Carolina MPA Student Digest 11/18/22:

Carolina MPA Calendar



  • November 21: MPA Diversity Committee Screening of Say Her Name!
  • December 10-11: Fall Commencement Events
  • January 8, 2022: Spring/January 2023 term begins
MPA News

Hi all,

 

I hope everyone is doing well. The MPA Diversity Committee is hosting a documentary and discussion event on Monday, November 21st at 12:15 pm. We would love your help to spread the word.

 

In celebration of American Indian Heritage Month, the MPA Diversity Committee will host a documentary and discussion on the film Say Her Name! Say Her Name is an important film that brings light to American Indian women who have gone missing. Following the film, we will engage in conversation with the Director of the UNC American Indian Center, Danielle Hiraldo. Please fill out this google form so we can track who will attend in-person or virtually by November 17th at 5 PM: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSec3cP9XtJjbj-gWna-W8a9nwMrvW6DPUMPtu0WNJzc2FlLow/viewform?usp=sf_link 

 

For those in person, we will provide food and will use the google form to get an accurate count of how much food to order. For those attending virtually, here is the Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/99800369601


We appreciate your help!

 

Best, 

 

Andrea Parra-DeLeon (she/her)

School of Government Gazette,

Issue 50, November 2022


What Does Human Trafficking Have to do with Diversity?

by Margaret Henderson, UNC MPA '92


Human trafficking is a terrifying crime, but to alleviate the distraction of fear, I promise to emphasize what any of us can do (and most of us ARE doing) to prevent it from happening.


But first, you might be wondering what human trafficking has do to with diversity. Simple.


  • People of color are disproportionately affected by the crime.
  • People who have been excluded from their families and communities for being LGBTQ+ are also at higher risk.
  • Anyone other than a full citizen is at risk.1


Why? Traffickers are predators that look for vulnerabilities to exploit.


Any vulnerability will do: experiencing homelessness, hunger, or financial insecurity; having a history of physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse; surviving a natural disaster; succumbing to substance abuse…the list goes on and on. The vulnerability can be:

  • chronic or temporary,
  • generational or situational,
  • societal or individual.


The only thing that matters is that the vulnerability exists.


Human trafficking is just one of the many negative outcomes generated by systemic and social inequities that place – intentionally or not - more value on some lives than others. That’s not the only reason trafficking happens, but it is one reason that it continues today.


To continue conducting their abuse, all the traffickers need for you to do is this: Nothing. Look the other way. Feel helpless. Avoid the distress.


Here’s the hopeful part of this post:


If you are working to reduce vulnerabilities in any way (being a literacy tutor, coaching kids, volunteering at a homeless shelter, addressing food scarcity, reaching out to isolated people, etc.), you are also working to reduce the risk of human trafficking.


If you are willing to address any of the “’ism’s” in any form (sexism, racism, classism, etc.), you are also working to reduce the risk of human trafficking. By reducing the vulnerabilities and helping people succeed in life, we are also reducing the pool of potential victims that traffickers might exploit. Keep up the good work. And maybe do more of it, wherever you can, with whatever you have.


1 Workers and students are tied to specific individuals with their visas. Some of those employers and sponsors exploit the inequitable power dynamic in their relationships.

University & Beyond Events
  • November 24: Tar Heel Thanksgiving
  • American Indian Heritage Month at UNC
  • UNC GPSG Climate Crisis Committee looking for project help
  • Carolina Engagement Week Submissions Open
  • UNC Kicks of Pantry Bowl
  • Campus Recreation offers Swim Lessons
  • Join the QGAPS GroupMe!
  • This Week at the Writing and Learning Center
  • December 7: Holiday Carolina Blood Drive
  • Closes December 7: Orange County Solid Waste Department seeks feedback on Road to Zero Waste Plan

Students remaining in Chapel Hill for the holidays are invited to join us for a complimentary, traditional Thanksgiving meal provided by generous donations of The Carolina Club Members. Find the menu below.

Seating is limited, and registration is required no later than Friday, November 18th at 5:00 PM.


RSVP for the time block you prefer:

Nov. 24 @ 11:30am - 12:30pm

Nov. 24 @ 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Nov. 24 @ 2:30pm - 3:30pm


Buffet Menu

Mixed Green Salad with tomatoes, carrots & radish (GF/DF/V/VG)

Choice of ranch or balsamic dressing on the side

Sliced Turkey with Broth (GF/DF)

(Gravy on the side)

Vegetable Risotto (GF/DF/V/VG)

Cornbread Stuffing

Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes (GF/V)

Steamed Green Beans (GF/DF/V/VG)

Dessert

Pumpkin Pie (V)

Cookies & Brownies

Fresh Fruit (GF/DF/V/VG)

GF-gluten free / DF-dairy free / V-vegetarian / VG-vegan

-The entire menu is nut free.-.


We'll see you at The Carolina Club (150 Stadium Dr.) Thanksgiving Day!


American Indian Heritage Month at UNC

The UNC American Indian Center is commemorating American Indian Heritage Month during November with a series of events, including a lecture, cultural activities, discussions and more, both on and off campus. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Details to all events are found here.

Climate Crisis Committee Looking for Assistance


My name is Jasmine Davidson, and I'm part of the Climate Crisis Committee of the Graduate Student Government.

 

We are currently looking for additional members to help research and advocate for clean energy alternatives to UNC's cogeneration plant, be it on or off campus. If you know any graduate or professional students who might be interested in this project, please have them email me at jdavids@unc.edu.

 

In addition to this, we also need more members for our Climate Action Day task force, organizing a daylong event to raise awareness, launch green initiatives around campus, and celebrate our progress. Interested students can email Jimmy Doegerl at jdoegerl@unc.edu.

 

Thank you for your help with spreading the word!

 

Sincerely,

Jasmine

Carolina Engagement Week is back for its second year on February 27–March 3, 2023. The call for proposals to host an event (in-person, online, or through virtual content) is now open through November 22.


This is a great opportunity to showcase your work and partnerships. Submit your proposal here or see sample content from last year.


About Carolina Engagement Week:

What kinds of positive impact do local communities and Carolina researchers come together to create? Explore the power of academic and community-connected partnerships during the pan-campus Carolina Engagement Week 2023. This weeklong celebration of public engagement will feature events, workshops, stories and other experiences that highlight authentic, effective and sustainable collaborations between UNC-Chapel Hill and community partners across North Carolina. Learn how campus units and their partners are working in concert to address shared priorities that improve the lives of people across the state. Learn more about the event.

Rivalry week is coming — and we’re teaming up before we face off.

Join us for the Pantry Bowl, where for the second straight year, NC State, Carolina and our supporters are coming together to reduce food insecurity on our campuses. 



During Nov. 20–27, the Wolfpack and the Tar Heels will compete to see who can receive the most gifts to our respective food pantries. We’ll share the final results on Nov. 30, but no matter who has the higher total, we all win when it comes to supporting our communities.


Campus Recreation Offers Swim Lessons


Dear Carolina Community,

UNC Campus Recreation is excited to share that registration for group swim lessons to be held in Spring 2023 is now open. Our aquatics program has group lesson options available for tots, preschoolers, youths, and adults! Lessons are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings or Saturday mornings. Find out more about our offerings here.

Looking for a more personalized curriculum? We also offer Private and Semi-Private lessons where an instructor works one on one with you to meet your goals. Spring private lesson registration opens January 1, 2023. You can find out more information by using this link.

If you would like more information, please reach out to Patrick Wolfe, Aquatics Coordinator, at patrick_wolfe@unc.edu

Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

Join the QGAPS GroupMe!


Created due to popular demand, we now have a way to keep in touch and invite more queer & professional students to our community! Share campus & outside events, commiserate in memes, set up carpools, give a shoutout to someone you're proud of, or just fly under the radar to see what's up!

Click here to join!

This Week at the Writing and Learning Center

End of Semester Giveaway!

Time for another GIVEAWAY! With the end of the semester nearing, we're giving away sets of study supplies—and we're throwing in WCLC t-shirts and mugs! To enter, follow us on Instagram, like the giveaway post, and tag your study buddy in the comments before Nov. 21.

Taking Breaks

Taking breaks during studying is a common strategy to reduce mental fatigue, but not all breaks are created equal. It may temporarily feel good to scroll on your phone for a few minutes in-between assignments, but this is actually far less effective than taking a walk, meditating, or socializing because it still requires decision making that overloads the prefrontal cortex. Use this handout to make your breaks better and reduce stress.

 

How I Write and Learn Blog

Preparing for those upcoming finals? Looking for some tips to get through the end of the semester? Then this is the post for you! Check out how one of our Graduate Learning Coaches uses self-reflection and mental check-ins to optimize her work. 


Like us on Instagram (@uncwritingandlearning), Facebook (@uncwritingandlearning), and Twitter (@uncwritelearn).

The Employee Forum invites you to bleed Carolina blue at the annual Holiday Carolina Blood Drive 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at Fetzer Hall.


All presenting donors and volunteers will receive a commemorative T-shirt, and a variety of food and snacks will be provided. Free parking is also available in Cobb Deck.

Schedule your appointment today with sponsor code UNC: call 1-800-RED CROSS, visit Red Cross, or use the Blood Donor App.


Walk-ins will be accepted the day of the drive, but appointments are encouraged. Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at your donation with RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass.


For UNC employees, time donating blood or volunteering is considered worktime with supervisor permission. For additional event details or to volunteer, visit carolinablooddrive.unc.edu.


We know that there are many great stories and reasons for donating blood. Please take a moment to share what inspires you to donate blood.


We look forward to seeing you at this community event.


This message is sponsored by: Employee Forum

Orange County Solid Waste Department seeks feedback on services, Road to Zero Waste Plan


Orange County Solid Waste has released a survey seeking input on their services from County residents and businesses. The survey asks respondents to share their opinions on and experiences with current Orange County Solid Waste services and to shape its Road to Zero Waste Plan.

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and will be open until Dec. 7, 2022. To take the survey, visit www.orangecountync.gov/ZeroWaste. The results of the surveys will inform the Road to Zero Waste Plan and be presented to Orange County's Solid Waste Advisory Group. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Burmese and simplified Chinese.

“The feedback we receive through this survey will help inform how we are doing and how we can continue improving," said Robert Williams, Orange County Solid Waste Director. "It is important to us to solicit the opinions of our community as we make plans to pursue programs and practical technologies that minimize the volume and toxicity of wastes and protect the environment for future generations. If the survey piques your interest in your solid waste system, please do not hesitate to reach out to us to learn more. We will gladly answer your questions and help you navigate our services."

Residents are encouraged to take the survey and connect with Orange County officials. To learn more about Orange County Solid Waste and get answers to some of its most frequently asked questions, visit www.orangecountync.gov/2434/Frequently-Asked-Questions

The Orange County Solid Waste Management Department operates the Orange County Integrated Solid Waste Management facility, which contains the Construction and Demolition Landfill, Regulated Material Recycling, and Mulch and Compost Sales. The Department also manages the county’s comprehensive Recycling Collection Programs for residential and commercial entities and five Waste and Recycling Centers, including two with Household Hazardous Waste and Food Waste drop-offs.


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