EWU’s annual Activist in Residence series is off to an engaging start. Two weeks in, organizers say 40 to 60 people have attended each event, participating in lively and meaningful discussions around immigration and activism.
The Activist in Residence program is designed to help students learn about and practice activism through class presentations, panels, workshops and other events focused on social, political, environmental and economic justice. Ultimately, participants will develop the skills to make a difference in their communities.
The program is part of the Women’s and Gender Studies and the Women’s and Gender Education Center at EWU. Students also receive a certificate for participation. Events include guest lectures, class presentations, panels and workshops. Organizers say it is so popular, many students come early and leave late to network and reflect together about what they are learning from the panels and workshops.
Sessions are scheduled every Wednesday during winter quarter.
WORKSHOPS
Wednesday, Feb. 19
3:30–5 p.m.
MON 207
Diving Deeper: Using Data to Address Health Disparities Among Our Immigrant Neighbors
Participants will learn more about how research and data can be useful in making change in our communities. These tools were particularly useful in a recent statewide effort to ensure that the needs of immigrants and transgender people were considered in healthcare access.
Wednesday, Feb. 26
3:30–5 p.m.
MON 207
Transitioning from Ally to Accomplice en el Movimiento
Learn how to be an ally, a friend, and an accomplice to immigrants and asylum seekers. Participants will discover how to use relative privilege to organize and support marginalized communities in our area.
Wednesday, March. 4
3:30–5 p.m.
MON 207
Lobbying to Shape Public Policy
Join this workshop to find out how participation in conversations with local and statewide lawmakers can be a useful tool for making legal changes. Facilitators will share their experiences working on the Reproductive Health Access for All Act.
Wednesday, March. 11
3:30–5 p.m.
Location TBD
Engaging Your Campus Community
Participants will plan and implement this final on-campus action based on the interest and skills developed through the program.
Meet the 2020 Activist In Residence:
Lili Navarrete immigrated to Spokane from Mexico City in 1988. She earned a BA in International Affairs and minors in Economics and Business Administration from EWU. As the Director of Public Affairs and Raíz at Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho, she fights for reproductive rights, immigrants, and marginalized communities. She is the Vice President of the Hispanic Business/ Professional Association, a Washington State Commissioner on Hispanic Affairs, and a member of the Spokane Immigrant Rights Coalition and the Washington Immigration Solidarity Network.
ALL AiR EVENTS
Wednesdays 3:30–5 p.m.
Light refreshments provided at 3:15.
All workshops are highly participatory and interactive with an emphasis on active practice and story sharing.
Like and follow EWUWAGECenter on Facebook or visit our website at https://www.ewu.edu/css/womens-and-gender-studies/#news to stay updated.
All of our events are wheelchair accessible and fragrance-free. People needing accommodation should contact Lisa Logan at llogan83@ewu.edu or 509.359.2898 three business days in advance.
