From: Jair Lecky
Date: September 21, 2022
Subject: MANeuvering VCU | Vol. 1, No. 1



MANeuvering VCU | Vol. 1, No. 1

Hello Men of Color (MOC)! Welcome to MANuevering VCU, the official newsletter of Men's Multicultural Collective (MMC), and VCU's only newsletter tailored specifically for Men of Color at VCU!

MMC is an office led group created to support ALL VCU students identifying as Men of Color (MOC). This includes Indigenous, Black/African American, Asian/Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latino, and Multiracial MOC. This also includes undergraduate, graduate, and professional MOC. MMC works to offer large scale programming, small group programming, 1 on 1 support, and community engagement opportunities. Click here to learn more about MMC.

Please read the entirety of this email to get plugged into events and resources for MOC. Additionally, please email me (leckyjj@vcu.edu) if there is anything you would like included in future editions of MANuevering VCU.
 
- Jair Lecky, Program Manager for Men of Color Initiatives 

Upcoming Events

Latine Heritage Month 

September 15th to October 15th is Latine Heritage Month! Latine Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. 

Browse this linktree page to explore the diverse lineup of events being hosted by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, additional campus offices, student organizations, and the greater Richmond Community. 

Book Reading Group

Men's Multicultural Collective (MMC) will be starting a book reading group for Men of Color (MOC). The book that we will be reading together is The Will To Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love by bell hooks. This is an awesome opportunity for MOC to read a great book, dig deep into any messages that resonate with them, and connect with other MOC. The book reading group will meet weekly starting the week of 9/19. Two weekly sections will be offered: Monday's from 2pm-3pm and then Thursday's from 10:30am-11:30am. Please register to the weekly section you can commit to, then a follow up message will be sent out regarding how to pick up your book. Make sure to register on Ramsconnect. 

NBA Tip-Off Watch Party

Men’s Multicultural Collective is hosting an NBA Tip-Off Watch Party on Tuesday, October 18 at 7 PM in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. Join us as we celebrate the first game of the NBA regular season between the 76ers and the Celtics. This will be a great opportunity to connect with other Men of Color, enjoy food, and cheer on your favorite team - we look forward to seeing you there! Make sure to register on RamsConnect

Crucial Conversations: Real Talk About Dating, Sex, and Relationships

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, UCS Advocacy Services and Men's Multicultural Collective presents Crucial Conversations: Dating, Sex, and Relationships for Men of Color (MOC). The workshop series will be a safe space for Men of Color to engage in "real talk". 

The workshops will be every Tuesday in October from 4:30 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. Register for the first session on RamsConnect

 

University Conunseling Services (UCS) Support Groups


UCS offers support groups! Support groups are different from therapy groups in that their PRIMARY aim is to help you gain peer support and to build community with other students, particularly those who may share an identity you hold. Unlike our therapy groups, support group members are encouraged to build connections outside of the group. You do NOT have to complete an intake appointment or be an enrolled client at UCS to participate in these support groups.

Many of these groups are identity based. Select the group you'd like to join and complete the interest form. The group leader will contact you with guidance for the next steps to get started

Leadership Opportunity 

Are you interested in planning programs and building queer community at VCU? The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) is proud to present PRISM, a new, LGBTQIA+, student-led group to plan and implement programs for queer students at VCU. We are now taking applications for the five (5) executive board positions. The PRISM e-board will be advised by Beck Oh, OMSA's Interim Program Manager for LGBTQIA+ Initiatives. 

If interested, please apply by Friday, September 23, 11:59PM. Interviews will be conducted the following week, with decisions made around Monday, October 3. 

Volunteer Opportunity 

Men's Multicultural Collective (MMC) will be traveling to the Peter Paul Foundation Center every Tuesday from 4pm-5pm to volunteer. Peter Paul is a network of Promise Centers in the East End of Richmond. Each Promise Center offers a full array of services to fulfill Peter Paul’s purpose statement to Educate the Child, Engage the Family, and Empower the Community. Programs include a unique combination of out-of-school time programming for students, plus intentional family and community enrichment and engagement.

This volunteer opportunity requires 10 CONSISTENT Men of Color that can be available every Tuesday this semester (excluding holiday breaks) from 4pm-5pm. A ride will be provided every week to and from the location (Peter Paul is located about 10 minutes away). Volunteering will consistent of working with young children from the ages of 7-10 as either:

  • Reading Buddy: Volunteers will meet 1 on 1 with a student and engage in reading, literacy activities, and games. Homework time may be included if appropriate. 
  • Math Buddy: Volunteers will work 1 on 1 with a student, practice grade-appropriate math skills, and engage in remedial activities and games. Homework time may be included if appropriate. 
This volunteer opportunity will begin the second week of October, if interested, email Jair Lecky (leckyjj@vcu.edu) ASAP for more details!

Job Opportunities

Scholarship Coordinator: The Office of Student Services in the College of Humanities and Sciences invites applicants to join our team to provide administrative coordinator support as a Scholarship Coordinator. The Office of Student Services in the Dean’s Office provides essential academic administration services to the Assistant Director of Student Services and all undergraduate students in the College. A high school degree or GED is required, click here to apply. 

TRiO Program Administrative Assistant: This position provides complex and professional administrative support and manages the TRIO office through extensive record keeping, securing and maintaining student files, data entry into the U.S. Department of Education database, and assisting with correspondence. The TRIO Program Administrative Assistant provides customer service to internal and external stakeholders including students and their families, as well as vendors and colleagues across the University. Other duties include making travel arrangements for students and professional staff, ordering supplies, and providing programmatic support. This position directly supervises student employees and is a resource for all prospective and current TRIO students. Participation in the U.S. Department of Education TRIO programs training and some travel are expected. One year of office or administrative experience is required. Click here to apply. 

Student Worker - IT Assistant: The VCU School of Nursing is seeking candidates who will serve as an Information Technology Assistant.  This position would work in a team environment with opportunities for career development and mentoring. Click here to apply. 

Student Spotlight: Donté Jackson

Donté is a senior from Richmond & Goochland majoring in Environmental Studies. When asked why he came to VCU he said: Honestly, I chose VCU because it was the best option financially for me, and since transferring to VCU I believe it was the best decision for me. VCU is a more diverse place than where I used to live, so it's an interesting place with interesting people. The school offers plenty to explore. Unfortunately, my major is not very big at the school, but the plus side is I can be closer to the professors and staff of Environmental Studies. They have all been very helpful.

This year, Donté is looking forward to attending a more diverse range of events unlike previous year. He currently works in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs as an Office Assistant, and is a part of the VCU Bird-Window Collision Survey. 

In his spare time, catch Donté listening to music, attending concerts, playing his electric bass, watching anime, reading, traveling, and hiking. 

Keep up to date with Donté through spotify, instagram, and linkedin

Campus Resource Highlight: Ram Pantry

Join the Ram Pantry in the fight to reduce food waste! We are seeking students, faculty and staff whom would like to receive FREE surplus produce and bread that would otherwise go to waste. For more information, please email rampantry@vcu.edu or complete the following form: https://forms.gle/E1tALMG8SnvVVBto8. The pantry is open Mondays-Thursdays from 12-6 in the University Student Commons Room 121.  


Stay/Get Connected

Hello Men of Color! I would love to hear more about your experience at VCU, any programming ideas you have, and how I can support you better. If you would like to connect, send me an email (leckyjj@vcu.edu) to set up a meeting. Also, I provide the option for in-person or virtual drop in hours weekly Monday's from 2pm-3pm & Wednesday's from 5pm-6pm. My office is location in the University Commons in suite 215 (right above the subway on the 2nd floor).

The future is bright.

- Jair Lecky, Program Manager for Men of Color Initiatives

MANeuvering VCU | Vol. 1, No. 1