By Camila Chavarria, Staff Reporter
Over 50 CSUDH clubs and organizations set up shop along the East Walkway earlier this month to encourage Toros to get active on campus during the Spring Involvement Fair.
The two-day event on Feb. 3-4. Some of the groups present included La Casita, the Digital Media Arts Club, Students for Reproductive Justice, Esports, the Vietnamese Student Association, the Black Student Union. Representatives of CSUDH Greek Life organizations performed steps and chants as people passed through the fair.
“It’s important to join a Greek organization because not only do you meet other people, you get to grow your circle professionally or personally,” said Linette Sanchez-Canul, a member of the Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority.
The Immigration Justice Center was also present at the fair handing out red “Know Your Rights” cards. The cards included information about their Constitutional rights should they come in contact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The cards were translated in multiple languages.
In addition to learning more about campus clubs, students could grab a can of Celsius energy drink or a complimentary Chicken Fingers snack of Raising Canes. They could also snag an interactive photo with the LA Galaxy soccer team’s MLS Cup. The team plays at nearby Dignity Health Sports Park and won their sixth championship this past December.
The Leadership, Engagement & Development Office (LEAD) hosts involvement fairs every semester, offering Toros opportunities to socialize with others over shared majors or interests.
“Coming to college can be scary, and I think this is a great place to find your group and find out who your people are,” said senior Danny Garcia-Estrada, the treasurer for the Digital Media Arts Club. “This is one of the easiest ways to get there.”
First-year health science student Yosselyn Organista told The Bulletin the fair was an easy way for students to step out of their comfort zones. She said: “I think these clubs are eventful and helpful for students who may want to get out of their shells and connect with more people.”
Second-year student Martha Velasquez agreed, saying students “could see what’s offered on campus, what resources can help us throughout our years, and how much we can get involved in it.”
The Bouldering Club started at CSUDH this past fall to build a community of rock climbers on campus. The group is the first of its kind at Dominguez Hills and meets at Long Beach Rising, where there is a rock climbing gym.
“What’s great about our club is it’s an adventure club,” said club member Candy Martinez. “It’s more physical, so people can go out and try something new.”
Some clubs tried to attract students using clever tactics. The Vietnamese Student Association booth featured an interactive whiteboard with questions and a stuffed animal raffle. The club also invited Toros to celebrate the Lunar New Year by playing a game called Bầu cua cá cọp.
“Being able to table for the Involvement fair is good for us because we get more attraction and more people will know about us.” said VSA member Kathleen Pham. “I think in America, it’s hard for you to learn about your own culture, and you feel disconnected from your culture, but our club allows you to learn about your culture and establish your roots.”
Meanwhile, at the Students for Reproductive Justice table, members hosted a giveaway—prizes included contraceptives, feminine care, and pregnancy and ovulation test strips.
“All of those products like Plan B are $60 in store,” said senior Paige Henderson, the Students for Reproductive Justice co-president. “A lot of our students don’t have the money for basic needs.”
Fernando Lorenana, a fifth-year student and member of Pueblos Unidos del Centroamérica (PUDECA), told The Bulletin that the club hopes to create a space for Toros from Central America.
“Central America alone is very hidden compared to other Latin American countries,” Lorenana said. “We must be tabling during the Involvement Fair to get more students involved in our club.”
