New organization encourages students to speak up
Mature discussions lead to better understanding
David Fayne
Issue date: 10/29/09 Section: Features
Do you want to be heard on campus? Do you have problems and concerns that you feel need to be discussed? If so, then the new organization called S.P.E.A.K. is the organization for you. S.P.E.A.K. is an acronym for Speaking Profoundly on Everyday Arguments using Knowledge.
S.P.E.A.K. exists so Lakeland students can voice their opinions amongst each other without being discriminated against on their values. Brianna Ecxford, president of S.P.E.A.K., said, "This organization is important because it is a way to stop discrimination against groups, not just racial, but gender, sexual orientation etc., and allows people to hold their opinions and not be shunned for them."
S.P.E.A.K. was founded by six young, mature women on Lakeland's campus. Junior Jessica Dunning and sophomore Brittanie Malwitz are the advertising coordinators. Junior Sara Smet is the treasurer. Sophomore LaSheka Townes is secretary. Sophomore Keaira Bonner is vice president. As stated earlier, sopomore Brianna Ecxford is president.
The idea of S.P.E.A.K. was thought of by Brianna, and she started this organization so she, as well as other students, can debate and discuss opinions. In the planning stages Brianna brought her idea to Keaira and the rest of the girls, and that is when S.P.E.A.K. was born this past spring. It became official this fall.
To become a member of S.P.E.A.K. all you have to do is attend the meetings, voice your opinion, and attend events. There is no catch, no member applications, and no price to join. The members meet every other Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Laun 110 to discuss their problems, ideas, and concerns amongst each other like adults.
While doing so they are educating each other about life on campus and the rest of the world. As a club, S.P.E.A.K. offers all members an opportunity to discuss what has been bothering them. Often very interesting debates are sparked amongst group members which sometimes leads to other topics that need to be addressed.
S.P.E.A.K. exists so Lakeland students can voice their opinions amongst each other without being discriminated against on their values. Brianna Ecxford, president of S.P.E.A.K., said, "This organization is important because it is a way to stop discrimination against groups, not just racial, but gender, sexual orientation etc., and allows people to hold their opinions and not be shunned for them."
S.P.E.A.K. was founded by six young, mature women on Lakeland's campus. Junior Jessica Dunning and sophomore Brittanie Malwitz are the advertising coordinators. Junior Sara Smet is the treasurer. Sophomore LaSheka Townes is secretary. Sophomore Keaira Bonner is vice president. As stated earlier, sopomore Brianna Ecxford is president.
The idea of S.P.E.A.K. was thought of by Brianna, and she started this organization so she, as well as other students, can debate and discuss opinions. In the planning stages Brianna brought her idea to Keaira and the rest of the girls, and that is when S.P.E.A.K. was born this past spring. It became official this fall.
To become a member of S.P.E.A.K. all you have to do is attend the meetings, voice your opinion, and attend events. There is no catch, no member applications, and no price to join. The members meet every other Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Laun 110 to discuss their problems, ideas, and concerns amongst each other like adults.
While doing so they are educating each other about life on campus and the rest of the world. As a club, S.P.E.A.K. offers all members an opportunity to discuss what has been bothering them. Often very interesting debates are sparked amongst group members which sometimes leads to other topics that need to be addressed.
Be the first to comment on this story