#RAWR Recruit Away With RAPP!

If you didn't know, RAPP is holding a recruitment challenge for RAPP XXX and ARJ 2014!

Essentially, whomever gets the most people to apply to either intensive (one winner for ARJ, one winner for RAPP), will win a bag full UC goodies. Rebecca and the RAPPORT Facilitators will purchase things from the book store just for those winners along with additional RAPP goodies.

To win, all you have to do is have the most amount of people mention you on their application as one of the reasons they applied to RAPP/ARJ. This is where you get a chance to #RAWR!

Ways you can #RAWR:

Post a Facebook Status and tell them to mention you
Tweet a recruitment status
Table with RAPP and make sure to tell folks to add your name to their RAPPlication
Talk to students at student welcomes
Send people the RAPP & ARJ info pages
Mention it to your peers in summer classes
And many more ways!

Lessons Learned: Group Participation

When planning an event with group participation, setting a participation goal can be motivating and provide a tool for evaluation after the event. This lessons learned touches on one of my least-favorite/favorite topics; participation!

Participation is my least favorite because when it is bad, it can be really bad. We've all been to workshops or meetings with poor turnouts. Low participation can force a group to re-cover material at a future meeting that was previously discussed at a poorly attended one. On the reverse, too many participants can make a group event feel over crowded, physically or emotionally removed, and rushed.

Participation is my favorite because when you reach that ideal amount it can really make your job as a facilitator easier. For instance, some activities have an ideal amount of participants and too many or too little requires more effort on the part of group leaders to account for the "excess" or lack thereof. Also, if a group is attempting something for the first time, a smaller group can be more manageable than a large one.

Participation can also be a motivating factor and a tool for evaluation. If you haven't reached the goal you set out for in recruitment, you know you must keep up or increase your efforts. If your event had poor participation rates, you can use that as feedback in determining what changes you need to make in future to your program or its marketing strategy.

For all of these reasons I feel setting a participation goal is a prudent decision.

Lessons Learned is a RAPP Blog initiative intended for folks who hold formal leadership positions in RAPP programs to share what they're learning through their process

#RAPPTaughtMe and Other Ways to Promote RAPP XXIX

We're in the last few weeks of getting together RAPP XXIX!  From analyzing information provided by RAPPers over the past five years, we know that word-of-mouth is consistently the most important thing to getting people to join a RAPP intensive.

Here are easy ways to be a part of that!

#RAPPTaughtMe

Use this hashtag on Facebook or Twitter!  Share something that you learned through your RAPP experience and share this link to the program applications:  www.uc.edu/sald/rapp/9month.html

Participate in On-Campus Promotions
Join us at any of the following events - it helps to wear a RAPP shirt, but isn't necessary:

• Chalking McMicken Commons, Tuesday, August 27^th, 12:30PM-2:30PM, chalk provided – we chalk messages about RAPP all over McMicken Commons’ sidewalks 
• Hispanic Student Welcome, Thursday, August 29^th, 5PM-7PM, Mick & Mack’s Café, wear a RAPP shirt & talk about RAPP – all of campus is invited to this welcome event 
• Asian Student Welcome, Friday, August 30^th, 5PM-7PM, TUC Great Hall, informational table – all of campus is invited to this welcome event 
• LGBTQ Meet ‘n’ Greet, Thursday, September 5^th, 5PM-7PM, LGBTQ Center (565 Steger), wear a RAPP shirt & talk about RAPP – all of campus is invited to this welcome event 
• Akwaaba Black Student Welcome, Sunday, September 8^th, 4PM-7PM, TUC Great Hall, informational table – all of campus is invited to this welcome event

Share a Video

RAPP has several videos series available online - pick a favorite and share it with the application link www.uc.edu/sald/rapp/9month.html:

• Why Join RAPP?  Videos one, two, and three.
• Why Did You Join RAPP? Jojo, Kevin, Rebecca, Matthew, Krystal, and Jalisa.
• The RAPP Mission. Versions one and two.
• RAPP's Mottos. Versions one and two.
• RAPPers go on to Be... Versions one and two.
• Why RAPP? Versions one and two.
• DKEJ Media Productions "Infomercial"

Wear a RAPP Shirt

Our shirts are known to generate questions and conversations!  From "why are there two Ps?" to "what's that mean?" to "I love that quote!" people often start conversations over the shirt.  Simply engaging in that discussion is a great way to spread the word about RAPP!

Class Announcements
Ask your instructor if you can talk about RAPP in a class.  Rebecca will give you handouts and pens to give out - and will come with you if you want!

Join the #RAPPTaughtMe trend on Facebook and Twitter!

A New Way to Apply for RAPP XXIX: Through UC Campus LINK

As mentioned earlier, RAPP is among the first organizations helping launch the community-changing UC Campus LINK.

RAPP has accepted applications in a variety of ways over the last five years:  Handwritten, Word documents, Google forms, and fillable PDF.

We're now adding a new way for RAPP XXIX:  A UC Campus LINK Form!

While a limitation of the Campus LINK site is that it's not accessible to alumni who no longer have a UC email address, it does have some functions that can be done without having registered for the site with the UC login.  Included among these are online forms.

Applicants can now easily fill the form out online through a UC service (instead of Google) and not struggle with the PDFs or making the trip to drop off a paper form.

Will handwritten RAPPlications become a thing of the past?
I doubt it!  I'm just glad students have options.

Final Chance: Apply for Accelerating Racial Justice 2013 by This Friday!

We're currently in the confirmation process for the people who were selected for Accelerating Racial Justice 2013 and a few spots for students have opened up.

With that in mind, ARJ Student Worker Jamieson and I (Rebecca) have decided to accept applications until Friday, June 28th.

If you wanted to apply and missed the earlier deadline, here's your final chance to get in to ARJ 2013!

Accelerating Racial Justice is RAPP's newest intensive, having premiered summer 2012!  Developed collaboratively by students and staff from throughout UC, this leadership program is an excellent option for Bearcats interested in social justice who can't do the year-long commitment RAPP requires.

Program OverviewMonday, August 12 to Friday, August 16, 2013Grailville Retreat Center (transportation provided)FREE to UC students!
Through full participation in the 5-day program, participants:

• Develop relationships with 30+ other Bearcats from all over the university

• Enhance their understanding of racial justice and inclusive leadership

• Build a personal foundation and a supportive community to continue building racial justice and an inclusive leadership community at UC

There are two steps to apply for this life-changing program:

1. Read the Information for Potential Applicants.  This piece is designed to cover the common questions people may have about Accelerating Racial Justice to help you decide if it's what you're looking for.

1. 
   

1. Complete a written application.  This application gathers basic information from candidates.  Information on how to access the application is available in the Information for Potential Applicants, which you are expected to read before completing a written application.

Please contact Rebecca Lehman at lehmanrl@uc.edu or 513.556.6119 with any questions you may have.

The Office of Student Activities & Leadership Development will offer the five-day Accelerating Racial Justice intensive for students to build their awareness, knowledge, and skills related to racial justice and inclusive leadership. 

Accelerating Racial Justice’s curriculum is based in best practices in the realms of social justice education, intergroup dialogue, and inclusive leadership development.  

After the intensive is completed, participants will be welcomed into the RAPPORT community and will be eligible for the RAPP Social Justice Peer Educator Certificate.

How to Apply

Bearcats Bound Here We Come!

As mentioned earlier, a key way we promote RAPP to the UC community is by tabling at as many events as we can.  One of the most-attended of these is Student Spotlight during Bearcats Bound Orientation.

Spanning nearly two months, over 4,000 new students and thousands of their supporters will visit this event that connects them all with campus offices, programs, and organizations.

Throughout the summer, a variety of RAPP alumni will staff the table, talking with new students and sharing information about RAPP.  While this event doesn't usually directly result in many applications, it is invaluable for our visibility and for people being familiar with the RAPP name and logo.

We're lucky - and very grateful - that the Orientation office provides this opportunity to us!

Today was set up day and we're set!  As the wise Ms. Sarah Legesse of Orientation says, "If you're early, you're on time."  As you can see, in the picture above, we were among the first groups to set up.

Accelerating Racial Justice 2013 - Applications Now Accepted on Rolling Basis

The initial deadline for applications for Accelerating Racial Justice 2013 passed last week - many applications were received and the initial group will be announced later this week.  

We still have room for more Bearcats in ARJ 2013!  We'll continue to accept applications until all spots are filled and, if need be, a short waiting list is developed.

Accelerating Racial Justice 2013 is RAPP's summer intensive that runs August 12-16, 2013. It’s a great way to build and enhance a foundation of racial justice and inclusive leadership and identify other ways to practice these throughout the remainder of the academic year.

Applying takes two steps:

1.  Reading the Information for Potential Applicants page on our website – this covers important information about the program.
2. Completing and submitting a written application – this is available for download at the end of step one. 

Contact Rebecca at 513.556.6119 or rebecca.lehman@uc.edu with any questions you may have!

Join these folks in making history - participate in RAPP's newest student program!

Spread the Word Tip #4: Get Competitive

With Accelerating Racial Justice 2013 applications due this Friday, we're reposting this short series from August 2010:

Our first three tips (#1, #2, & #3) were general things you can do throughout the year. Our

Eddie C won a prize bag for RAPP XXVI recruitment

fourth is more connected to a specific activity to participate in!

RAPP's a pretty non-competitive thing - after how, how do you measure a "top winner" in fighting oppression, individual awareness, or collective action. That said, a spirit of competition emerges at times. Here's a time I'm fostering it!

Announcing the RAPP Recruitment Contest!!!

From the data we collect during the application process, we know that word of mouth is our strongest recruitment tool. The information tables, flyers, classroom visits, announcements at trainings/meetings, and website are all important – but we know that most folks who join RAPP did so after hearing about it from people they know.

We want to do everything we can to encourage RAPPers to help with spreading the word about RAPP. So, we're offering a recruitment contest to give us all a little extra motivation!

There are two ways to win an awesome RAPP gift-pack!
1. The person who is cited as "how I heard about RAPP" on the most applications of who apply for ARJ 2013 wins a prize bag in mid-May!
2. The person cited most for RAPP XXIX wins a prize bag in September!

What do I win?
These gift-packs will continue to grow as I collect random cool stuff. At the point, we know they’ll include:
· Reusable shopping bag(s)
· RAPP swag
· UC swag - Bearcat supplies and apparel

How do I win?
Applicants write down how they heard about RAPP on their written application. If your name is listed on a submitted application, this counts as you having recruited them.

Applicants can list more than one person – in that case, all people listed get credit.

Spread the Word Tip #5: Come to the Table

With Accelerating Racial Justice 2013 applications due tonight, we're reposting this short series from August 2010:

Let's do a quick Spread the Word Tip review:
#1 - Wear you RAPP t-shirt, it's a great conversation piece.
#2 - Help folks avoid common misconceptions about RAPP - let them know it's open to EVERY UC student and that we talk about race AND other topics.
#3 - Remember that "word of mouth" really also includes "word of fingers-and-keyboard" - our on-line presence is important.
#4 - You can win stuff for helping spread the word! Woot!

Now, on to #5 - Come to the Table.
RAPP does information tables at events three out of the four quarters of the year. In spring, we're out at WorldFest and the Student Activities Fair. All summer long we're out three days a week at Student Spotlight in incoming new student orientation. 

Stop by the TUC Atrium between 3PM and 5PM any of the following dates to help staff the RAPP table and connect with incoming students:

Monday, June 3 

Wednesday, June 5

Thursday, June 6

Monday, June 10

Tuesday, June 11

Thursday, June 13

Monday, June 17

Tuesday, June 18

Wednesday, June 19

Monday, June 24    

Tuesday, June 25

Wednesday, June 26

Monday July, 1

Tuesday July, 2

Monday July, 8

Tuesday July, 9

Wednesday, July 10

Monday, July 15

Tuesday, July 16

Wednesday, July 17 

Fall will involve many opportunities to stop by, bring friends to, or help out at RAPP informational tables. We'll be out a LOT this fall, keep your eyes on this blog and - if you're on the RAPPORT listserv - on your email.

Spread the Word Tip #3: On-Line Presence

With Accelerating Racial Justice 2013 applications due this Friday, we're reposting this short series from August 2010:

When it comes down to it, the Spread the Word Tips will be about word-of-mouth promotion of RAPP. We know it's the most effective route we've had, so it's just a way of encouraging you to know that you're doing a great thing when you do things that encourage conversation about RAPP (like wear your RAPP t-shirt) and help debunk misconceptions about RAPP.

Today's tip is to remind you that these interactions needn't necessarily be face-to-face.

Hopefully, the work to create an "RAPP 2.0" on-line presence will help you in that. Based on what we've got, here are a few ways you can promote RAPP on-line. Please pass along your ideas on how we can do this better!

FACEBOOK

1. Are you a fan of our FB page? Or, I guess, in the newest iteration of FB, do you "like" our page?
   You can follow the latest goings-on on RAPP. Like things we post that interest you. Post links/photos/comments/ideas on our wall.
2. Want to let folks know how to join RAPP? Put this URL out there: www.uc.edu/sald/rapp/get_involved.html 
3. Post your thoughts on RAPP in your status. Post your RAPP pictures and let folks know what you were up to. That status feed can be creepy, but it also lets people know what you were up to and how you felt about RAPP.

YOUTUBE

RAPP has a YouTube Channel. While the videos are amateurish at best, you're welcome to repost them. Feel free to post them to your Facebook, send the links through Twitter, email them to friends, or play them when you're talking to friends.

Twitter

RAPP has a Twitter account under the profile name cinciRAPP. It was initially set up as a way for RAPPers to tweets reminding them about meetings and deadlines. That didn't take off, so now it'll be used for general reminders and info about RAPP.

Follow us if you're on Twitter. Reply to us. Let others know we're out there.

Blogging

Do you have a blog? Do you follow this blog? Have you blogged about RAPP? You can do much with RAPP and your blog - and in the spirit of cross-promotion, any time you blog about RAPP please feel free to post it on the RAPP wall. Odds are I'll mention it here, too!

Spread the Word Tip #2: Become a Mythbuster!

With Accelerating Racial Justice 2013 applications due this Friday, we're reposting this short series from August 2010:

Our first Spread the Word Tip was about wearing your RAPP t-shirt.

Today I want to talk about another way to help spread the word about RAPP: Mythbust for us!

In my past four years in RAPP, I've found some common misconceptions people have about RAPP. Let's debunk them now:

Myth #1: Grad students can't do RAPP. Bzzzt! Wrong! I personally know this to be incorrect because I did RAPP while completing my masters. Every year that I've been involved with RAPP, we've had great graduate students amongst our members. We've had people who've completed their bachelors and are completing pre-requisites to enter a masters program. We've had PhD candidates. RAPP is open to all students!

Myth #2: RAPP is only for liberal arts majors. Bzzt again! The last year RAPP members have represented ten different colleges of UC and the year before they represent eight. You can see the majors and colleges of RAPP XXV here. One of the areas of diversity we strive for in recruitment is academic diversity. Last year's RAPP represented 44 majors in fall quarter. While Psychology and Communications were the two most common, they were closely followed by Criminal Justice and Finance.

Myth #3: RAPP is only about race. Bzzt at third time! While race is a large component of what we discuss, I like to say that RAPP is a "race AND" program - meaning we talk about race AND other areas of difference. RAPP has formally included gender in its work since RAPP IX (though the discussion began in RAPP VIII). Sexuality was formally included in the curriculum in 2000 and we've used the concept of intersectionality as a foundation of our work since 2003. We still follow a general race->gender->sexuality format through the three quarters, but we intentionally include other topics and encourage the group to wander through what they're interested in.

By helping break down these three myths, you can help us reach more students because they can see that they're eligible for RAPP and that their interests are welcome.

Spread the Word Tip #1: Wear That Shirt!

With Accelerating Racial Justice 2013 applications due this Friday, we're reposting this short series from August 2010:

Jojo at MainStreet Stride 2010

To help promote RAPP, you don't have to be like Jojo (XXIV) here and carry a sign everywhere. If you think about it, he has TWO signs in that picture - the one he's carrying and the one he's wearing.

I can't count how many times my RAPP t-shirt has started a conversation. This is true both with people I already know and with complete strangers.

More than once, someone on the bus or out at a park has read the quote on the back and sparked up a conversation with me.

Friends and strangers alike often ask me about the logo... or the Roman numerals... or what the second P is for.

Wear your RAPP t-shirt to classes. Wear it to student group meetings. Wear it to community events, religious services, work (if you can), and just out-and-about. Even if you don't talk with someone about it, it creates visibility.

Also, a few times a year we'll have "RAPP T-Shirt Days" where we ask folks to wear their t-shirt.  I hope to see you in your shirt then and on other days - I'll be wearing mine!

Apply to Be a RAPP Leader! Applications Due This Friday

There are several ways to be involved in RAPP as a student leader!  Participation in RAPP's intensive programs - either the 9-month RAPP or 5-day Accelerating Racial Justice - is strongly encouraged as a first step.  Participation in similar programs is recognized as well, though.

Summer 2013 Opportunities:

• Accelerating Racial Justice Peer Leader:  Serve as a mentor to participants in the 5-day summer program, participating in all ARJ sessions as well as pre-service training and staff meetings during the August 12-16 intensive. (anticipated 3 positions)
• Accelerating Racial Justice Facilitator:  Serve as volunteer student facilitator in the 5-day summer program, participating in pre-service planning and training as well as facilitating during all sessions and participating in staff meetings during the August 12-16 intensive.  (anticipated 1 position)  
• Accelerating Racial Justice Process Observer:   Serve as a silent observer during the 5-day summer program recording information for immediate and long-term use, participating in pre-service planning and training as well as taking detailed observations for evaluation and training purposes during all sessions and participating in staff meetings during the August 12-16 intensive. (anticipated 1-2 positions)

2013-14 Academic Year Opportunities:

• RAPP XXIX Peer Leader:  Serve as a mentor to participants in the 9-month program, attending a minimum of ten of the meetings and two of the retreats as well as participating in pre-service and semesterly trainings.  RAPP XXIX schedule is available here. (3 positions)
• RAPP XXIX Student Worker: Serve as a student facilitator for RAPP XXIX, working an average of 15 hours/week doing planning, administration, and facilitation work for pay.  Read the position description here. (1 position)
• RAPPORT Student Worker:  Serve as an student facilitator for RAPPORT 2013-14, working an average of 15 hours/week doing planning, administration, and facilitation work for pay.  Read the position description here. (1 position)
• Accelerating Racial Justice 2014 Student Worker: Serve as a student coordinator and facilitator for Accelerating Racial Justice 2014, working an average of 10 hours/week doing planning, recruitment, administrative, and facilitation work January-September 2014.  Read the position description here. (1 position)

Apply Now!
To apply for one or more of the above positions, please download and complete the application HERE.

Peer Leader candidates are evaluated primarily through their written application, though candidates who have not participated in RAPP may receive a follow-up phone interview.

Successful candidates for the facilitator roles (RAPP, RAPPORT, ARJ) and the ARJ Process Observer may be asked participate in an interview.

Why Did You Join RAPP Ep. 6

Why Did You Join RAPP?

We asked a few RAPPORT members why did they initially join RAPP.
Lastly, we have RAPP XXVI member, Kevin Weber!

Why Did You Join RAPP Ep. 4

In an extra special Why Did You Join RAPP, we have The Rebecca Lehman!

We asked a few RAPPORT members why did they initially join RAPP.
Now we learn why Rebecca Lehman, RAPP XXII member and the current RAPP Program Coordinator initially got involved in the program!

Why Did You Join RAPP Ep. 3

Why Did You Join RAPP?

We asked a few RAPPORT members why did they initially join RAPP.
We have RAPP XXIV member, Peer Leader for RAPP XXV, and Social Justice League 2010-11 member Krystal Smith telling us her interesting reason for joining!

Why Did You Join RAPP Ep. 2

Why Did You Join RAPP?

We asked a few RAPPORT members why did they initially join RAPP.
First, we have RAPP XXVI member, RAPP XXVII Peer Leader and ARJ 2012 Process Observer Matthew Woodruff.

Why Did You Join RAPP Ep. 1

Why Did You Join RAPP?

We asked a few RAPPORT members why did they initially join RAPP.
First, we have RAPP XXVII member and ARJ 2012 Peer Leader Jalisa Holifield.

RAPP Lapel Pin Day Tomorrow - President Ono's Ready! Are You?

Tomorrow is RAPP Lapel Pin Day!

Lane (XXV) helped UC President Dr. Santa Ono get ready with a RAPP lapel pin!

t's easy to participate in this, regardless whether you're on UC's campus that day or not.  Simply wear your RAPP lapel pin!

If you CAN come to Clifton campus, stop by the RAPP Office in 669 Steger Student Life Center.  We'll have a snacks, photo ops, and a RAPPfle (a RAPP raffle) between 10AM and 6PM.

If you can't, snap a picture of yourself with your lapel pin and post it on the RAPP Facebook fan page wall - we'll enter you in the RAPPfle when you do!

Need a RAPP lapel pin? Contact Rebecca at rebecca.lehman@uc.edu and/or stop by the RAPP Office!

RAPPfle winners will be announced here on the blog and contacted on Friday, April 19.

Talk about the "Unmentionables" - Apply for Accelerating Racial Justice

Reposted and updated from June 2012:

Along with our nine-month intensive and our alumni program RAPPORT with its Social Justice League, RAPP staff and volunteers lead an average of 50 workshops and trainings each year in the campus and community.

Through all of this, we hear a very common refrain:  I've never gotten to talk about this before - and I want to talk about it!

Even those who talk about race, gender, sexuality, religious/spiritual identity, and other social identities share the tune with a slight variation:  I've never gotten to talk about this with people who are different from me before!

Many of us experience a lifetime of lessons that these topics are not a part of polite conversation.  Many of us experience a lifetime of lessons that we're not supposed to even notice these identities.  Unsurprisingly, this leaves us with a great set of skills in NOT talking about them and very little experience or practice actually talking about them.

When we do try, some common experiences that remind us yet again we shouldn't be having these conversations come up.  We fumble our words and fail to express what we mean because we're focusing so hard on not being offensive.  We're shut down by others who want to keep these topics off the table.  We ignite anger and conflict ensues.  We're not able to ask foundational questions because we're too afraid of being exposed as ignorant.

A key to success in these conversations is getting support in them from folks who have some practice and can help shift the space from fear of the complexity that these topics entail to appreciation of that messiness.

Accelerating Racial Justice will give you that support!  For five days, you get to learn and teach others about racial justice and inclusive leadership as well as your life experiences.  You get to ask questions.  You get to be celebrated for sharing when you don't know.  You get to build a community that will keep these conversations going.

Apply now for Accelerating Racial Justice!  Applications are due by 5PM on Friday, May 3rd!

A small group conversation at a RAPP meeting.  RAPP integrates solo-reflection, pairs, trios, small group, and large group time into our learning process.

How to Apply There are two steps to apply for this life-changing program:

1. Read the Information for Potential Applicants.  This piece is designed to cover the common questions people may have about Accelerating Racial Justice to help you decide if it's what you're looking for.
2. Complete a written application.  This application gathers basic information from candidates.  Information on how to access the application is available in the Information for Potential Applicants, which you are expected to read before completing a written application.

Please contact Rebecca Lehman at lehmanrl@uc.edu or 513.556.6119 with any questions you may have.