What is the need for a women's resource center?

Since the 1970s, university women's centers have been responding to inequities experienced by women in and out of the classroom. Women's centers serve as a centralized campus location where students, staff, and faculty can access information and address a multitude of women's issues and concerns. Today, women's centers provide the university community a chance to actively take part in identifying and addressing current women's and gender related issues, working on climate and policy issues, and creating a wide array of educational programming.
Cornell University has had a strong history of providing a quality coeducational experience for women and men alike. We were one of the first universities in the Northeast to admit women, one of the first to have a Women's Studies Program, and one of the first to engage in an assessment of the climate for women in 1973. However, women in higher education continue to have a "gendered" educational experience--whether it be issues of sexual harassment or sexual assault, absence of role models and mentors, safety or childcare. As a student organization the CWRC provides resources, information, and referral; educational programming, and advocacy and support in order to foster a more vibrant campus community by supporting the full and active participation of women students in both their personal and educational pursuits.

How does the Cornell Women's Resource Center work with the Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies Program?



The CWRC has a strong connection with the Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies Program. The CWRC provides a multitude of resources, activities and opportunities for FGSS students and faculty. For students pursuing a FGSS Undergraduate Minor, Undergraduate Concentration, or Graduate Minor, the CWRC allows a place for theory and praxis to merge through experiential learning, activism, and community service opportunities. To find out more about the Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies Program call 607-255-6480.

What are some reasons why women would visit the Women's Resource Center?

There are many reasons why women would visit the Women's Resource Center. Here are a few:


~ To browse our brochure and handout collection. Looking for information on dating, stress, health, sexual harassment, or on the many local agencies in Tompkins County? We have the resources and staff to help.
~ Because we have a great lending library. Over 1000 books, cool magazines and topical files. Whether writing a paper or reading for pleasure, be sure to check us out.
~ To get involved in a community service project that serves women in our community. Last year we walked for breast cancer research and to benefit Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance. What do you want to do this year?
~ So you can find out what's going on. We have a great weekly calendar of events. Each week women-focused events, scholarships, and volunteer opportunities are highlighted. Subscribe now--send a message to listproc@cornell.edu in the body of the message write: subscribe CWRC-L yourfirstname yourlastname
~ To get involved with Forword,our literary magazine. It's published once a year. Submit some of your work-short stories, poetry, artwork or photography. Or help out with design and layout. And if you can't get involved, at lease stop by a pick up your free issue!
~ To volunteer for the center. The CWRC is always looking for volunteers to plan programs, staff the office, or just hang fliers. Get back to your Rosie the Riveter roots and say "We Can Do It!"
~ Hang out, read a magazine, take a break from studying, grab lunch or just escape. We might not have a big office but there is always room for a friend.
~ Attend a CWRC program or workshop. Learn self-defense or how to change your oil. Discuss current events over dinner with some friends in our Food Chain dining circles. Read your poetry at WordJam. Or sit back and enjoy a theatrical performance.
~ You'll get to meet other women and men who are interested in women's issues. Here's your chance to make friends, meet cool people, be an activist or an advocate or an observer-you're always welcome.
~ Learn how to be an agent for change. After all, this campus is your home. If you want to work on improving the climate for women, changing a policy, or raising awareness, we'd be happy to help you get started.
~ Apply to be on our Advisory Board. This is a great way to have a say in the future of the center. Applications are accepted throughout the year and openings and elections take place in the spring.

How can I become involved?

Here are just a few of the ways in which you can become involved with the CWRC:


~ Become a CWRC volunteer,
~ Subscribe to the CWRC listserv,
~ Help develop, design, and deliver programs and events
~ Attend CWRC sponsored and co-sponsored events
~ Contribute artwork, poetry, photos, or essays to Forword
~ Work on layout, editing and design with the Forword team
~ Visit the lending library
~ Organize a fundraiser or community service project
~ Apply to the CWRC Advisory Board
~ Act as a liaison between the CWRC and other organizations that you are involved with
~ Study, hang out, join us for lunch, or browse through our resources
~ Help staff the office
~ Assist with tabling, chalking, and hanging fliers-in other words, help us spread the word!

Can men become involved in the Women's Resource Center?



Yes! Men can and are involved with the Women's Resource Center. Men, as well as women, may utilize our resources and services, attend our programs, participate in community service activities, and support our efforts. Here are a few other reasons why men might visit the Women's Resource Center:



~ To check out a book from our lending library to help with a research project or term paper. (Did you know we have over 1000 books in our library?)
~ To browse our brochure and handout collection. (Looking for information on healthy dating, helping a friend in crisis, or on the many local agencies in Tompkins County? We have the resources and staff to help out!)
~ To get involved in a community service project-walk for breast cancer research in honor of your mom or raise money for violence against women prevention. (Better yet, we'll help you plan your own project!)
~ To subscribe to the CWRC listserv-where you can find out about campus-wide programs and events. (Our weekly calendar highlights many women and gender focused events a week!)
~ To help out with layout and design of our literary magazine-Forword. (It's published once a year. If you're into design, photography, or artwork then this is the place for you.)
~ To schedule a presentation for your organization, residence hall, or fraternity on any number of interesting issues.
~ To access information, resources, or referral for a woman in your life who may need some support.
~ To find out how you can be an ally to women on campus.
~ Apply to be on our Advisory Board.