Women's Awareness Coalition Begins Big Sister Program

by Kirsten Koba

Des Moines, Iowa (Feb. 12, 1997)-- In an attempt to increase campus interest in women's issues and encourage involvement of first-year students, the Women's Awareness Coalition recently began a "Big Sister/Little Sister" program.

The program pairs an upper-class member of WAC with a freshman who is interested in the coalition, but has not previously been a part of it. Instead of following set guidelines, each pair discusses issues and plans activities in which they are interested.

"I saw the proposal for 'Big Sister/Little Sister' on a list of potential programs, but it wasn't clearly defined. So, we've just decided to let participants go with whatever they want," junior Ellen Kucera, organizer of the program, said.

Kucera decided to put "Big Sister/Little Sister" into action because freshman participation in WAC has been low in the past.

"For some reason, our group can be intimidating to new people. We've done things like setting up a booth at New Student Days, but we still haven't had as much success as we'd like," she said.

Sophomore Melanie Cloud, a "big sister," agreed that the Women's Awareness Coalition can be intimidating at times.

"We are a very close group of students and new members, especially freshman, may be scared off because of that," she said.

Freshman Kelli Johnson said that it was this closeness which discouraged her from attending meetings regularly.

"The first WAC meeting I attended was a little scary because I was the only freshman and everyone there knew each other really well. I just haven't been sure if I've wanted to go back or not," she said.

Cloud said she believes that "Big Sister/Little Sister" will break down some of the barriers between old and new members.

"This is a way of showing first-year students that we're here for guidance and to answer any questions they might have. I didn't have anything like this, so I understand why it's hard to just jump in and figure everything out for yourself," she said.

"Plus, it's a lot easier to share ideas with one person than with a whole group of people you may not know, hopefully, my 'little sister' and I will be able to work off each other and then present ideas to the group."

Johnson has decided to give WAC a "second chance" because of the program.

"Just knowing that they realize the group is intimidating and want to do something about it makes me feel better. I really want to be able to talk to someone about what they've done in the past and ideas of my own," she said.

These young members are essential in keeping the organization alive. "We really hope 'Big Sister/Little Sister' brings in new people because we don't want WAC to die. A large portion of the group is graduating, so we need to turn to first-year students," Kucera said.

Johnson agreed. "The group won't be happening in years to come if they don't build a young base and core group to replace them. It's really important for freshman to learn from the leaders now," she said.

New members will also bring in new ideas.

"It's very important to get fresh ideas. There is a lot of potential for new programs with first-year students," Kucera said.

Unfortunately, there has not been a large response to the program from first-year students.

"We haven't gotten a lot of people involved yet, but the WAC members are really excited about it. We're ready to get started," Kucera said.

Cloud said that even a small group of new members can make a difference.

"Even if this doesn't take off right away, the students who are interested are great. Hopefully they will be able to bring in their friends and start sort of a domino effect," she said.

WAC is also hoping to receive funding for the "Big Sister/Little Sister" program.

"We want to increase the program and make it bigger. It would be great if we could get money for Sunday dinners, where we could get everyone together to talk," Cloud said. "We have a lot of plans for 'Big Sister/Little Sister.' Right now we just have to see how everything goes."

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