The Panther Prints

Sept 17,1996

Welebing to the VPEI Women's Contre

by Christie Poirier

Ever wonder what the small square building is across

from the rink? The one that used

to be attached to the old plan- etarium? Well, now is your chance to find out.

If you missed the write up in the student calendar (al- thoughI'm sure you read it cover to cover the first day), that little square building is the UPEI Women's Centre. What is the Women’s Centre? Who is it for? What is it all about? Al- though an important part of the Centre's purpose is to provide a safe place for women, itis much, much more. It is a place where visitors can feel free to express their concerns and dreams, share ideas and problems, do mean- ingful volunteer work, seek in-

formation or referrals, borrow books, or simply drink coffee and crash between classes on the comfy couches.

The Women's Centre isa welcoming place where help and support is readily available ina warm environment. Ifyou have a problem, (perhaps too sensi- tive to talk about with a room- mate, parent, doctor, boyfriend, or significant other), the Wom- en's Centre can help, or at least guide youto the proper help (ie., a comfortable discreet medical advisor or counsellor.) If you need someone to listen to you, have questions about anything,

if you are pregnant and need.

some information, having prob- lems in a relationship, if you have been sexually or physi- cally assaulted, or need to beef

about acourse -- drop by and the staff will steer you in the right direction. The Women's Centre supports and accepts you for who you are, offers a shoulder to cry on, and when youare a long way from homeand need a friend, we are here for you. We even have

a"second Mom," our coordina-

tor Ruth Freeman.

Now, for the question uppermost in many minds -- YES, mencancometothe Wom- en's Centre (and many do). What better place to go if you have a question or concern about one or more women in your life? Is your girlfriend pregnant? Ever wonder what the heck is going on inher body onceamonth, that seems to make her so moody, and why itsomehow alwaysends up being your fault? Have a

daughter youneed totalk to about ahard-to-deal-withissue? Wor- ried about a sister who may not seem to eat enough? It is okay to come here and talk about it, ask questions, and get information.

The Centre serves as both a learning centre and a referral service, with anextensive lend- ing library, lounge area, kitchen, safe room, and of course a cof- fee pot. The Centre sponsors and supports many activities on campus, such as the Montreal

Massacre Memorial, Wen Do

self defence classes, art shows, poetry readings, acelebration of International Women's Day, and

information sessions on various

topics.

There are lots of oppor- tunities for volunteer experi- ences that range from helping to

organize events to staffing the Centre in the evenings. It is a great opportunity to gain expe- rience that you will use now and later in life. Ifyou are interested - in becoming a Women's Centre volunteer, come to our first vol- unteer meeting on September 23, 6:00 p.m., at the Women's Cen- tre (yes guys, we do have male volunteers).

If you would like more information about the Centre, feel free to drop in for a visit, give us a call (628-4332), or send us an_— E-mail (womenctr@upei.ca). The Cen- tre is open Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:00pm, and 6:00pm - 9:00pm. The furniture is com- fortable, the company's great and so is the coffee. So come on in, sit back, andrelax. You will not regret it.

° UPEI WOMEN'S CENTRE 9°

(between the Aumni Gym and the Barn)

Hours of Operation

Mon - Fri:

Nion - Fri:

Sat

Telephone: 628-4332

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8:30 - 4:00

6:00 - 9:00 1:00 - 4:00

Email: Womenctr@upei.ca

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