The Slutty Paper Campaign, Forwards on Change, and an Update on Events

Dear Citizens for Change,

On November 24, 2008, a Letter to the Editor titled "Why Slutty" was printed on The Spartan Daily opposing the Slutty Paper campaign...deeming it sexist. This issue about employing sexist terms (or perhaps, what was once considered 'sexist') to social justice and environmental campaigns has popped up before.

This issue has no definite solution, but there have been many areas for forum such as the I heart Slutty Paper event page for the rebuttal, and the Environmental Club's discussion group.

My friend Ariella made some interesting points on the development of linguistics. Language has evolved. What were once negative words now have positive connotations (i.e. sick, wicked, and bitch just to name a few.) However, I feel aligned with the solution she proposed... here's to democracy: we should have the students take a poll if they want to change the name of the campaign. Still, it will be interesting to see the responses readers have once the rebuttal is published.

Of course, this issue will seem ludicrous to all sides depending on the facet from which one is exposed to. Nonetheless, it is important to allow for caucuses. A caucus will propel an exchange of ideas and better communication.

I think the Slutty Paper campaign is an ingenious plan concocted to establish a wide array of supporters. The emphasis is not on reestablishing or recycling derogatory terms but simply to encourage others to save paper and not use "virgin paper" (i.e. paper that has not been recycled before, is only printed on one side...) If there was a failed communication, it is unfortunate. And for the feminists, the advocates for equality among all sexes, it is unfortunate that sex sells. The intellectual idealist will shake their head and mourn that knowledge itself is simply not eye-catching enough. However, I do hope that everyone is aware of these different connotations that come with evolved language.

Here are some forwards for change, including updates on social justice events and organizations.

• Veggielution workdays are canceled for the month of December (from Mark Anthony Medeiros' Veggielution email list.)

• From Don't Get FCC'd by Big Media's Facebook: "Help Wanted: New FCC chair"
  Hey friends,
  We just placed a wanted ad in four influential Washington DC publications in an effort to let Obama know that the next FCC chair needs to live up to his campaign pledges to reform the media in America.
  
  Now we want you to help finish the ad by telling Obama what you think the qualifications for the FCC job candidate should be: http://www.freepress.net/wanted
  
  
  The FCC has been held hostage by corporate interests for too long. Now is our best chance to change course and make real the possibility of universal broadband access, an open Internet, and more locally controlled radio and TV.
  
  The new FCC chair will be charged with bringing American media into the 21st century, which is why Obama must hear from you before deciding.
  
  Take Our Poll: Rank Your FCC Priorities:
  http://www.freepress.net/wanted
  
  We'll deliver the results of the poll to Obama's transition team.
  
  Let's speak out to make sure we find the right person for the job.
  
  Onward,
  Josh
  
  P.S. Share the link on Facebook to help build momentum and Digg the action here: http://digg.com/politics/What_Will_Your_FCC_Chair_Look_Like

• From the Gulf Coast Civic Works Project's Facebook: "Change.org Action!"
  I wanted to see if I could get your quick help. I'm not sure if you've heard, but there's a movement of citizens inspired by the presidential campaign who are now submitting ideas for how they think the Obama Administration should change America. It's called "Ideas for Change in America."
  
  I've submitted an idea and wanted to see if you could quickly vote for it. The title is: Pass The Gulf Coast Civic Works Act: HR 4048. You can read and vote for the idea by clicking on the following link:
  
  http://www.change.org/ideas/view/pass_the_gulf_coast_civic_works_act_hr_4048
  
  
  The top 10 ideas are going to be presented to the Obama Administration on Inauguration Day and will be supported by a national lobbying campaign run by Change.org, MySpace, and more than a dozen leading nonprofits after the Inauguration. So each idea has a real chance at becoming policy.
  
  Thanks for the support,
  
  Roberto Garcia-Ceballos
  Gulf Coast Civic Works Project

• Students for Quality Education Letter Writing Campaign Kick-off

  Write, Fax, or Call CSU Chancellor Reed and tell him to stand for Higher Education!

In a time of economic uncertainty, California State University students face a tuition-increase of 10% every year. Since 2002, tuition has gone up more than 100%. In addition, Governor Schwarzenegger proposes $4.5 billion in cuts to the current year state budget, including:

• $132 million in reductions to higher education, which includes a $66.3 Million cut to the CSU
• $2.5 billion in cuts to K-12 education

Even more startling is that CSU Chancellor Reed has handed back more than $30 Million in CSU funds; funds that were ALREADY designated to the CSU.

We are here to tell Chancellor Reed that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Budget cuts and tuition hikes are detremental not only to students, but will cost the state of California jobs and a high-skilled work force.

Please sign a fax/letter/e-mail to Chacellor Reed here:
http://capwiz.com/calfac/issues/alert/?alertid=12133441

Starting on Tuesday, December 2, SQE will be gathering support from students on campus to sign this letter to Chancellor Reed. We'll be outside the Student Union from 9am to 3pm, from Tuesday until Thursday.

We encourage you to pass this link on to all of your friends so we can keep the pressure on Reed to support access to quality education.

Again, the link is:
http://capwiz.com/calfac/issues/alert/?alertid=12133441

Let's end the semester with a bang!

• GenerationEngage Monthly Ambassadors Meeting w/ Skylar Porras

  RSVP @ http://guest.cvent.com/SURVEYS/Welcome.aspx?s=ebc34d4a-176d-4dd5-bf2c-c8a6f9afc413

This Friday, Skylar Porras will be joining us and sharing her experience as a community organizer and providing insights regarding public service.

Skylar Porras currently serves as the Director of San Jose Office at the American Civil Liberties Union. She has also served as Political Director at Contra Costa Central Labor Council and Latino Outreach Director at Dean for America.

During the second potion of the meeting, we will be discussing the upcoming video conference on December 15 with Madeline Albright, former Secretary of State.

As with all Ambassadors meetings, this meeting will be followed by a walk down South First Street to check out local art and culture. Check out http://www.southfirstfridays.com/ for more information.