#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!

All Over Spotlight!

At Student Spotlight during Bearcats Bound Orientation, a photo hunt found RAPPers displayed all around the atrium.  It's unlikely we found every RAPPer who was in the pictures, but check out who was found among all these tables:

Student Wellness Center

RAPP XXVII alumna Tiffany Stainfield

African American Cultural & Resource Center and Ethnic Programs & Services

RAPP VI alumna Dr. Bleuzette Marshall and RAPP I alum William Harris

RAPP XXVII alumna Kayla Ihuekwu

The Wesley House - Methodist Campus Ministries

RAPP XXVII alumna Keshar Smith

 Serve Beyond Cincinnati

RAPP XXIII alumna Mei Hseih

 Programs & Activities Council

RAPP XXIV alumna Latoya Watson

GenderBloc

RAPP XXV alumni Rachel Berman & Tyler Thompson, RAPP XXVII alum Adrian Vance, and RAPP XXVIII alumna Emma Smith 

 The Women's Center

RAPP XXIV alumna Katie Meyer

ARJ 2012 alumna Kara Mate

RAPP XXVII alumni Jalisa Holidfield & Ana Montalvan

ARJ 2013 Peer Leader Corinne Patterson

Orientation Staff

RAPP XXVII alum Gregor McCord and RAPP XXV alumna Kristin Myers-Young

 Student Activities Board

RAPP XXVII alumna Samar Sheriff

ARJ 2012 alumna Jazmyn Battie

UC International

RAPP XXVI alum Dan Pham

RAPP XXIV alum Blake Jelley

RAPP XXV alum Anthony de la Rosa

 

A Favorite Returns: RAPP Buttons!

Thanks to a repaired button-making machine and RAPP XXVIII alum & RAPP XXIX Peer Leader Nate Bell spending time making them, we have RAPP buttons again!

Stop by throughout the summer at the RAPP Office (check Rebecca's office next door in 671 Steger if the office is closed) or the RAPP table at Student Spotlight to pick one up!

Have a design idea?  Let Rebecca know - we'll work to make it a reality!

The first batch of new RAPP buttons!

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.

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!

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. 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.

RAPP Lapel Pin Day - Thursday, April 18th!

RAPP Lapel Pin Day is a week away!

It'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.

RAPP Shirt Day - March 14th!

On Thursday, March 14^th, wear a RAPP shirt for RAPP Shirt Day!  Then, if you can, stop by the RAPP Office between 10AM and 6PM for a goody and some fun!  Whether you can come to the office or not, snap a picture in your RAPP shirt and post it to www.facebook.com/RAPP.UC

Your group’s shirt (RAPP or ARJ), an SJL polo or shirt, a homemade shirt from the unveiling, a reunion t-shirt, a reunion polo, one of those rare RAPP hoodies – wear as many as you want!

More Quick Videos: Why Join RAPP?

RAPP XXVIII applications are due by this Friday, August 31st!  After last night's RAPPORTientation (RAPPORT Orientation), several RAPP alumn stuck around to share their thoughts on why folks should join RAPP.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about RAPP for 2012-13 and/or applying, head over to www.uc.edu/sald/rapp/9month.html!

Quick Video: Why Join RAPP?

We ran into so many RAPPers at the 2012 Student Activities Fair that a person-on-the-street video made sense!  Check out these folks' thoughts on why people should join RAPP:



RAPP XXVIII applications are due this Friday, August 31st!  You can learn more about the program and download an application at www.uc.edu/sald/rapp/9month.html.

RAPP at the 2012 Student Activities Fair

The photo above hides the fact that probably a thousand students passed by the RAPP info table at today's 2012 Student Activities Fair!  The always-popular annual event was organized by the Student Activities Board, a part of UC's Undergraduate Student Government Association.

Farooq (XXVII) and Jojo (XXIV) staff our table for the two-hour event, getting nearly 20 people signed up for the recruitment process and giving an additional 50 more people interest forms!

Be sure to catch us at more fun welcome events this week, including Thursday's Hispanic Student Welcome and Friday's Asian Student Welcome!

RAPP at Arts and Sciences 2012 Welcome Day

On Friday we enjoyed a beautiful, sunny lunchtime with the new first-year students of McMicken College of Arts & Sciences Welcome Day event!  RAPP leaders Matthew (XXVI) and Jojo (XXIV) promoted RAPP and SALD - and enjoyed some snacks and dancing with the new Bearcats.

We got to end the time connecting with Dean Ron Jackson,  new Dean of McMicken and RAPP III alum!

Matthew & Jojo welcome folks to the RAPP/SALD booth!

A crowd shot early in the event!

"Tabling Season" Hits Early in 2012!

The RAPP info table staffed by Kevin, Jojo, and Mel!

With UC's Semester Conversion finally here, "tabling season" is hitting several weeks early.  That's what we casually call the time where we're out with a RAPP informational table at events all over campus.

RAPP Intern Brice Mickey again coordinated volunteers for tables this year.  Yesterday afternoon was our first big one of fall semester:  The International Student Welcome Coffee Hour, an annual event hosted by UC International.

Many thanks to Kevin W (XXVI), Jojo (XXIV), and Mel (XXVI) for promoting RAPP at the event!