December 2010

Women's Committee Meeting

December 14, 2010
MRF 204

In attendance: Fay Cali, Kim Grodzki, Carter Esch, Dina Pandya

Special Guest: Tracey Crago – Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS)

Tracey presented a PowerPoint explaining the VIPS program, in particular focusing on mentoring in the public schools.  This program is mainly esteem-based rather than academically focused.  Volunteers are complete an application, are interviewed, screened, CORI checked and then matched with a student.  Volunteers/mentors receive some training provided by the VIPS program.  Most students are recommended to the VIPS program by their guidance counselors.  The mentors would visit the student at school and spend the length of one class period (~50 minutes) with the student during their lunchtime.  Mentors are able to have use of the gym if it is not being used, use of the art room, music room or go for a walk outside on school grounds.  For information on the VIPS program visit http:www.falmouthvips.org.

The attending members of the committee discussed the possibility of holding an informational session where Tracey would talk about the program aided by current WHOI mentors who could share their thoughts and feelings on the program.  This could be incorporated into a wine and cheese hour and promoted throughout the Institution, MBL, etc.  (The wine is already on hand left over from a previous function.) Tracey will provide Dina with information regarding WHOI’s past involvement in the program at which time, the committee can choose a date to hold the session.  Dina will post the VIPS website link on the Women’s Committee home page.  The committee feels this is a worthwhile program to promote asking WHOI women to volunteer their time.

At the January meeting discussion should focus on Women’s History month with Beth Murphy, local filmmaker.  You can read more about Beth here.  We will need to finalize the details for this event.