlene Scarpetti. Jim Hunt by students, Boston College, and the community in which they coexist has re- mained, over the years, essentially the same. Whether it be ecological aware- ness during the seventies or the hazar- dous waste problem of the eighties, stu- dents coming together with a professional staff to share their insights into the issues of the day — and what can be done to improve the situation — has had a lasting impact on all those who have participated. Meaningful action in the outside world compliments and enhances the class- room learning experience afforded to Boston College students. And, when the efforts of MASSPIRG are predicated on serving the public interest, as defined by the participating students, the university community as a whole derives many be- nefits from this activity. In the long run, there will be one final test of the efficacy of MASSPIRG at Bos- ton College. Its success will ultimately be measured by the degree to which partici- pating students, upon graduation, are in a position to take control of their lives through citizen involvement. By instilling the virtues of responsible citizenship — the organizing skills, the experience of accomplishment, and the willingness to participate that come with public interest advocacy — MASSPIRG will be sure to foster the development of the future mem- bers of a more democratic society. Refund day for non-Pirg supporters. 228

Page 231 text:

Democratic Club The Democratic Club is an independent student organiza- tion that has been active on the Boston College campus since 1970. The purpose of the club is to give interested students a chance to participate in Democratic politics and to discuss topical subjects with other informed students. Mem- bers of the Club gain experience in organizing various politic- al functions including speaker forums, debates, and semi- nars. There is also an opportunity to get involved in state or local campaigns, as well as internships. The Club has sponsored and co-sponsored several events during the year. Tom Gallagher visited during the Fall, to share his views on state representation. Later in the semester, the Club helped to organize the very successful mock presidential debate, which was attended by over 400 students. In November, State Secretary Michael Joseph Connolly came and spoke on the ethics of campaign financ- ing and the possiblities of public campaign financing in Mas- sachusetts. 1st row: J. Green (Pres.), 2nd row: K. Langlophy, K. Wood (secy.), 3rd row: K. Carter, T. Griffin (2nd V.P. ' E. Rutyna (V.P. ' Haley House Haley House serves as the Boston Col- lege Center for Social Justice Social Ac- tion. The ten member resident staff shares a community living experience. This year provided workshops and lec- tures by speakers that included, Daniel Berrigan, S.J. on such topics as Resist- ence in the 80 ' s Nuclear Disarmament, hazardous waste, theological perspec- tives on homosexuality, human rights and a dialogue between Catholics and Jews. The house also sponsors coffeehouses to benefit various causes. In addition, this year the Social Justice Resources Center was expanded to provide further available information to the Boston College Com- munity on a wide range of social issues. Anthony Keating, Melissa Edmonson, Chris O ' Rourke, Cindy Rothwell, Sandy Shield, Mary Regan, Gene Trainer 227

Page 233 text:

N.A.A.C.P. 1st row: Dan Bunch (Adv.), 2nd row: Sharon George (Pres.), Lisa Quarles (V.P.), Judee Livramento (TRES.), Missing: Stephen Brown (Asst. V.P.), Andrea Austin (secy.) N.A.A.C.P., stands for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, an organization represent- ing a multitude of ethnic races. It was first formed in 1 909 by a group of white and black people who felt that the injustices of discrimination violated their rights as human beings, as well as those of other individuals of other races and creeds, including men, women, and children. This vile sickness, discrimination, flourishes in many aspects of everyday living. Often, more times than not, it is reinforced in an overt and sometimes subtle way. This is the sickness that the N.A.A.C.P. hopes to wipe out one day. We know that this is a very difficult task, but that is our goal. This goal can only be obtained through the support and efforts of all. In combatting discrimination in housing, employment, education, and state and local agencies, the N.A.A.C.P. has in the past and present started major investigations into allegations of discriminations in all of these areas. The N.A.A.C.P. has opened and operates across the country, Day Care Centers for the children of working mothers. The organization sponsors low and moderate in- come housing in communities around the nation. It is fighting to secure meaningful and productive employment for teena- gers, women and heads of households. We also operate programs to assist veterans. Here at Boston College, the N.A.A.C.P. represents every culture on campus that may suffer from discrimination due to sex, creed, or color. Women ' s Resource Center The Women ' s Resource Center provides programming, re- ferrals, education materials, counseling and support for all women in the Boston College Community. The staff consists of two work- study students, a co-ordinator and a number of volunteers. In our office we have over 70 different periodicals available nowhere else on campus, a lending library of 1 200 volumes, career information, brochures on health issues and clinics, and a bulletin board filled with notices of current events of interest to women. This year, for the first time, we have trained a group of women to be available, through the Center, as peer counselors, They are prepared to help students deal with problems involving rela- tionships, academics, health, sexuality, etc. The Women ' s Center has also been active with women ' s groups from other colleges and universities. In the fall we attended a women ' s center networking conference at Harvard, and a Body Awareness Seminar at Lesley College. Through the Women ' s Center, students can learn about many such conferences and seminars at surrounding schools. In response to requests for educational programs and services, we ' ve particpated with campus police in on-campus seminars on rape. We also offer our own six week Self Defense course and supply R.A. ' s with programs on a variety of topics upon request. Our philosophy is basically to serve all women on campus and we do this through our programing. During the year we offer lec- tures, videotapes, coffeehouses, retreats and a wide range of other events from the educational to the recreational to the political. Harriet Budd (coord.), Mary Beth Macedo, Cindy Mollo 229