With so many clubs and organizations on campus, a new group has set about the task of distinguishing itself, as well as confronting the problem of lobbying for students with SGA.
The One FAMU Association, which was approved as an on-campus club on Jan. 19, will work to help students who are frustrated with not having their voices heard.
Examining the events of the past few semesters, OFA President Adrian Jordan was concerned about some practices of the student government and wanted to assist in the building of a strong relationship between SGA and the student body.
“The mission is to inform students and the staff of pertinent issues concerning the University,” said Brandon Ellis, vice president of the organization.
In speaking with unsatisfied students about the way SGA has handled past issues – such as the fall elections and the impeachment of President Larry O. Rivers – Jordan realized there were many students looking for a way to voice their concerns.
Jordan, a business administration student from Washington,D.C., has worked with members of the University administration, the SGA and the student body to establish OFA. Sophomores Michael Mouton, Mitch Brooks, Ellis and Jordan serve as the executive board.”We are dedicated to creating a pertinent network that students can benefit from,” Jordan said.
Ellis, 19, a business administration student from Washington, D.C., clearly sets out OFA’s agenda.”We will be serving as a lobbying platform for students,” Ellis said.
Members of the OFA have recently began working with SGA in order to build the contacts necessary for the organization to voice the concerns of the student body. Some senators have already joined the organization and interest among the student body is rapidly growing.
Sen. Jessica Larche, a political science and broadcast journalism student from New Orleans said, “[OFA] proves that [students] don’t have to be an elected leader to make an impact on FAMU’s campus.”
OFA has held a booster drive since January in an attempt to spread word of their plans.
The booster drive, which ends March 5, will help students to become familiar with the group.
Mitch Brooks ,19, business administration student from Washington, D.C., and OFA treasurer, said the organization is holding pizza sales and car washes to stir interest and raise funds. Interviews for a fundraising coordinator were held on Thursday and Friday.
Jordan said he hopes OFA members can serve as “student activists” for the university.
Contact steven jumper at jumpersoulrb@aol.com.