STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

McDaniel College students come from all around and represent increasingly diverse backgrounds and perspectives. A variety of organizations offer endless opportunities for students to do work that increases multicultural awareness while also addressing critical issues that are of concern for students on campus, in the community and in the world. The ODMA provides support and assistance to the following student organizations in developing their leadership potential and in their efforts to provide culturally appropriate activities and programs on the campus of McDaniel College.

---

ALLIES
This organization was founded to provide understanding between the gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual, and transsexual communities. 

Goals of the group are:

• To educate both the campus community and those beyond;
• To provide support for members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transsexual communities;
• To enhance communication regarding matters pertaining to sexual orientation;
• To alleviate the problems of ignorance and discrimination

Past events include:  “Object of My Affection” movie and discussion, National Coming Out Day ribbon distribution.

---

  ASIAN COMMUNITY COALITION (ACC)

The purpose of the ACC is to:

• Educate people in general;
• Dispel stereotypes and myths about Asian cultures;
• Celebrate Asian cultures;
• Build community with Asian students

Past events include:  Taste of Asia, Lunar New Year Lunch at Forbidden City Restaurant, Taste of Korea dinner, Arigato Sensei, Chinese calligraphy night, Keynote speaker Cathy Bao Bean (author of The Chopstick-Fork Principle)

---

  BLACK STUDENT UNION (BSU)

The purpose of the BSU is to:

• First understand the heritage of the various Black cultures of the world;
• Educate McDaniel College and the surrounding community through the use of artistic, intellectual, and social networking programs;
• Serve as a support system for its members and those who express an interest in the organization’s goals

Past events include:  Keynote speakers – Bobby Seale, Nikki Giovanni, Soul Food Dinner, Keepin’ It Real Forum, A Woman’s Nia, Step Afrika performance, Annual Fashion Show, annual Martin Luther King Celebration

---

  HISPANO-LATINO ALLIANCE (HLA)

The mission of HLA is to promote Hispanic and Latino heritage.  HLA was established to promote cultural heritage through the medium of speakers, trips, and social functions.  The organization is open to any individual who wants to promote these goals.

Past events include:  Keynote speakers – Raul Yzaguirre, Hector Cantú, Felipe Luciano, Salsa Party, Spring Fling Piñatas, Folclórico San José dance performance, Taste of Latin America dinner

---

  INTERNATIONAL CLUB

The purpose of this organization is to:

• Promote friendship and understanding among international and non-international students at McDaniel College;
• Promote cross-cultural and international awareness among its members and the community;
• Represent the interests of the international student body towards the McDaniel community

Past events include:  International Dinner, NYC trip, Interclub Party, Holi celebration.

---

  WOMEN’S ISSUES GROUP (WIG)

This group encourages tolerance and diversity among all people.  It does not condone nor support discrimination, especially as it relates to gender. The group’s purpose is to educate the campus about issues pertaining to women and to celebrate the women of all cultures.

Past events include:  Women’s Conference, A Tribute to Women, Phenomenal Woman Recognition Luncheon, Vagina Monologues, Walk a Mile In Her Shoes, Cosy Sheridan performance of "The Pomegranate Seed"

---

The ODMA has recently begun assembling the leadership of the above-mentioned organizations for project collaboration, social activities, sharing of ideas and networking opportunities. This effort is known as Diversity Organizations' Resources and Support Network (D.O.R.S.Net). Our hope is that, through these networking opportunities, student leaders will grow in their ability to promote multicultural awareness and will enhance their capacity to be effective change agents on campus and in their communities.

At the end of each academic year, the Multicultural Leaders Banquet is held to celebrate and recognize the graduating seniors who have demonstrated consistent leadership in each of these organizations and who have enhanced diversity and multicultural awareness campus-wide.

The Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs also helps to support the work of other student-led groups as well. Organizations such as Sophisticated Ladies and Gentlemen, The Jewish Student Union, and The Maryland State Educators Association provide outreach and opportunities to get involved in such efforts as the dinner to celebrate 50 Years of African Independence, participating in Jewish High Holy Day services in the community and with other colleges in the area, and welcoming local youth to campus for educational programs.