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Printer-Friendly ModeVolunteers to work with gay and lesbian issues
February 8, 2010 —
With spring break coming up, one Alternative Break group is excited to take on a controversy.
The group, dedicated to cultural awareness, will head to Columbus, Ohio, as part of the on-campus organization that sends volunteer groups around the United States and the world. There, they will work with a gay and lesbian rights organization.
“The social issue of LGBT equality is something that our particular AB program has never explored,” said Meghan Champeau, coordinator for the organization’s domestic breaks. “When Cultural Awareness was chosen as an issue, I knew that I wanted to find an organization that advocated for human equality.”
The group will work with Equality Ohio, an organization that formed five years ago in response to Ohio’s ban on same-sex marriage. The organization’s mission is to promote gay and lesbian rights by sharing experiences, campaigning for legislation and teaching others acceptance.
“In general, I feel that people forget that culture is more than just gender, race and ethnicity,” Champeau said.
Site leader Allegra Bice was surprised when she learned of the service they would perform.
“When I found out, I was excited but I had worries, too,” Bice said. “I knew it would be a challenge because it is a negatively stereotyped group.”
Expecting to be working with racial minorities, many members of the group had similar reactions. One member dropped out of the program, citing religious conflicts.
“I knew it would be a controversial issue,” said Rachel Bouwhuis, the group’s other site leader. “But we tried to prepare participants in the interview by asking questions about the issue.”
Bouwhuis and Bice are not letting the one dropped breaker get in the way of their service.
“There are a lot more people willing to help than we expected,” Bouwhuis said.
Both Bouwhuis and Bice agreed they are extremely proud of their remaining breakers because they understand it is a controversial issue.
The site leaders’ positive attitude has spilled over on the participants. Focusing on how much progress they are making has helped them overcome the challenge they have already faceed. “Twenty years ago, if you were not gay, you didn’t care about gay rights,” said freshmen nursing major Maria Sims. “Now we have a group of students dedicating time to the issue.”
Group members have also had support from others.
“When I tell my friends, they are shocked,” Sims said. “But a good shocked.”