Gender Justice League

The Women and Gender Studies Student Leadership Practicum, also known as the Gender Justice League, is a program designed to give WGST majors and minors the opportunity to put what they learn about social justice into practice. Students are nominated by faculty or can apply to participate in the program. Students are selected based on solid academic performance, a commitment to social justice, and leadership potential. Students meet weekly as a group with the faculty advisor and will receive one credit hour per semester for their involvement in working together in three main areas. They plan academic events such as speakers, “Conversations at the Cottage,” and “Dinner and a Movie” nights. The group coordinates philanthropic and activist events each semester on a variety of issues, including planning a week of activism in the spring aimed at combating gender-based violence (Denim Days) and collaborative work with local NGOs and nonprofits. In addition, the Gender Justice League members publish their own newsletter, with student articles focusing on different feminist issues. With these publications, they hope to spread a feminist voice and bring awareness to contemporary social justice issues on campus, in the community, and beyond. While the practicum is purposefully kept small to facilitate a more intimate and collaborative learning environment, there are usually opportunities to apply each semester.