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Multicultural Center

Multicultural Student Organizations

Student organizations are crucial to the work of the Multicultural Center. They conduct meetings and sponsor events at the Center and comprise the Multicultural Student Council.

List of Student Organizations

Alima International Dance Association (ALIMA)
 Website: www.uri.edu/mcc/alima/
Alima International Dance Association is a family whose goal is to spread the diversity of dancing that derived from the African roots. Alima wants the world to become aware of the diversity and the beauty of cultures fused together into one. Alima believes that different nationalities and backgrounds should come together through music and dance. Although, people have different believes, different languages and certainly different dance rituals, Alima does not look at these differences. It focuses more on what people really have in common, and this is exactly what Alima does; taking all different types of music that sounds good and that sends a positive message and performs to it. The "Rhythm of the Soul" is a show that Alima puts on every year to generalize the ideals of its goal.

Asian Student Association (ASA)
 Website: www.mcc.uri.edu/asa/
The Asian Student Association of the University of Rhode Island is an organization in which students from various Asian countries gather, such as Cambodia, China, the Hmong culture, Japan, Korea, Laos and the Philippines. Within the past few years, the number of non-Asian members who are interested in learning about Asia have increased. ASA's goal is to promote better understanding of Asian countries and cultures to the URI community and to a bigger scope. It is to enhance the campus community by encouraging student involvement in community services, increase Asian awareness, providing student support, networking with other student organizations and supporting personal growth in Art, Culture, and Religion.

Brothers on A New Direction (BOND)
http://www.uri.edu/mcc/studentorganizations/bond.html
Brothers on A New Direction (BOND) is an organization that is devoted to the development of young men socially, academically and mentally. Valuing the potential that lies in untapped ability, BOND focuses on the advancement of young men in college, helping them leave a lasting mark on the University.  

Brazilian Cape Verdean Capoeira (BCV)
 Website: www.uri.edu/mcc/bcv/
BCV Capoeira promotes respect for diversity in its performances, but is a diverse group within itself. Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art mixed with music and acrobatics. This program on the URI campus also teaches its members about the Cape Verdean culture. BCV is made up of students from all backgrounds. Its performers are models of the principles it teaches: respect, self-control, discipline, integrity and trust. Its goal is to promote these principles through this art form while advancing the level of education about respect for the Brazilian and Cape Verdean culture.

Cape Verdean Students Association (CVSA)
 Website: www.uri.edu/mcc/cvsa/
The Cape Verdean Student Association is a major presence on campus, promoting and illustrating the history of a rich culture to the student body, faculty and administration.  A student organization dedicated to cultural awareness and outreach, there is a commitment to promoting cultural, political, and historical programs to maintain a sense of identity within the University.

Classy Leaders Achieving Student Services (CLASS)
 Website: www.uri.edu/mcc/class/
The purpose of this organization is to help develop student leaders through the facilitation of diversity and student services. To create events; fundraiser/ charities, workshops, forums & conduct community service in the URI/ RI community. C.L.A.S.S will encourage members to THINK BIG. To be active members in the RI community. We will implement a hands on approach learning style that will help in the progression of future leaders & the improvement of culture on campus.

eXposure - URI Multi-Cultural Dance Organization
 Website: www.uri.edu/mcc/studentorganizations/expo.html
We are eXposure of the University of Rhode Island. We are a hybrid between a dance group and organization, or our terms, family. We are dedicated individuals out to educate and help break the barriers between cultures through the use of music and dance, while still having fun. This is and will continue to be the focus and goal of eXposure.

Gay Straight Alliance (GSA)
 Website: www.uri.edu/mcc/urigsa
The Gay Straight Alliance is an student run organization dedicated to furthering equality with an emphasis on LGBT issues through activism, advocacy, and awareness. The GSA engages with URI students, as well as campus administration, faculty, and staff to bring about meaningful and tangible gains in uniting students and creating a welcoming campus. In addition, the GSA uses awareness campaigns held throughout the year to honor the GLBT Community and bring attention to various GLBT Issues on campus and beyond.

India Students Association (ISA)
 Website: www.uri.edu/mcc/isa
The Indian Student Association, representing the Indian culture and promoting unity among its members and the community as a whole provides opportunities for members to share Indian culture through interaction with other student organizations in a continuing effort to positively influence perception and attitude of Indian culture, traditions, and history.

Latin American Student Association (LASA)
 Website: www.uri.edu/mcc/lasa
LASA's goal is to create a center of orientation to help students confront and surpass the frustrations they may encounter when initially exposed to a socio-economic educational system unknown to its members. It hopes to identity and reinforce culture, language and custom among Latin students, and to enhance educational, social and cultural opportunities in the university of Rhode Island community.

Native American Student Organization (NASO)
http://www.uri.edu/mcc/naso/naso.html
NASO is a student group on campus with the mission of bringing together people not only people of Native American descent, but all nationalities to embrace the rich Native American Culture

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
 Website: www.uri.edu/mcc/nsbe
NSBE's mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.

P.I.N.K. Women
 Website: www.uri.edu/mcc/pink
PINK Women strives to be an organization dedicated to providing a mechanism of empowerment to all women. Through a vision to create a network of academic and social support for all women of color, PINK has achieved personal development through establishment of events that seek to educate students, staff, and faculty on important issues that involve and concern women.

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
 Website: www.uri.edu/mcc/shpe
The Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers focus on study skill development, leadership, resume development as well as activities both on and off-campus which are celebratory and instructive. Members attend conferences in Boston and New Orleans, and keep things local by tutoring 7th and 8th graders from Providence. SHPE offers hands-on experience in engineering to middle and high school students.

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
 Website: www.uri.edu/mcc/swe
The Society of Women Engineers is committed to supporting women and diversity in engineering. The organization motivates women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, while expanding the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life. The University of Rhode Island chapter has created vibrant social community for women engineering students at the school, as well as providing strong academic and career support. SWE enhances leadership by participating in mentoring programs and outreach programs.

The Student Association for the Advancement of Haitian People (SAAHP)
 Website: www.uri.edu/mcc/saahp
Our Mission is to spread the awareness of the Haitian culture to the University of Rhode Island Student body and local communities.

Student Alliance for the Welfare of Africa (SAWA)
http://www.uri.edu/mcc/sawa/sawa.html
Students Alliance for the Welfare of Africa (SAWA) places Africa under a positive light for the benefit of everyone belonging to the University of Rhode Island and its surrounding community, and to increase their awareness and understanding of the several heritage and cultures of her people.

Uhuru SaSa (SASA)
 Website: www.uri.edu/mcc/sasa
Uhuru SaSa denotes "Freedom Now." SASA's purpose is dedicated to establishing and maintaining the cultural, social and educational enrichment of all people who work and study at the University and community. It is its intention to accomplish this through the pursuit of educational, historical, literary and artistic functions.

URI Hillel
 Website: www.uri.edu/mcc/hillel
URI Hillel is the center for Jewish life on campus. Hillel offers students the means to build Jewish community, while exploring, developing and celebrating their Jewish identity in a dynamic, fun and comfortable environment. Each year, Hillel connects students to their community, their peers and their heritage through an array of social, cultural, and community service programs.

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