Save the Campus Women's Center, a student group formed after the Campus Women's Center was denied funding for the 2010-'11 school year, held a volunteer meeting Sunday to discuss possible future actions in support of the CWC.
The Associated Students of Madison's Student Services Finance Committee denied funding to the CWC Wednesday. The SSFC concluded the CWC did not meet the requirement of focusing over 50 percent of its time on direct, non-event services to students.
Representatives from the CWC were in attendance to update students on recent events. They emphasized their belief that the SSFC's denial of funding was an honest mistake based on the vague nature of required paperwork.
A hearing for the CWC is scheduled for Thursday night at the Student Activity Center.
Save the CWC is comprised of concerned students in support of the campus resource, and is not affiliated with the CWC.
""I feel that women are traditionally marginalized in society, but on this campus we are 52 percent of the student body,"" Save the CWC co-founder Jenny Wustmann said.
""Women do confront different issues than men, and there needs to be a safe space for them on campus where they can come talk about these issues, where they can have access to resources,"" she said. ""I think that's what's really important.""
The group's goal is to secure funding for the CWC for the 2010-'11 school year. They have begun a promotion encouraging students to wear blue on Thursdays as a sign of solidarity with the CWC. They intend to continue this campaign until the desired funding is secured.
Improving awareness and gathering support in the community will be a main focus of the group.
""We actually have been getting a lot of e-mails from alumni, from current students, from friends of students who have all been positively affected by the Campus Women's Center over the years,"" Wustmann said.
A letter-writing campaign will appeal to concerned individuals and other community members as the group seeks alternative sources of funding.
Save the CWC is heartened by the support they have seen so far from the student body.
""I am very encouraged by how many people have approached me personally,"" Save the CWC co-founder Jessi Indresano said. ""I do, however, know that we have a large student body, so there is always work to be done. That's why we're here, and that's why we're going to move forward.""
