News

N.O.W. is to be newest Olivet College Club

By Judith Tellez-Gonzalez
Staff Writer

The Betsy Dole Women’s Resource Center is planning on adding a new club on campus, a branch of the National Organization for Women (NOW), to raise awareness of women’s issues.
According to its Web site, NOW is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. NOW works to eliminate discrimination and harassment in the workplace, schools, the justice system, and all other sectors of society; secure abortion, birth control and reproductive rights for all women; end all forms of violence against women; eradicate racism, sexism and homophobia; and promote equality and justice in society. NOW has 500,000 contributing members and 550 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Dianne Thomas, director of the Betsy Dole Women’s Resource Center (BDWRC) said, “We are working to make a difference in the issues that affect women’s lives.”
Sara Slack, senior, will be the president of Olivet’s NOW chapter. Slack said, “My family and my experiences in life have made me strong. I have learned that I don’t need a man to care for me; I can do it by myself as an independent woman. Also, I have learned from my mistakes, and I want to teach other women how to get out of the dark.”
One of the first projects the campus’ NOW organization will undertake is the “Love Your Body Campaign.” The purpose is to help raise awareness about women’s health, body image and self esteem Any additional activities will be decided upon at the first meeting. “We will have our first meeting at the beginning of next semester,” said Slack. Membership in NOW is open to anyone (including men) who agree with NOW’s goals. However, membership is not required to participate in NOW activities and events.
For information about the new NOW chapter on campus, contact Thomas, dthomas@olivetcollege.edu, or Slack, sslack@olivetcollege.edu.

Congregational Leadership Center now located in library

By Jenna Lake
Staff Writer

A new church leadership program was established Nov. 5 on the Olivet College campus. The Center for Congregational Leadership is located in the Burrage Library, on the top floor.
According to the Rev. Thomas Richard, executive secretary of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC), the Center is “part of a national campaign to strengthen Congregational Church leadership and growth for vital ministry in the 21st century.”
Dean of the Center is the Rev. Betsey Mauro, will has also appointed to the faculty of Olivet College. She is responsible for developing training and educational opportunities for churches and lay leaders, and to help strengthen the Congregational Christian witness in America, according to an NACCC press release.
The Center for Congregational Leadership, according to Olivetcollege.edu, will have five to 10 employees in the program. According to Mauro, “Because the Center for Congregational Leadership is based at Olivet College, this strategic partnership will lead mutual strength to each of our endeavors as we share resources, ideas and mutual goals.” Mauro also said, “The Center will bring Congregationalists to the campus for study and refreshment, and raise awareness of Olivet College as a fine liberal arts school.”
The NACCC partnered with Olivet College last year as part of Branching Out, a Campaign designed to strengthen Congregational Church leadership and ministry. “With the Branching Out campaign halfway toward reaching its $5 million goal, we began establishing the Center for Congregational Leadership in the faith that our efforts will continue to bear fruit,” said Richard.
In the end Richard, said, “Congregationalists who invest in Branching Out now have an exciting opportunity to participate in an endeavor that promises to ensure a vibrant future for the Congregational way.”