Racial Issues
An Issue in Bloomington.
Bloomington is a diverse community with many different groups and traditions. ARC works with community partners and students to create programs to alleviate the issues that come with this diversity.
ARC Projects
Radio Latina
Radio Latina is a spanish language radio station that is ran completely by IWU students. Tune in to WESN 88.1 FM every day at 12:30 pm to listen!
YWCA Racial Justice Council
The Racial Justice Council is a body made up of members from dozens of community entitieses whose representaves articulated a call to build awareness around systemic inequality, and that above all the Council is to be a forum for "less talk, more action." It is currently exploring ways to mitigate educational ineqaquality and begin dialogues around privilege within the Bloomington-Normal community.
Academics
Hist 343 United States Immigration History (Ch, U): Survey of immigration in the 19th and 20th centuries. Focuses on the ways race, ethnicity, gender, class, and national ideals shaped the lives of immigrants during this period. Also explores the dynamic and creative ways that immigrants and ethnics have confronted and shaped American culture and society. Offered in alternate years. Soc 120 Social Problems (si): Explores injurious social conditions in society, their causes and consequences, and the policies designed to ameliorate them. Includes such issues as street crime, drug use, poverty, welfare, and urban decay. Offered each semester. Soc 230 Race and Ethnic Relations (si, U): Examines the structural and institutional contexts of majority and minority group relations, the historical roots of discrimination and prejudice, and the dynamics of intergroup conflict, with special emphasis on the African-American experience. Offered each semester. Spanish 240 Spanish for Social Justice (U, W): Students develop language skills and cultural competency for situations that focus on social justice. Fieldwork in one of the following areas: immigration, housing, education, employment and voter rights is a key part of the course. Prerequisite: 201 or equivalent. Offered alternate years, fall semester. ED 372 English Language Learners: Investigation of the needs and challenges faced by English language learners. Emphasis on understanding students from different cultures, theories of second language acquisition, ways to support English language development, teaching academic content, and effectively engaging families of English Language Learners in the education process. Field placement in a bilingual school setting or in an adult E.S.L. class. Prerequisites: 225 and 255 or consent of instructor. Offered in alternate years, fall.
Community Partners
Western Avenue Community Center
Mid-Central Community Action Center
Volunteer
The Immigration Project
In Bloomington this summer? Consider volunteering with the Citizenship Team at the Immigration Project! The Immigration Project is a not-for-profit legal immigration services agency here in Bloomington. We have an urgent need for volunteers for our Citizenship Team. These individuals will be assisting legal permanent residents (those with 'green cards') take the final step to becoming a United States Citizen by helping them with the application process and forms. We are looking for individuals who can commit to volunteer 8 hours or more per month through the summer. Volunteers need to be computer literate and available during normal business hours. After that - we are very flexible! Fluency in Spanish or French is a plus but not a must! Visit our website and contact us at 829-8703.Hispanic Outreach Volunteer Opportunities
Bilingual fluent in Spanish/English volunteers are needed in our Hispanic Outreach Department at Western Avenue Community Center. Volunteers will assist Hispanic families with interpretation, translation, and other needs. Volunteers will need to complete an interview, orientation, and background check. Website: http://www.westernavenuecc.orgCheck out the Student Volunteer and Resource Center for more opportunities.
Internships
See the IWU Career Center for internships!
Historically, we have had internships with: The Immigration Project, the YWCA, and Mid-Central Community Action.
Have an Idea?
Email ARC and let us know what you're thinking!! arc@iwu.edu