Campus Community Connections

CCE student newsletter
March 1, 2021 | Volume 11, Issue 17

A renaissance north of Main in Binghamton

For the past 30 years, a neighborhood in downtown Binghamton has been plagued with a reputation for being dangerous. People were hesitant to live north of Main Street, and those who were there before the problems began struggled to figure out what to do. In the last few years, however, this neighborhood, now known as NoMa (North of Main), has begun to see a renaissance led primarily by those who live there, aided by city officials, local nonprofits and businesses, and several groups and individuals from Binghamton University.

Participate in a roundtable debate on policing and the First Amendment

The Center for Civic Engagement, Speech and Debate, Multicultural Resource Center, UDiversity Educational Institute, Student Association VPMA and Graduate Student Organization VPMA are seeking students to participate in a roundtable debate focused on policing and the First Amendment. The format of the roundtable will encourage discussion rather than a competitive debate, and the goal is to enlighten the student body about different perspectives on this issue. The event will take place on the evening of March 15. Interested students can contact Alison Twang at atwang@binghamton.edu for more information.

Excellence in Community Engagement Awards

As part of the Binghamton University Student Awards, the Center for Civic Engagement will recognize both an individual student and a student organization for excellence in community engagement. The Al Vos Excellence in Community Engagement Award also carries a $500 prize. These awards celebrate community-engaged work that emphasizes partnership with the community and demonstrates a reflection on both student learning and community impact. Students, faculty, staff or community partners may submit nominations. Self-nominations are also encouraged.

To apply, visit the awards program page and submit your materials by March 25.

City launches public survey for Binghamton 2021 Police Reform & Reinvention Collaborative

Mayor Richard C. David on Thursday announced that an online community survey is live, developed by The Finn Institute for Public Safety, to collect public input on policing and public safety issues in Binghamton.

The effort is part of the 2021 Binghamton Police Reform & Reinvention Collaborative, pursuant to Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 203 mandating local police agencies adopt a plan to improve community relations “based on trust, fairness, accountability, and transparency, and which seek to reduce any racial disparities in policing.”

The survey is available online.

The deadline to respond to the survey is March 1.

Leaders in Engagement, Advocacy and Democracy (LEAD)

Do you have a passion for community service? Are you interested in developing skills to take action on issues you care about? The Center for Civic Engagement’s impactBING CORE initiative is excited to launch the new Leaders in Engagement, Advocacy and Democracy (LEAD) program. The LEAD program will connect Binghamton University students to meaningful engagement experiences outside of the classroom and provide students with the knowledge and skills to succeed as current and future community leaders.

In addition to placing students in community positions, LEAD will provide the education, resources and support for students to translate their experiences into tangible professional, personal and civic skills. Workshops will focus on topics such as community history, professional etiquette, time management, resume building, interview skills, event planning, advocacy and critical service-learning. Learn more and apply online by March 1, 2021.

impactBING CORE volunteer program

Is there a community issue you're passionate about? Not sure how you can contribute to its solution? The Center for Civic Engagement is ready to work with you to find a volunteer opportunity that will help our local area and also make you an active and engaged community member.

Working with impactBING CORE (Community Opportunities for Real Engagement), students can find semester-long partnerships with organizations best suited for their needs, interests and experiences. Programs range from computer literacy education to working with local youth groups. Don't see a program that spikes your interest? The CCE is more than willing to work with you to identify a project you can get involved in or assist you in starting a new program that facilitates change in the Binghamton community.

If interested, complete the interest form.

Volunteer in local school districts

Several local school districts are looking for support semester. Through the Center for Civic Engagement's Youth Initiative, Binghamton University students provide academic assistance and social support to students in need of all ages, increasing their self-esteem and overall motivation for school work. Binghamton students also gain experience providing one-on-one and small-group instruction in the classroom.

If interested, complete the interest form.

Engagement Scholarship Consortium 2021: Creating Connections and Expanding Possibilities

Call for student posters

This year, we will explore the theme of “Creating Connections and Expanding Possibilities” through an inclusive and engaging virtual conference. Student experiences are the future of engagement, so join us and submit your proposal for a student poster.

Successful posters should showcase community engagement efforts accomplished through research or service work. Delivering a poster at an international conference is a unique academic experience and is an excellent addition to a résumé or graduate school application.

Undergraduate students will receive a special discounted conference registration fee; rates will be posted in spring. Learn more and submit a proposal online by Monday, March 15.

2021–22 student fellowships: Requests for proposals, Ellyn Uram Kaschak Institute for Social Justice for Women and Girls

Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to apply for research support for projects based on the lived experiences of women and girls, with an emphasis on work designed to promote equality for women and girls. Fellows receive an award of $2,000 to support their research. Co-investigators submitting a single successful project will share the award. Four projects can be funded in 2021-22.

Application deadline: 5 p.m. Friday, April 16, 2021

For more information on how to apply, go to the Kaschak Institute’s website.

Donate to the Bearcat Food Drive

The Multicultural Resource Center and Binghamton University Libraries are co-hosting a Bearcat Food Drive from Feb. 1–March 12 to increase awareness of climate change’s effects on food security and collect food donations for the campus Food Pantry!

Be on the lookout for weekly, themed social posts on @MRCBinghamton and @BingULibraries social media about food, food insecurity, and climate change that will run throughout the food drive. Topics will include food waste, COVID-19 & food, growing your own food, and more!

If you are interested in donating goods to the Food Pantry, please bring donations to any library location or the Multicultural Resource Center in LS-G500. Visit the MLK Series site for a listing of items needed or to make monetary donation. For questions, contact Richie Sebuharara, MRC assistant director.

Racial Healing Dialogue Series

This virtual, five-part dialogue series will encourage participants to dive deeper into topics including racial identity, racial socialization and intergenerational trauma.The series will take place biweekly 5 to 7 pm Wednesdays beginning March 10 for students. Attendance to every session is mandatory.

RSVP online.

UDiversity internship applications

Are you an undergraduate student who is interested in social justice and facilitating conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion? The UDiversity Educational Institute is excited to announce the recruitment of undergraduate students to serve as Student Liaisons! As a Student Liaison for the UDiversity Educational Institute, you will assist in the facilitation of cultural competency workshops, foster dialogues around inclusion and enroll in a 2-credit internship course!

To apply, visit https://bit.ly/udiversityintern

Truth and Reconciliation Panel wants to hear from you

Tired of waiting for a National Truth and Reconciliation Commission?
The newly created Truth and Reconciliation Panel will meet several evenings in the spring semester for confidential listening sessions with individuals who wish to provide written and oral testimonies on issues related to race and ethnicity from 5-7 p.m. via Zoom on the following dates: March 4, March 11, March 25, April 22 and April 29.

The panel welcomes all individuals connected to the campus community — alumni, students, faculty and staff — to share their stories. Only takes a minute to sign up. The process is informal and CONFIDENTIAL. Share your story. Don’t have a story? Make recommendations that will benefit all. Let’s turn your ideas into actions!

To register to give oral testimony before the panel, visit bit.ly/TRCPanel21.

Events

Tuesday, March 2
Start	End	Event
5 p.m.	8 p.m.	Virtual Mental Health Advocacy Training #1
Wednesday, March 3
Noon	1 p.m.	Binghamton University Opioid Overdose Prevention Virtual Training - 3/3 at Noon
Thursday, March 4
5 p.m.	7 p.m.	Truth and Reconciliation Panel
Friday, March 5
3 p.m.	4 p.m.	Virtual International Coffee Hour: All are welcome!
4:30 p.m.	5:30 p.m.	Getting Involved On Campus! - Virtual Info Session
5 p.m.	7 p.m.	Fair Districts Now! National Day of Advocacy

Wednesday, March 10
9 a.m.	3 p.m.	Spring 2021 Virtual STEM Fair

Thursday, March 18
9 a.m.	3 p.m.	Spring 2021 Virtual Job and Internship Fair (all majors)