USSU Centres

I guess I should start by introducing myself! I’m Heather Kevill, the new USSU Women’s Centre Coordinator. I’m a third year Sociology and Women & Gender Studies Double Honours major. I’m so excited about my new position with the USSU! The entire staff is absolutely amazing; everyone is so nice and welcoming. I am especially excited about working with the new Exec and my fellow Centre coordinators. If you haven’t met Jack and Natalya yet, I suggest you wander down to the Help Centre (Nat) and up to the Pride Centre (Jack). These two people could possibly be my soul mates and I can’t wait to organize so many fun events with them for the upcoming school year!

I started volunteering at the Women’s Centre last winter and instantly fell in love with all the people and programs it offers. With new friends and old ones, I helped plan and organize a couple of great campaigns on campus. For instance, we organized the Women’s Centre first ever Menstrual Product Drive. For a week, we were set up in the Arts tunnel collecting donation items such as tampons, pads, and reusable cups to give to the Saskatoon Food Bank. Many women who utilize organizations such as the Food Bank can’t afford menstrual products, so they often resort to items found around the home like yarn, old newspapers, or rags. We received a lot of positive feedback and support from the community. It is campaigns and events such as this one that has got me pumped for the next year and all the exciting opportunities that go along with this position.

If you’re looking for a fun, relaxing space to hang out in during the summer and/or school year, come to the Women’s Centre! We have couches, vagina pillows, an extensive library, movies, craft supplies, a volunteer iMac computer, a microwave, great information and resources, and me, to welcome you with open arms! We’re always accepting new volunteers and new friends. Come hang out with me!!!

Can’t wait to meet each and every one of you,

Heather

Posted by jbv373 at 02:43 PM | Permalink

Let me introduce myself, my name is Natalya and I’m the new Help Centre Coordinator. I’ve been a USSU volunteer for the past two years, but now they let me have an office with a real phone and computer and business cards and everything! It’s the real deal. My first month as a coordinator has been magnificent. I’ve been busy cleaning and decorating the space. I’ve also been busy getting to know the staff and executive. Not only are they really nice people, but they’re also exceptionally good looking. Seriously. If you haven’t met the new executive yet I highly suggest you introduce yourself the next time you see them around. You won’t regret it.

I’ve also been spending a lot of time with Jack and Heather, the new Pride and Women’s Centre coordinators. We all fell in love instantly, and I can assure you, this year will be unlike any other. We’ve got lots of plans in the works for Welcome Week and the first couple months of school. If you’re in the city on June 16th and you would like to join us in the Pride Parade we’d love to have you. We’re dressing up as the Gay Gods, so all you’ll need is a toga (aka a cheap bed sheet) to join in the fun. If you want to get in on all the USSU action feel free to stop by any of the centres to ask for a volunteer application. Join our Facebook pages to keep up on all the latest happenings.

I should tell you a bit about myself as well… Like I said, my name is Natalya. I was born and raised in West Philadelphia. Chillin’ out and maxin’. Sometimes relaxin’ all cool. Shootin’ some b-ball outside of the school. Kidding… I wish I was that cool. I was actually born on campus. The day I was born they changed the name from the University Hospital to the Royal University Hospital and there were fireworks. I guess you could say I’m a pretty big deal. I’m a psychology major in my 4th year—Although I’m planning on sticking around for a couple more years. Slow and steady wins the race, right?

Come stop by my office and say hello. I’ll bribe you if I have to: I’ve got plenty of condoms, lube, razors, pads, tampons, pamphlets, buttons and seasons of early ninety’s TV shows to keep you amused. There’s also a wonderful exam file full of previous tests and labs so you can ace all of your summer classes. If you’re looking to get rid of any old exams I would be happy to take them off your hands. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the year!

Yours truly,

Natalya

Posted by jbv373 at 10:50 AM | Permalink

With spring in full swing, the effects of this new position have been hitting me as hard as seasonal allergies. Unlike seasonal allergies, this new position of being the Pride Centre Coordinator has granted me the ability to breathe in the pollen that is the USSU.

Understanding the roots of the USSU and the University have brought about a new appreciation for the community here, for this second year English major. The history of the USSU dates back to 1909. A time when, well, lets face it, a Cree bisexual transgender man such as myself would not have had the opportunity to apply for such a fabulous job. However, through the hard work and determination within the USSU and the greater Saskatoon community, we are growing seeds of change. The staff at the USSU have been more than welcoming to all of the new centre coordinators and I am forever grateful to be a part of such a diverse team.

Diversity has always been a large part of my life, from growing up in Calgary, to establishing communities across Canada. The diversity here in Saskatoon is growing substantially and I am more than excited to be a part of it, while flourishing the distinct Queer community.

That being said, the Queer community is not just for LGBTTQ people; rather for all peoples who are interested and committed to creating a more welcoming environment. I’d like to invite each and every one of y’all (Calgary background “coming out”) to stop by the Pride Centre or like our FB page for amazing opportunities to create positive change! Or to simply know where and when a sweet hang out opportunity is!

My name is Jack Saddleback, I am from the Samson Cree Nation in Hobbema, Alberta, and I am ridiculously exciting at being able to work with y’all in growing a fantastic community.

Have a good one,
Jack

Posted by jbv373 at 02:48 PM | Permalink