Dear all,

This week, with no major snowstorm currently underway, I am almost finding a routine.  My Intro to Women's and Gender Studies course has finished theoretical introductions; we're now poised at the verge of the very fabulous Kate Bornstein's My Gender Workbook.  The group working on the Office of Violence Against Women grant has started meeting weekly to write the grant narrative. And, at long last, I have unpacked my files!

At Landis House, we have starting hosting regular meetings of the sexual violence grant working group and of Spectrum, Dickinson's LGBTQ/allies student organization.  We'd love to see you drop in and make use of the space--first and foremost, it is yours!  So just come on by.  If you're curious about reserving a space for a meeting or event, check out the policy here.  Angelo has been doing a killer job with painting--only a few more rooms to go and some colors are now on the walls that weren't at the open house! 

By far, the most exciting event I know of this week is a visit from the legendary human Sonia Sanchez, who will be reading on Friday night in Memorial Hall at 8pm.  Visit the Africana Studies page for more details.  This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; even if you're not a poetry person, Ms. Sanchez's brilliance and talent transcend her specific art form.  Not to be missed. 

I have a few things to do to pass the time between now and then, including:

• Two student recommendation letters
  
• March 9 outreach, especially for student panels and leadership panel
  
• Intro prep
• OVW grant writing:  Each member of the group has taken responsibility for specific sections of the grant narrative; I'm working on framing our purpose (the big picture for why we're applying) and drafting our timeline, how we'll be incorporating the requirements for direct services, the specifics of implementation, and plans for sustainability (what we will we do to be sure the services are still here when the grant funds run out?).
• Assault & Sexuality Coalition minutes & next meeting agenda       
• YBEC outreach:  Students from the Yellow Breeches Educational Center are coming to Dickinson to talk about women's community, healthy relationships, and wellness.  Last year it worked really well to have colleagues join us for the conversation--let me know if you're interested!          
• YWCA follow-up for a research project on women and best practices for economic self-sufficiency        
• Candidate review for Counseling Center Director position   
• Budget review:  voluntary budget cuts are part of the current world.... so I need to get down and dirty with my budget to see what I might be able to do     
• Ellen Hagan is an incredible poet who came to Dickinson last year and formed an exceptional connection with students in a short period of time.  I want to bring her back for a short-term residency next fall or spring.

As always, love to hear your thoughts, feedback, comments, criticisms or suggestions at women@dickinson.edu or bartlows@dickinson.edu.  Looking forward to another great week!

 Be well,

 Susannah