Volunteers, library, couches encourage sexual health education
Sex: It’s a tricky thing to talk about, and students don’t always feel comfortable discussing the subject with friends or family.
The Women’s Resource Center in the UMC offers an alternative by hosting walk-in hours. Students can come to the office, located in UMC 417, between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. every Wednesday to talk with fellow students in an informal setting.
The program and its office are designed for students who would feel more comfortable in a non-clinical environment, talking with young women who attend CU.
“Open hours are set up so students can have a chance to ask candid questions in a comfortable atmosphere,” said Cindy Cabrales, who started working at the Women’s Resource Center Sept. 1.
The center houses a small library of books, magazines and pamphlets on every subject from sexual health and eating disorders to pregnancy.
“We have books, more than Norlin, I’m sure. It’s a comfortable place to gather resources,” Cabrales said.
The WRC also provides big, soft couches and pillows for students to relax on. They encourage students to spend time there, check out the art and magazines, and get to know the volunteers.
“We have over 20 volunteers working at least three hours every week,” Cabrales said.
Most of the volunteers are students who, Cabrales said, provide referrals and information on campus.
“The job of a student volunteer is to provide support to fellow peers,” she said. “They work on (various) projects (for the WRC).”
If someone requests a presentation on sexual health, the center and Wardenburg provide peer educators to do a presentation. Topics range from protection and sex to sexually transmitted infections themselves.
Many of these presentations are given to classes, fraternities and sororities, but only by request.
Cabrales said the WRC also brings in “experts in their field from Wardenburg and victim’s assistance.”
All of the consultations are confidential and meant for those who are sexually active or who have been sexually active. The programs and consultations are also geared towards providing those who have contracted an STI a safe place to turn without feeling ashamed.
