Last week, President Barchi and our university chancellors issued a clear and strong message against "acts and statements of bigotry, racism, anti-Semitism, and white supremacy."  

 

Words matter. We applaud Rutgers Leadership for speaking out to affirm that our university values and respects the humanity of each individual, and to condemn acts of hatred.  

The Institute for Women's Leadership Consortium provides a forum for difficult conversations, and our programs offer spaces for diverse young leaders to take action for a more just world. 

For 13 students, summer in the city meant immersing themselves in The Community Leadership, Action and Service Project (CLASP),  the IWL service-learning program featuring a five-week internship placement and seminar.  

 

CLASP partner organizations address urgent community challenges, including youth empowerment, immigrant and worker rights, public health, literacy, and violence prevention.

 

At their closing seminar, students shared reflections from this intensive experience linking theory and practice, women's leadership, and social justice. In their own words....

 

" I learned more about what goes on in our own backyard...New Brunswick is so much more than Rutgers."

 

"I had to conquer my nerves to make connections with local residents...I learned I want to be a community organizer."

 

Did you know August 26th is Women's Equality Day?   The day commemorates the 19th Amendment , officially giving women the right to vote in 1920.  On Saturday, take a moment to appreciate the hard fought battles for women's equality--how far we have come and how much work still needs to be done.