Spring 1997 Newsletter

The BiGALA Internship Program

by D. Christopher Kerby '81

BiGALA inaugurated in November its first outreach program - an internship program, which each year will award two Williams students, one male and one female, stipends of $2,500 for particular student-initiated summer projects which the BiGALA Internship Program selection committee chooses for funding.

"The BiGALA Internship Program is about strengthening connections - between BiGALA and current Williams gay, lesbian and bisexual students; between student interns and the larger gay, lesbian and bisexual communities; and between BiGALA and the College," according to Susan Paulson '88, a BiGALA Executive Committee member. "The Program links these groups, while also allowing students to undertake constructive and innovative projects addressing gay issues."

The Internship Program will fund projects which work to foster a more supportive environment for gay, lesbian and bisexual people, and it is this principle which will guide the selection committee in its deliberations and selections. However, within this broad framework, projects may take many forms, from traditional internships with gay/lesbian/bisexual non-profits; to academic research projects; to oral history projects; to endeavors in the arts . . . just as long as the project, in the short or long term, is truly intended to promote acceptance of gay, lesbian and bisexual people. In order that the internship experience continues to be strengthened, selected students must also agree to provide for an informal opportunity the next Fall to share their experiences with the College community.

Completed student proposals, due by the end of Winter Study, were reviewed by six readers: the Chair of the Dively Committee, who this year is Prof. Regina Kunzel of the Williams History Department; Biology Prof. Nancy Roseman; and four members of the BiGALA Executive Committee. Decisions were made on March 21.

This project is funded solely from the contributions of BiGALA members. BiGALA has set up through the Williams Development Office the "BiGALA Internship Program Expendable Fund," from which the stipends, totaling $5,000 annually, will be drawn. For the first year of the program BiGALA has set a fundraising goal of $15,000 for the Internship to insure the program's sustainability.

The Internship Program has been enthusiastically received from all quarters of the Williams community. "Williams College has traditionally urged students to engage in some form of community service, and as more students are now 'out' on campus, the BiGALA Internship Program provides them the wonderful opportunity to offer service in the gay and lesbian community," states Chris Waters, Associate Professor of History.

Jennifer Cartee '97, Queer/Straight Alliance (QSA) alumnae/i liaison and Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Union (BGLU) treasurer, concurs: "The BiGALA Internship Program will provide an invaluable opportunity to explore concerns of sexuality and gender in depth in an environment of a student's own design. Though independent study classes are useful, they cannot compare to the experience of immersing oneself in a summer project, whether it be related to politics, academics, the arts, or what have you."

Likewise, John Spear '92, who works in the non-profit sector, appreciates the constructive results of the Program. Spear, the Director of Field Services for The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Teachers Network (GLSTN), a non-profit organization, and BiGALA Executive Committee Member, notes: "Interns are an integral part of our GLSTN team. Their contributions and insights are invaluable, and have a real impact on our work. I'm thrilled that BiGALA will be offering stipends to Williams students. It will give the students meaningful work experiences with organizations that will value their talents and abilities."

Perhaps most importantly, BiGALA members are responding positively to the Program, supporting this Winter's fundraising campaign. Donations to date exceed $8,000, which is promising, but still less than half of the campaign's goal of $15,000. Additional tax-deductible contributions should be forwarded to:

Williams College BiGALA Internship
PO Box 231
Williamstown, MA 01267

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