A total of $965.95 in grants has been awarded to two Colorado State University-Pueblo student organizations for upcoming projects from the Student Organization Finance Committee.
The SOFC, a subcommittee from CSU-Pueblo’s Associated Student Government, approved the requests during a Sept. 28 meeting.
While the bulk of the grant money went to one student organization, the amount is not considered a high percentage awarded to a single activity, according to Nicky Damania, CSU-Pueblo’s director of Student Activities. Also, student organizations can obtain funding through ASG/Student Life which asks for sponsorship dollars from departments and offices.
Tommy Farrell, president of PRIZM, requested for $65.95 to buy foam boards to display personal stories from club members at the National Coming Out Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12 in the Occhiato University Center. Farrell, 22, a senior majoring in political science, said the event promotes awareness in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.
PRIZM fights for human rights and allows people a freedom of expression without fear of repercussion, he said.
“The event is a public awareness gathering in which student body, faculty and community can read stories from our members, as well as share their own,” Farrell said. “Our success will be based upon the participation at the event.”
Rachel Donohue-Dupler, who represented the Voices of Empowerment, requested $550 to promote the second annual Die-In from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at the campus fountain, followed by a Candlelight Vigil at 7 p.m. in the OUC.
Donohue-Dupler, 21, a senior majoring in political science and social work, said the money will buy crime scene tape, processional candles and food for volunteers who assisted with the project. Club members will lie on the ground to illustrate Pueblo’s high number of domestic violence victims, and walk the campus grounds with lit candles, she said.
In addition to the $550, the VOE also received $350 for poster boards, rubber cement, sharpie pens and other materials to make cardboard silhouettes to advertise the event. Donohue-Dupler said the silhouettes, which promote Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, are displayed on all campus buildings.
The VOE promotes awareness of domestic abuse, racism and sexism, she said. Through this event, the student organization hopes to educate students that domestic violence is unacceptable, she said, and encourage people to break away from their abusive situation and get help.
“Pueblo has a high rate of domestic violence and it is getting worse,” Donohue-Dupler said.
Damania said SOF grants are available to registered student organizations for programs, events, and travel that enhance overall quality of student life on campus.
“The Student Organization Finance Committee makes every effort to help student organizations,” Damania said. “Student organizations have a higher chance of being allotted their requested amount if the officers work with us on their grant application.”
