As she hurries to class, the Mesa Women’s Union student leader, Rachel Monk, exclaims “we’re Not Man Haters!” in a final plea for more male interest in the club.

“I wish more men, and women, would like to participate” said Monk when asked about male interest on campus. This is a serious issue facing the Mesa Women’s Union. With only three male members, the Women’s Union feels the club is incomplete.

A women’s union might intimidate the Mesa male population. They may conjure images of stereotypical feminists burning bras and eating granola, but rest assured, feminists come in all forms and are not to be feared. Besides, granola is delicious.

Monk states that the primary role of the Women’s Union is “To reach out to the community and to empower women.” Although female empowerment is a goal of the Union, their interests and achievements are expansive.

They boast an impressive list of charitable donations and volunteer hours. The Women’s Union presented a check to the Center for Community Solutions for the amount of $1,000 last June. $432 was fundraised for the American Cancer Society in October. They also raised $562 for the Komen San Diego Race for the Cure last November, and over $600 worth of toiletries were gathered to aid the San Diego Monarch School for the Homeless in December. Their focus is not only Mesa College, but San Diego as well. Any monetary gains the union may procure are always allocated within Mesa or locally.

Every month, The Union has its hands in something new. Just in the month of February, they raised money to finance Hermes Castro’s trip to Antarctica, attended a leadership retreat with the Mesa College Associated Student Government and donated $50 to the Mesa Robotics Club.

“Robotics Club?” one may ask. The Women’s Union is frequently interacting with other clubs on campus. Recently they are involved with the Honors Club’s current blood drive.

“I probably wouldn’t go on my own, it seems centered around women,” replies Mesa student Nick Smith when asked about participating in the Women’s Union. This is a common misconception many men have when confronted with the possibility of membership.

“Male participation is encouraged. Their support recognizes and help reverse that women have been treated like second class citizens,” says Dr.Kravatz, the Women’s Union faculty advisor. The union’s constitution states a main purpose of the club is “to provide a network for women and men to share life experiences and socialize.” In order to fulfill that goal more men at Mesa need to join.

The Woman’s Union meets every Monday on campus in room H19 at 1:00p.m. Everyone is urged to attend these weekly meetings. Their agenda always includes future and current endeavors. If interested in joining the Women’s Union, men and women should attend a meeting and speak to either Rachel Monk or Dr.Kravatz.

So the plea has been made to the men of Mesa College. Don’t be intimidated or put off by the thought of joining a Women’s Union. Members will meet interesting men and women interested in leadership and helping their community while empowering women.