Texas Conference for Women helps Americorps VISTA with Personal Development

by Samantha Dominquez

This year marks the third year the Women's Fund of El Paso has sponsored the scholarship program, providing $5,000 to cover the cost of sending 10 girls and two chaperones to the conference. The Center for Civic Engagement graciously sponsored Samantha Dominguez, a Texas Campus Compact Americorps VISTA to attend the annual Texas Conference for Women as a chaperone.

 She was able to mentor to these 10 young women talking about University ambitions, passions and life goals.  "I was able to really learn about these girls who came from different backgrounds which allowed me to learn about myself and I am very grateful to Texas Campus Compact and the Center for Civic Engagement for this experience," said Dominguez. The conference, which attracts more than 7,500 women from across the state, includes a Young Women's Program - speakers and topics that encourage young women to overcome obstacles and maximize their potential.

 Keynote speakers at the 10th annual conference include finance guru Suze Gorman and Latin American author Isabelle Allende and Olympic gymnast, Nastia Liukin. As an Americorps VISTA this opportunity would not have happened and would not have the opportunity to meet young ambitious women in the El Paso bordering community.  "I am going to try really hard to be successful because this was such a great opportunity. The conference inspired me a lot. If all those women can, then I can, too,"said 16 year old Karina Rocha, talking about her trip to the Texas Conference for Women.  Samantha Dominguez is a TxCC VISTA located at TxCC's VISTA  host site at the University of Texas-El Paso.

For more information about the Center for Civic Engagement visit www.utep.edu/cce.

 For more information about the Texas Conference for Women visit www.txconferenceforwomen.org .

Other article about the Terrific Ten Student Scholarship visit http://www.elpasoinc.com/readArticle.aspx?issueid=258&xrec=4623

President Obama Signs National Mentoring Month 2010 Proclamation

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
January 04, 2010

Presidential Proclamation - National Mentoring Month
A PROCLAMATION

Every day, mentors in communities across our Nation provide crucial support and guidance to young people. Whether a day is spent helping with homework, playing catch, or just listening, these moments can have an enormous, lasting effect on a child's life. During National Mentoring Month, we recognize those who give generously of themselves by mentoring young Americans.

As tutors, coaches, teachers, volunteers, and friends, mentors commit their time and energy to kids who may otherwise lack a positive, mature influence in their lives. Their impact fulfills critical local needs that often elude public services. Our government can build better schools with more qualified teachers, but a strong role model can motivate students to do their homework. Lawmakers can put more police officers on our streets and ensure our children have access to high-quality health care, but the advice and example of a trusted adult can keep kids out of harm's way. Mentors are building a brighter future for our Nation by helping our children grow into productive, engaged, and responsible adults.

Read the entire proclaimation...

The article, "Engaged Times" recently crossed my desk and I'd like to take this opportunity to share with you some important resources that Julie Elkins, Ed.D., author and Director of Academic Initiatives for National Campus Compact recommends: 

The 10 Best College Presidents. This is a Time feature from November 11, 2009. The important story here is the opportunity for influence and the potential spheres of influence for College Presidents. http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1937938_1937934,00.html

The College Presidency and Civic Engagement: Player or Spectator? A brief narrative description of the journal article, document, or resource.Examines perspectives on the role of college presidents in shaping public policy. Reports on a national survey of presidents regarding civic engagement, which highlights diverse strategies of engagement. http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/custom/portlets/recordDetails/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=EJ654282&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=EJ654282

Interview with Dr. Lynn Suydam, President of St. Louis Community College at Meramec.  She provides advice to other presidents and chancellors to encourage them to integrate service learning and civic engagement into their campuses and classrooms. www.mc.maricopa.edu/other/engagement/Journal/.../Suydam.pd

Presidents Declaration.  It is a challenge to higher education to become engaged, through actions and teaching, with its communities. 1999.

http://www.compact.org/resources-for-presidents/presidents-declaration-on-the-civic-responsibility-of-higher-education/about-the-declaration/

Please remember, Texas Campus Compact is your premier, statewide educational advocacy coalition for the promotion of civic engagement and community based service learning.  If there is anything that I can do for you, please - as always - feel free to contact me.  We remain grateful for your continued investment in The Compact and for your commitment to closing the gaps of educational inequity here in Texas ----- Patricia