The College of Charleston’s Bonner Leader Program is hosting its third annual Engage and Empower Awareness Week to start a dialogue that may lead to solutions for some of the community’s most pressing problems. From April 4 through April 8, 2011 Bonner Leaders will hold a series of activities and discussions to bring awareness to various social issues. After each event, information will be presented on how students and citizens can engage in direct action to alleviate these problems. All events are free and open to the public.

Engage

Everybody’s Business – Monday, April 4, 6:30 p.m., Education Center 118– Come hear speakers from My Sister’s House and People Against Rape to learn more about the issues of domestic violence and rape. Light refreshments will be served.

“Truth vs. Myth” Immigration– Tuesday, April 5, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Lightsey Center, 2nd floor Lobby– Take  a walk through the museum of reality – what are the FACTS of immigration? Does immigration have a negative impact on America? Have you ever asked an immigrant? Is America really the country of many opportunities? Does the news media cover every story of the lost lives of immigrants or the separation of families? Is this justice? Come find out the truth about immigration!

Bully*B*Gone – Wednesday, April 6, 6:30 p.m., Alumni Center, School of Education, Health, and Human Performance – What do you know about bullying? Be submerged in the bully culture and learn about the effects of bullying from a first-hand account.

Empower

The Skin I’m In – Thursday, April 7, 6:00 p.m. , Alumni Center, School of Education, Health, and Human Performance – Be empowered by Jean Kilbourne’s popular film, “Killing Us Softly,” which illustrates the distorted images that the media portrays of men and women and how these images affect both men and women physically and psychologically. The film will be followed by the unveiling of “The Skin I’m In” Art Exhibit and Spoken Word selections.

Action. Awareness. Pride. – Friday, April 8, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (drop in), Stern Center Gardens (Rain location: Stern Center Ballroom) – There will be a celebration of LGBTQ pride and support for the movement towards equality. Free entertainment and food will be provided!

For additional details, please contact Stephanie Visser in the Center for Civic Engagement at 843.953.5854.