Posts with the tag campusprogress

Amazing events with Wichita Campus Progress chapter!

Tanya Paperny — Tue, 19 May 2009 17:16:19 EDT

an Update from Campus Progress student Chris Hicks:

Wichita State University’s Campus Progress chapter held two successful and engaging events about student debt on April 16th with a “Student Debt Money Machine” and a panel entitled “Debt Hits Hard.”

At the money machine, students were encouraged to get inside of a glass case filled with fake money. The air machine would kick on and while the fake money flew around the individual, they tried to gather as much as they could for 15 seconds. After exiting the cash cube with fake money, it was added to an amount of “student debt”. Each participant was given a blue Campus Progress nametag with “Hello, my student debt level is $______,” where they could write in how much student debt they accumulated in the money machine.

The second event, the “Debt Hits Hard” panel, was held in the evening with three speakers: Bill Shiebler, National Field Director of the United States Student Association; Lindsey McCluskey, Massachusetts Students Uniting; Pedro De La Torre III, the Advocacy Senior Associate from Campus Progress; and with moderator Tanya Paperny, Network Associate from Campus Progress.

Each speaker stressed the growing need for student debt relief with examples of Sallie Mae and other top companies that make extensive profits through private loans they offer to students. Pedro De La Torre III presented several shocking facts about the rise of student debt, showing that the price of a college education has skyrocketed just over the past few decades. Bill Shiebler outlined that while America likes to be the most competitive country in the world, we are one of the few that have invested heavily in education. In fact, because America does not invest in education like other countries, we are becoming less and less competitive intellectually and technologically. Lindsey McCluskey highlighted that working with Administrators, Boards of Regents, and other decision-makers is how to Massachussetts group is working to make college affordable.

All three delivered animated speeches that encouraged students to speak out against problems with the monetary cost of education, with emphasis on how to make real changes on their own campus. Finally, they informed the audience of the National Call-In Day that was held on April 21st where students could call in to their state representatives and senators to lobby for budget reconciliation in the first version of the Federal Budget to ensure that more money would go toward higher education and Pell grants. And just a few days later, on April 29th, the Federal Budget passed in the House and Senate!

Student Network Retreat Was a Blast!

Tanya Paperny — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:17:35 EDT

Last weekend, Campus Progress Student Representatives gathered in Washington, DC for the first annual Campus Progress National Student Network Retreat.

Students met in DC to receive training on starting issue campaigns, recruitment and retention, planning events, grassroots lobbying, utilizing the media, and more. They also started planning some great ideas for the 08-09 school year in issue-based committees, which are new to the Campus Progress Student Network, and in regional break-out sessions.

Student Reps headed back to Campus on Sunday ready to fight for social change. They are working on issues as different as climate change, capital punishment, college affordability, poverty, civic engagement, and LGBT rights (to name a few), but are united by a strong vision of better future and a commitment to fight for justice, equality, and opportunity.

Check out some pictures from the retreat:

If you are having trouble loading the slideshow, click here!

If you would like to get involved in the student network, click here!

Yay! Campus Progress Got an Apocalyptic Postcard!

Tanya Paperny — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:18:10 EDT

We got mail:

I am surprised that "Acceptance of Homosexuality" and "Liberal Activist Judges" aren't on there.

I like how not -all- the boxes are checked, implying that this is a warning to be heeded and it's not too late. If there's a deadly gamma ray burst, I'll be sure to get in touch with this dude...Oh wait, he didn't leave a return address.

Join the Campus Progress Student Network Today!

Tanya Paperny — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:44:06 EDT

Want strengthen the progressive movement on your campus, bring engaging speakers and films to jumpstart dialogue, and engage in activism on local and national issues?

Then join the Campus Progress Student Network for 2008-2009! We’re currently still accepting applications to join the 100-student team of Student Representatives from the across the country who work with the staff and resources of Campus Progress to advance progressive causes at the local level and make their voices heard on the issues they care most about.