Join RAPP & RAPPORT at the 37th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day March

Since 2009, RAPP and RAPPORT have been participants in the annual city-wide Martin Luther King, Jr. Day rally, march, and memorial on Monday, January 16th, hosted by the Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition. The march starts at 10:30 am and goes from the Freedom Center to Music Hall, with a stop at fountain square for an interfaith prayer and speakers.

Cincinnati has a long and rich history of civil rights activism and this march showcases some of the groups, organizations, and individuals who are part of the work and who will carry it into the future. RAPP and RAPPORT are part of this legacy - and taking part in the 37th annual MLK Day March is one of the ways we get to strut our stuff!

RAPP & RAPPORT members and other UC students at last years march

This event is open to the community, and we invite the RAPP & RAPPORT family and friends to join us for the event.

For more information, transportation details, or general questions please check out the Facebook event, or call or email the RAPP office- 513.556.5251, rapp@uc.edu.  Hope you can join us!

Churches Active in Northside

CAIN (Churches Active in Northside) is a not-for-profit cooperative outreach ministry of neighborhood churches that strives to provide “Help for Today – Hope for Tomorrow”. 

CAIN's main function is the Rainbow Choice Food Pantry, that serves the Northside community. They also are continuing to build their community garden and their "Another for a Neighbor" program booth at the Northside Farmer's Market.

"Another for a Neighbor" program in the Northside Farmer's Market strives to provide awareness to the community about CAIN, their programs, and allow for healthier food and produce donations from the vendors and Market customers. 

For this outdoor season, they are committed to both the booth and their Public Ally Nash Traylor working on having a food-related kids and/or educational activity each week. This will be every Wednesday at 4pm-7:30pm from late May until the end of September. The location in Northside is pending. 

CAIN is looking for people and ideas on how best to promote the "Another for a Neighbor" program and get pantry guests to come to the Northside Farmer's Market. This could be any thing from making balloon animals to painting art with kids. If you might be interested or have ideas please email Nash, CAIN's Gardener/Healthy Eating Coordinator.

RAPP Craft in the Spotlight

Okay, granted, it's a small spotlight - but it still made me happy.

Some folks know that I like going to learn-to-craft workshops. I tend to blank out on creative ideas, so I fall back to RAPP mottos and ideas to end up with my finished product.

That's how I ended up with my RAPP flower pot. It's also how I ended up with a RAPP change-purse. Honestly, it's part of what inspired having a crafting aspect to the new RAPP logo unveiling.

A few months ago I went to a make-clay-tiles activity at Covington Clay. Rick Hoffman, artist and owner of Covington Clay, has been working on a community mural about the first ammendment. As part of that, he asked the community to contribute by making tiles and the bonus was we got to keep one of our tiles.

I just got a postcard with an update on the project. Guess what made it on the front!

One of my RAPP-themed tiles! I made two tiles both about Each One Teach One and carved in Racial Awareness Program.

I can't wait to get my tile to add it to my homemade RAPP kitsch collection in my office!

SPSS Party Time!

With RAPP XXV, we debutted a new pre- and post-test developed specifically for the RAPP curriculum developed during RAPP XXIV.

From RAPP XXII at least, we'd initially administered the pre-test during the interview process and administered the post-test during the last meeting before the banquet. None of the data gathered was analyzed.

This year we administered the pre-test at the second meeting. We did this to minimized a feeling of needing to give a "correct" answer during the interview process in order to get in. We also thought it an interesting precursor to the RAPPers' year, kind of letting them know what they're getting into topically.

We administered the post-test at the same time as before - the last meeting before the banquet.

Now - possibly the biggest difference - I'm spending the next few days in front of a computer with a statistical analysis software program open. I'm using SPSS for this, both because I'm familiar with the program and because it's available in UC computer labs (i.e. not because I think it's particularly superior to other programs).

I'll post interesting finds as they're discovered and, hopefully, a full report over the summer!

Coming Up This Summer

Today is the last day of classes for students here on the quarter system. For many, that means they'll soon be taking a few months off of classes to work, relax, or do whatever else they do with their summer break.

In the RAPP office, it means a shift in focus rather than a break. Here are a few things we'll be focusing on this summer (which you'll get regular updates on through this blog):

• Recruiting RAPP XXVI! New to us this year is a student leadership position for recruitment. Jojo of RAPP XXIV and Brice of RAPP XXV will be working together to coordinate our recruitment efforts, including keeping our usual efforts going and innovating new means for connecting with potential RAPPers.
• Interviewing RAPP XXVI! For our second year, we'll be offering interviews over the summer. We already have one lined up for next week and hope to have a steady flow of interviews throughout the summer.
• Finding the rest of RAPP! The search for RAPPers will kick into full gear over the summer. We hope to find the names of all who have graduated RAPP and contact information for those still around. This is partly for the intrinsic benefit of knowing who we are, but also as a lead up to...
• Planning the RAPP 25 Year Reunion! The RAPP Reunion Committee has already been working on this and our "save the date" mailers will start coming out in the next few weeks. Still, there is much to do to get ready for this amazing coming together of RAPPers!
• Mini-Reunions! RAPPs XXII-XXIV have been talking about their desire to reconnect, so we're working together to plan "mini-reunions" for the summer.
• On-going community outreach! While UC groups need less of us during the summer, we'll still be offering workshops. Already scheduled are workshops with Student Orientation Leaders, Leadership Scholars, and Upward Bound at the College of Mt. St. Joseph.
• Hiring our newest facilitator! RAPP hopes to employ a Public Ally for the coming year, so we'll be working with them to find the best new facilitator we can!
• RAPPORT! At the last RAPPORT meeting of the school year, many members said they'll be around over the summer and don't want to lose the connections they've made. So, we'll be having RAPPORT meetings and hopefully community service throughout the summer.
• Lots of randomness! There will be many other random things that come up throughout the summer - hopefully you'll keep reading up here to find out what they are! :)

Snapshots from Spring Retreat

Some snapshots from the joint RAPP XXV Spring Retreat! The weekend was a productive one full of new friends and thought-provoking conversation. We enjoyed the view from Calhoun Hall's 13th floor and got stuffed on meals from Coffee Emporium, Bagel Brothers, and Habañero.

The snack table pre-retreat -- while the food did make it through the night, it did so just barely. Hungry, hungry RAPPers! :)

Great smiles from XXVers Angelica, Danielle, Ivy, Chelsea, and Jazz!

On Saturday night the group watched excerpts from the Sundance Channel series TransGeneration.

Like some of the people in TransGeneration, we wrote coming out letters. Jay took a break from writing to say hi!

Jotalé and Jessica work on their letters.

I promised Jay I'd post this picture of us looking tough.

Craig and Ricardo kick off the overnight free socializing time with some hearty laughs. What are they laughing at?

I believe it was this comedy routine by RAPPORT member Jojo and RAPP XXVer Jotalé.

Morning discussion on sexuality. This group included (clockwise from left) Chelsea, Ivy, Courtney F, Bethel, and Tiffany.

Another morning-time discussion group: Angelica, Trisha, Bridnee, Jazz, and Simón.
Tired RAPPers just woken from a lunchtime nap. From left, Alyssa, Lauren, Lane, & Tiffany.

Many, many, countless thanks to all the RAPP XXV members who made this retreat what it was. Thanks also to our RAPPORT volunteers Kinsey & Jojo for their help throughout the retreat. Much gratitude is owed to our photographer Mia for creative and beautiful group photo taking. Our Peer Leaders - Tad, Krystal, DeVorah, and Kimmins - were also indispensible in making this retreat run smoothly. Finally, thanks to our amazing facilitators Sarvani and Tara for putting together a great retreat outline that helped our groups come together in meaningful ways.

Grill Out!

The RAPP XXV Social Committee put on its first program yesterday - with amazing attendance and rampant fun!

RAPP XXV members Danielle Thomas, Andrea Tinsley, Laura Plikerd, Bobby Filbin, and Kelly Crotty organized the event for current RAPPers and RAPPORT members. The weather was beautiful and the "Grill Master" filled bellies with yummy food.

Some snapshots of the evening (click on the image to see it larger):

RAPPers and RAPPORT folk mingling & waiting for grill food.

Grill Master Danielle made cooking a successful team effort (and didn't burn off her eyebrows)! (l-r: Wil, Danielle, Brice, Bethel)

Folks hanging out (l-r: Mahsino, Kimmins, Luke, Meagan, Lane)

Apples to Apples fun (l-r: Jourdi, Wil, Anum, Kimmins, Luke, "game starter" Jojo)

Daniel and Jourdi found a way to have a back rest on a picnic table.

Lane and Maggie take a moment to enjoy the swings.

I distracted Ivy from the rousing game of frisbee.

RAPP welcomes everyone! - even Jenn's dog Blake.

Jenn and Mahsino enjoy some social time.

BYOO=Bring Your Own Opinion

As a part of Kuamka week, the United Black Student Association is hosting an event that RAPP facilitators will be helping lead.
Come out to tomorrow, Tuesday 2 February, for a discussion on Black families. In this forum, we'll explore and challenge our ideas and assumptions about black families.

BYOO (Bring Your Own Opinion) "Black Families"
Tuesday, 2 February
12:00-1:15PM
TUC 400 C

Try This Along with RAPPers!

As RAPPers know, our members are often asked to write in their journals between sessions. Winter break gave them a month between sessions, so we're working on a somewhat longer piece.
Give it a go if you've got some time!
We’ve explored several ways in which oppression might be perpetuated throughout fall quarter. We ask that you reflect on a few in particular over winter break.
In particular, reflect on the last three dimensions we’ve explored:
1. That oppression might operate on individual, institutional, and social/cultural levels;
2. That oppression might be perpetuated through conscious and unconscious ways;
3. That oppression might be perpetuated through attitudes/beliefs and behaviors.
Over the break, create a visual aid, summary, or other means of conveying how these may (or may not) be connected.

Out Today: Appreciation Bags

Last year we ended fall quarter with something we think may become a RAPP tradition: Appreciation bags.
Appreciation bags are a group project. Every member of RAPP gets a bag and we all share piles of scrap paper. We hang out for about an hour (great during the stressful pre-exam week!), listen to music, chat, and write notes to each other about why we appreciate each other.
We drop our notes of appreciation into each other's bags "Valentine's mailbox" style. We include people who can't attend the meeting by having bags available for them so that folks who are there can write to them knowing the bag will be delivered later.
Now's the time for that! I'm dropping them in the mail today.
In the end, we all have with a bag full of reasons why our RAPPmates appreciate us.

You can join us in this by dropping notes of appreciation to people who positively impact you!

STAR Power in Action

Last night we played STAR Power with students in Stratford Heights. The program was sponsored by Lisa, RAPP XXIV member and Gen-1 House RA, and the Minority Residents Committee of the Stratford Heights hall government.
Jen, the Diversity Education GA, and several RAPPers came and/or helped out with the game: Latoya (XXIV), Coya (XXIV), Courtney E (XXV).
Many thanks to Lisa for organizing this program, the Committee for sponsoring it, and everyone who made it a fun and meaninful time.

Last night's "Squares"
The evening's "Circles"

Some happy "Triangles"

-Rebecca

Do You Have STAR Power?

Most RAPPers since the late teens have all had the fun-amazing-frustrating-enlightening-fun experience of playing STAR Power. I keep this game a staple of Fall Retreat because it gives lots of opportunity for interaction and getting-to-know-ya as well as gives us a great place to start in our discussions around privilege, oppression, social construction of identities, and power structures.

Of late, I've gotten an increase in interest in the game. RAPPORT will be leading several workshops where the group plays STAR Power in the next month.

Our first is open for visitors and helpers! Missed the opportunity to play at your retreat? Want to participate "behind the scenes" this time around? Join us this coming Monday, November 23rd, at 9:30PM. Lisa (RAPP XXIV) is offering a night of STAR Power (and yummy food) to the Gen-1 House in Stratford Heights and other guests (this is you).

RAPP XXV playing STAR Power.
RAPP XVIII playing STAR Power.

RAPP XXIII playing STAR Power.

-Rebecca

An Old Staff Quote

In the RAPP Scrapbooks we recently unearthed are many wise quotes from my many wise predecessors. Needing a moment of inspiration to go ahead and respite from the hecticness that is retreat prep, I looked back through the RAPP XII one.

Here's a quote from Maria P.P. Root included in the scrapbook by Azizi C. As we're prepping for exploring the social construction of race and as we briefly touched on the issues in "marking boxes" when one's identity is multiracial, this one stuck out to me as quite relevant to our current work. Spoiler alert to current RAPPers, but I also think it complements well this video we'll likely be watching at the retreat

I HAVE THE RIGHT...
Not to justify my existence in this world.
Not to keep the races separate within me.
Not to be responsible for people's discomfort with my physical ambiguity.
Not to justify my ethnic legitimacy.
I HAVE THE RIGHT...
To identify myself differently than strangers expect me to identify.
To identify myself differently from how my parents identify me.
To identify myself differently from my brothers and sisters.
To identify myself differently in different situations.
I HAVE THE RIGHT...
To create a vocabulary to communicate about being multiracial.
To change my identity over my lifetime - and more than once.
To have loyalties and identification with more than one group of people.
To freely choose whom I befriend and love.

Tabling Time Approaches

One of our big pushes for connecting with new potential RAPP members happens in Fall. We attend as many welcome events as we can, we visit classrooms, we hang signs all over campus, and I get a monomania around getting the word out.

Our first event this fall is tomorrow! It's exciting that tabling season is hitting!

Tomorrow morning we'll be at a Resource Fair for UC's resident advisors. The RAs will be learning about many campus resources that can help them individually and help their community. We're one of those resources!

Soon we'll be at the International Student Welcome Coffee Hour. During Welcome Week we'll be at countless welcome events.

Wanna join us at our table? RAPPers are always welcome to come help out!
Wanna meet us in person? Potential RAPPers are always welcome to come hang out!

You can keep up with our schedule through the calendar on the right side of this blog! Hope to see you there!

Howdy from Yourself!

Toward the end of RAPP XXIV, we had members write letters to their future selves. They were written in spring and when I collected them I said I'd send them in August. Since that session, I see them every day in my office - they sit patiently in a pile, waiting for the time to come to mail them.

Today's the day! I dropped them in the mail this morning. If you were a RAPP XXIV member, keep your eye on your mailbox!
(pic - The mail pile. Will my desk feel lonely now?)
-Rebecca