At Missouri State University we actively strive to address cultural diversity as a part of our Public Affairs Mission. Yesterday marked the beginning of our Public Affairs week, with a focus on Inclusive Excellence. Several departments have contributed to the week and provided resources to encourage Inclusive Excellence.
An example of Inclusive Excellence within our community is the initiative put on by the Ozarks Public Television and KSMU Radio– Small World ▪ Big Picture. It is an initiative designed to highlight the diversity of our region and encourage a greater understanding of global issues and their impact on our lives, our families and our community.
Click on http://www.optv.org/smallworldbigpicture/SWBPProfiles.html for a full version of the video profiles
For more information visit MSU’s Division for Diversity and Inclusion blog
**The following is a list of events for Public Affairs Week 2012**
Monday, Sept. 17, 2012
Constitution Day: Giving Voice
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., PSU 313
Giving Voice to Constitution Day is an event designed to educate and empower the campus community as to their rights and freedoms provided to them by the United States Constitution. The Giving Voice Theatre Troupe will perform, and all attendees will be given a pocket Constitution. Refreshments will be served.
OxFam Hunger Banquet
5:30-7:30 p.m., PSU Grand Ballroom
The OxFam Hunger Banquet looks at the deep injustice of our world’s food system. As our societies grow, so does the need to provide enough food for every family’s table.
At the Hunger Banquet, guests randomly draw tickets that assign them to different income levels, based on the latest statistics about the number of people living in poverty. Depending on where they sit, some receive a filling dinner, while others eat a simple meal or share sparse portions of rice and water.
Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012
iAm the First…
Noon-1 p.m., PSU 308
This symposium, geared toward first time college students (traditional and non-traditional), will provide direct contact with important campus departments such as financial aid, Trio, multicultural student services, the Bear Claw, Career Center and more.
eframing Disability: What Should We Know?
6:30-8 p.m., PSU Theater
This disability showcase includes a fostered conversation, student stories, an interactive trivia competition and a short film which illustrates how life would be if society’s perspectives were reversed and able-bodied people were regarded the same way the disabled community is today.
Sponsored by Public Affairs Week and the Disability Resource Center
Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012
Funky Freedom Festival
11 a.m.-3 p.m., North Mall
Visit the booths of various campus political organizations to learn more about their missions and values. Enjoy free food and drinks, mingle with people who share your beliefs and start respectful conversations with those who don’t. With the presidential election in November, it’s never too early to expand your knowledge of our country’s political system!
International Dialogue Engaging All (IDEA)
7:30-8:45 p.m., PSU Theater
This event begins with a screening of the film “Amreeka.” The film follows Muna, a single mother, who leaves the West Bank with her teenage son, Fadi, with dreams of an exciting future in the promised land of small-town Illinois. Muna scrambles together a new life cooking up hamburgers at the local White Castle. After the film, an International Student Panel will answer questions about their personal experiences in America.
SAC Movie: Amreeka
9 p.m., PSU Theater
Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012
Women’s Expo: The Power of Pink
11 a.m.-3 p.m., PSU Grand Ballroom
The Women’s Expo showcases local boutiques, charitable organizations, businesses, and health and wellness services available to women in our community. The event will also feature female leaders from across campus and provide opportunities for women to become ethical leaders in their communities.
Women of all ages are invited to attend. Pizza and other refreshments will be served.
Friday, Sept. 21, 2012
iAm _____: Giving Voice Performance
Noon-1 p.m., PSU 313
The Giving Voice Theatre Troupe is an organization that reenacts real scenarios of prejudice, discrimination and racially demeaning actions. During the performance, participants can shape the outcome of each scenario by exercising their understanding of cultural competency.
iAm _____: Photo Shoot/T-Shirt Design
1-2:30 p.m., PSU North Entrance Lobby
In this interactive session, participants create their own t-shirt design and model for a photo shoot that will be presented to the campus after Public Affairs Week concludes.