What can we help you find?

CVMBS Cares & Shares Pantry Initiative

The CVMBS is committed to climate, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accountability. Part of our commitment to these areas is our CVMBS Cares & Shares program. We want to support one another in meeting some daily basic needs that we all have, including the need to connect and give back.

These pantries will stock nonperishable food, toiletries, or baby items donated by the CVMBS community. If you have a need, please help yourself. Likewise, if you have extra nonperishable food, toiletries, or baby items, please drop them off at one of the designated CVMBS Cares & Shares locations. Please do not leave donations in front of the cabinets.

Photo of pantry with canned goods

Donations
Donations will continue to be collected at the locations listed below:

  • Dean’s Office – Front Desk (VENI 300)
  • VIBS – Main Office (VIDI 345)
  • LAH – Clinic Front Desk
  • VMTH – Admin Office (101N)
  • VSCS – Suite 2031

 List of items to consider for donation:

  • Canned goods (tuna, soups, stews, chili, sauces, pasta, fruits, vegetables, beans)
  • Dried goods (rice, beans, tea, grains, soups, macaroni & cheese)
  • Peanut butter, granola bars, pudding, applesauce, fruit snacks, nuts
  • Travel size shampoo & conditioner, soap, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, deodorant, floss, feminine hygiene products, diapers

Texas A&M Office for Diversity: Enhancing Diversity Seminar Series

The 2021 Enhancing Diversity Seminar Series is designed to engage the campus community in dialogue around topics and issues related to diversity, campus climate, equity, and inclusion. In a virtual format, the Office for Diversity has invited Texas A&M students, faculty, and staff to present their research to the campus community. A list of past Enhancing Diversity Seminars is available here.

Oct. 21, 2021 (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Central Time)
Transitioning Bodies, Transformative Stories – Transgender Autobiographical Narratives in the United States

Presenter: Dr. Jesse O’Rear, visiting assistant professor
Department of Performance Studies
Texas A&M University

Abstract: The relationship between transgender communities and autobiographical stories is historically and contemporarily complicated. Autobiographical narratives are demanded of trans people by the medical industry, the justice system, and the media, often perpetuating the expectation that trans people will offer intimate details of their personal lives at any time to a curious cisgender audience. On the other hand, many trans people have relied on each other’s autobiographical stories via diaries and oral histories to learn how to navigate these same harmful systems, as well as find camaraderie, solidarity, and solace among one another. To this end, Dr. O’Rear’s research examines autobiographical narratives presented by trans-identifying artists in their work and reflects on the existence of and possibilities for sharing trans autobiographical narratives through live performance. While this project recognizes that visibility and representation are not answers to discrimination, violence, and poverty (and, in fact, often open doors to increased harassment), Dr. O’ Rear hopes to encourage space for present and future works of performance which allow trans artists to bring their stories to the stage in ways that are beneficial to the artists and their communities.

Level: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced – All students, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend!

Registration: Texas A&M employees (students, faculty, and staff) are encouraged to register using Train Traq so that seminar is included on their training transcript. Community members and people who do not work for Texas A&M are welcome to register using this link. Registration Ends: Oct. 18, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. (Central Time)

Nov. 18, 2021 (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Central Time)
Undocufriendly “does not equal” Undocuserving – Undocumented College Students’ Perceptions of Institutional Support

Presenter: Dr. Cinthya Salazar, assistant professor
Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development
Texas A&M University

Abstract: Undocufriendly colleges and universities are those with a reputation of being welcoming to undocumented students and offering a more inclusive campus climate via their institutional policies, services, and practices. These campuses are perceived to positively influence undocumented students’ college choice and their experiences once they enroll in higher education. Most undocufriendly institutions are located in states with tuition equity policies, which allow undocumented students to pay in-state resident tuition. Theoretically, the combination of tuition equity policies and inclusive institutional practices should offer undocumented students an undocufriendly campus environment that promotes their college success. In this presentation, I will discuss the findings of a qualitative study that examined the extent to which an undocufriendly campus setting was actually fostering undocumented students’ success and meeting their needs. Through a participatory action research methodology, I investigated undocumented students’ perceptions of institutional support at the public research university in Virginia that was largely perceived to be the most undocufriendly campus within the Commonwealth.

Level: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced – All students, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend!

Registration: Texas A&M employees (students, faculty, and staff) are encouraged to register using Train Traq so that seminar is included on their training transcript. Community members and people who do not work for Texas A&M are welcome to register using this link. Registration Ends: Nov. 15, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. (Central Time).

Fall 2021 Aggie Allies Workshop Dates

Aggie Allies would like to announce the schedule for the Fall 2021 Allies Advance Workshops. The workshops for the fall semester will be online. Registration for each workshop is limited to a maximum of 15 participants. Once workshops reach their maximum capacity, the registration for that date will be closed.

Registration requests should be submitted at least one week in advance of the preferred workshop date to allow time for the Ally Workshop Coordinator to confirm your registration.

  • Wednesday, Oct. 6, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 17, from 2:00-5:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 3, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 7, from 2:00-5:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Register for a workshop here!

Who are Aggie Allies?
Allies include staff, faculty, and students at Texas A&M University and members of the Bryan/College Station community who have committed to providing a safe space for LGBT individuals. Allies who have completed the training will display an Ally placard outside their office or residence hall room, interrupting homophobic language, being a movable safe space, etc. This placard identifies them as individuals who are willing to provide a safe haven, a listening ear, and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people or anyone dealing with sexual orientation issues.

How to Become an Ally?
All Allies have attended a training workshop called an Advance to learn about the benefits and responsibilities of being an Ally. Every Ally has signed an Allies contract before posting their placard.

What do Allies do?
Some Allies choose to advocate more visibly by participating in events like Coming-Out Week or LGBT Awareness Week, while others display their placard and that is all. It is up to the individual to decide how they want to be an Ally.

Mental Illness Awareness Week

Mental Illness Awareness Week runs from October 3-9. Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends, or coworkers. That is why each year, during the first week of October, the National Alliance on Mental Illness and participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination, and provide support through Mental Illness Awareness Week.

National Coming Out Day

October 11 is National Coming Out Day (U.S.). For those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, this day celebrates coming out and the recognition of the 1987 March on Washington for gay and lesbian equality.

  • The Coming Out Monologues: Virtual Info Session | Monday, Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m. – This virtual session, hosted by the LGBTQ+ Pride Center’s staff and the directors of The Coming Out Monologues, will provide strategies for monologue writing and information about The Coming Out Monologues event in April. Current and former students, faculty, staff, and community members who identify as LGBTQ+ or allies of that community who are interested in learning more or performing in The Coming Out Monologues 2022 should attend. The session will be on Facebook Live and the center’s other social media channels.

International Pronouns Day

International Pronouns Day on October 20 seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace.

Referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves is basic to human dignity. Being referred to by the wrong pronouns particularly affects transgender and gender nonconforming people. Together, we can transform society to celebrate people’s multiple, intersecting identities.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Global Diversity Awareness Month

October is Global Diversity Awareness Month. We live in a multicultural society and embracing the values of various cultures only strengthens our understanding and appreciation of the world. Open your mind to new views and ideas, appreciate cultural differences, and enjoy a fresh perspective you may have been missing. Celebrate Global Diversity Awareness Month by respecting people of all origins and ethnicities and remembering how diversity positively enhances our lives.

Further Reading:

LGBTQ+ History Month

October is LGBTQ+ History Month, a U.S. observance started in 1994 to recognize lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history and the history of the gay-rights movement.

  • Pride Live: LGBTQ+ History Month | October 5 from 6-7 p.m. – This discussion will focus on LGBTQ+ history at Texas A&M University and will feature Kevin Bailey, Thane Miles, and Kade Higgins as speakers. You can join the event live on Facebook, or you can watch it afterwards on the LGBTQ+ Pride Center’s YouTube or Instagram. This discussion will be followed by a Q&A session.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) was launched nationwide in October 1987 to connect and unite individuals and organizations working on domestic violence issues while raising awareness for those issues.  More prevalent than most realize, one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. Anyone, regardless of gender, race, socio-economic status, or sexual identity/orientation, can become a victim of domestic violence. This year’s campaign theme, #Every1KnowsSome1, strives to highlight how common domestic violence is and that it is more than physical violence.