Boise State University is hosting a National Association of Student Personnel Administrators of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Queer leadership conference this year called the “Power of One” conference. It aims to congregate students to learn from and teach other students about the wide spectrum of identities while promoting social justice.
Bellevue College had their proposal to attend approved and April 26-28, five BC representatives will be there to practice becoming inclusive leaders. Transportation, hotel housing, and food for the weekend will be provided through a proposed budget of $2500 that is subject to fluctuations.
Ali Collucci, director of the LGBTQ Resource Center, was an applicant for the trip. “This may be the first or second year Bellevue College has attended this conference,” she said. “For this year, we’re just going to attend the conference to learn what it has to offer. Next year, when we start planning for Power of One again, I will put a proposal for BC to host a workshop.”
A selection committee, member of the Center and a couple staff members got together and the application process was very specific in what the conference will be about. The applicants were chosen based on their willingness to help and bring something back to the community, and represent the BC LGBTQ Resource Center. It was also based on their GPA as well so that “the group of applicants can represent Bellevue College academically andpersonally.”
It is a student leadership conference “designed to encourage and empower lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning college students, their allies and the faculty and staff who support them.” At the annual conference, there will be programs, initiatives, workshops and speakers there to focus on these key topics.
Sam Crenshaw, a member of LGBTQ and participant chosen out of the 60 plus applicants, explained his excitement regarding the conference. “I’m looking forward to going and learning about the workshops. The only preparation I have for the conference is whether or not I get my own room.”
