SFA women's empowerment group meets weekly
By: Rafael Fields
Issue date: 10/22/09 Section: News
Sister Circle, a women's empowerment group, meets weekly in the Multicultural Center to discuss important issues women face.
This group meets at 7 p.m. every Thursday to focus on the issues and problems women encounter realistically. It's a venue for women to come together and gain a sisterhood and to discuss similarities situations they encounter.
Alicia Stoker, Longview graduate student, co-founder and facilitator, started the group almost one year ago because she felt there was something missing among the women on campus.
"Through the summer there was something itching in my spirit, and I needed to get something done," Stoker said.
Arlington junior Shanay Harrison needed a place where she would feel comfortable and secure to share some of the obstacles she faces in college.
"I love Sister Circle. You don't have to worry about people repeating what you share, and I don't miss it for anything," Harrison said.
Students are not required to speak or share the intimate details of their lives, but they're encouraged to voice questions or concerns. Stoker said most times other students are facing the same issues, and when these issues are addressed it builds the students' confidence and equips them with the will to successfully face their concerns.
"A motto I made up is, 'Empowering the body of women, one woman at a time'," Stoker said.
The group has seen its numbers grow since the first meeting. Women who are in need of answers or guidance come and share stories and ask questions with other women.
Stoker, who is graduating with a master's degree in social work in the spring, would like to see the group continue after she leaves SFA. Stoker is incorporating various leaders and workers on campus to perpetuate the group.
Students interested in joining the organization can contact Alicia Stoker at (936) 468-1073.
This group meets at 7 p.m. every Thursday to focus on the issues and problems women encounter realistically. It's a venue for women to come together and gain a sisterhood and to discuss similarities situations they encounter.
Alicia Stoker, Longview graduate student, co-founder and facilitator, started the group almost one year ago because she felt there was something missing among the women on campus.
"Through the summer there was something itching in my spirit, and I needed to get something done," Stoker said.
Arlington junior Shanay Harrison needed a place where she would feel comfortable and secure to share some of the obstacles she faces in college.
"I love Sister Circle. You don't have to worry about people repeating what you share, and I don't miss it for anything," Harrison said.
Students are not required to speak or share the intimate details of their lives, but they're encouraged to voice questions or concerns. Stoker said most times other students are facing the same issues, and when these issues are addressed it builds the students' confidence and equips them with the will to successfully face their concerns.
"A motto I made up is, 'Empowering the body of women, one woman at a time'," Stoker said.
The group has seen its numbers grow since the first meeting. Women who are in need of answers or guidance come and share stories and ask questions with other women.
Stoker, who is graduating with a master's degree in social work in the spring, would like to see the group continue after she leaves SFA. Stoker is incorporating various leaders and workers on campus to perpetuate the group.
Students interested in joining the organization can contact Alicia Stoker at (936) 468-1073.
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