The Student Government of the University of Nevada, Reno
The Student Government of the University of Nevada, Reno
Posted October 31, 2012 at 12:30 PM by Katie Hippert
Every week a poem is recited amongst a group of empowering women on campus that reminds them why they joined their club.
The women of Sisters on a Move (SOAM) recite “Our Deepest Fears” by Marianne Williamson at each meeting to reinforce the fact that “as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” Teeazha Akin, the club’s historian, says the reason is very simple.
‘It’s all about positivity,” she said. “Every time we read it, we get something new from it. It's powerful.”
SOAM is a community service-based club that volunteers for many different organizations in the community. The club was brought to Nevada in 2010 and is founded on principals similar to those of a sorority. The club aims to uplift, unite and motivate students on campus as well as in the community.
The club has roughly 25 to 30 members this year, which is 20 to 25 less than last year, largely due to students graduating and moving out of Reno. The majority of the current members are African American or Hispanic women but Akin stressed the fact that they are a club that is open to and accepts everyone.
“It’s a common misconception that we are a club for only African American women,” Akin said. “We are open to everyone, students of all colors, races and ethnicities and we welcome them with open arms.”
A large aspect of the club is bringing students together and encouraging them to become more involved in the community.
“Every other Saturday we get up early and do something good for the community,” Akin said. “Some weeks we will even have two projects in one day.”
The club has ongoing relationships with organizations like The Girl Scouts of Northern Nevada, St. Vincent’s, and the Reno Sparks Gospel Mission who they volunteer for regularly. In addition, they also initiate contact and reach out to other local organizations to ensure they have the help they need.
“We don’t turn down any requests,” Akin said. “If the community calls on us, we are ready to help. Even if we can only send a few girls, we will always be there!”
In addition to benefiting the community, SOAM provides many advantages to its members as well. Akin recalled life before being a member of the club and says she feels much more at home when she is around her sisters.
“Before I was in SOAM I felt very alone,” she said. “I would cry in my room every night just wanting to go home to my family. I didn’t know anyone here and that’s intimidating.”
Her expression immediately changed when she talked about life in the club.
“My sisters are my family,” she said with a beaming smile. “Where ever we go, we are always together and I love that.
If you would like to learn more about Sisters on a Move you can email Sistersonamoveunr@yahoo.com or stop by one of their meetings in the Joe Crowley Student Union on Thursdays at 6:30p.m.
Posted October 17, 2012 at 12:00 PM by Katie Hippert
The saying “come one, come all” is a direct representation of the Living Stones Club mission. The new club is just entering it’s second year on campus and is a sister group to those hosted by members of the Living Stones Church in Reno.
This Christian club brings nearly 10 groups on campus and focuses on bringing students together to talk about the word of God and to better...
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