Personal Empowerment

"We must realize that our future lies chiefly in our hands...that to fully succeed [we] must participate the virtues of self-reliance, self-respect, industry, perseverance, and economy."

-Paul Robeson

 

PEP 2006-2007 MULTICULTURAL PROGRAMS

Students are invited to drop-in at the PEP office in SUB I, Room 221, to meet the PEP staff and learn how the staff and services of PEP will be helpful to them. Below are some of the programs PEP offers during the year.

Conversation Hour

Conversation Hour is a discussion group held for students to openly discuss issues related to their personal, academic, cultural and social lives and
experiences. The goal of the discussions is to help students develop effective coping skills and strategies. Students are encouraged to bring topics for discussion. Topics of discussion may include building positive relationships between men and women, issues of diversity within employment and education in the 21st century, and internship opportunities that enhance career options and goals. Students are encouraged to bring topics for discussion.

Faculty and Staff Forums

Faculty and staff forums give students the opportunity to meet with Mason faculty and staff. These forums have ranged from the cultural, sociopolitical, to the personal perspective, and international developments. Forums will take place monthly. For more information call the PEP office at (703) 993-2377.

Akoma Circle

“Akoma” is an Akan term from Ghana used to describe the joining or uniting of two hearts. It is an Adinkra symbol of togetherness and unity in both thought and deed. Akoma Circle is an official GMU student-led organization that works in collab-
oration with the Peer Empowerment Program. The Akoma Circle pairs freshmen and transfer students with volunteer student mentors. The mentor’s main goal is to help the new student with academic and social issues that he or she will face during the first year. To become part of the Circle, contact a peer counselor at PEP or call (703) 993-2377.

The Empowerment Enrichment Mentoring Program

The Empowerment Mentoring Program is a collaborative effort between Akoma Circle and the Peer Empowerment Program. It encourages volunteerism and allows Peer Educators to serve as mentors by linking them with local elementary school programs.

Health Promotion Series

The Health Promotion Series, a joint venture with the Nursing Department, promotes health education programs that address the health issues affecting students. Programs have included: sexual awareness, stress management, cholesterol testing, and hypertension. The Health Series runs throughout the Spring semester.

Workshop / Consultation Services

Under the supervision of Staff Psychologists, Peer Counselors/Educators form collaborative relationships with student organizations and serve as consultants. In this role, Peer Educators/Counselors aim to first assess some of the unique needs of the organization and then, based on this assessment, provide workshops to address these concerns. Emphasis is placed on working with student organizations that represent multiculturally diverse populations. Topics of these workshops are mutually decided upon by Peer Educators/Counselors and members of the organization. For more information contact Dr. LaVonne Browne at (703) 993-2380