SACNAS – a historical name for the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science – is an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of students and professionals from underrepresented backgrounds in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in science. Through our chapter, we aim to foster an inclusive and diverse scientific community at UVM and beyond.
We are an organization that benefits individuals from all backgrounds, and anyone is welcome to join. You can also join and be an ally! Members do not have to be UVM students; we also welcome postdocs, faculty, and staff from other local colleges!
To learn more about SACNAS’s mission to achieving true diversity in STEM, visit the national organization’s website.
Support Puerto Rico with Hurricane Relief
On September 18th, 2022 Hurricane Fiona impacted Puerto Rico with winds that damaged the already fragile electric infrastructure and with rainfalls that caused catastrophic amounts of flooding that led to the destruction and loss of homes. This storm arrived on the anniversary of Hurricane Maria, a Category 4 hurricane that devastated the island, triggered a humanitarian crisis and led to long-lasting trauma and damages that are still being felt to this day. It’s been little over a month since Fiona impacted Puerto Rico and though there has been progress in the recovery efforts, the island continues to struggle. Despite the challenges the island is facing, it still hosted the SACNAS NDiSTEM Conference in San Juan were more than 6,000 people attended including 12 UVM SACNAS members. We were honored to be welcomed to Puerto Rico in spite of the ongoing disaster recovery.
The UVM SACNAS Chapter holds this issue dear to our hearts as this situation has not only impacted the families and members of our community but has also highlighted the need to support community-led efforts on the island. We are making a call as students, friends and family to consider donating to show love and support to the people of Puerto Rico.
Below, we have listed three non-profit organizations that currently need our support:
- Comedores Sociales: A non-profit, socially based organization that seeks to eradicate hunger in Puerto Rico. They run community kitchens, a social center and mutual aid programs. Donate here.
- Techos Pa’ Mi Gente: Dedicated to the construction of roofs and housing rehabilitation in communities affected by natural disasters and providing training in basic building skills to promote resilience. Donate to their VENMO: @TPMG-CORP or paypal: @TechosPaMiGente.
- Fiona Community Response Fund: Led by a coalition of community-led organizations working on immediate response to fulfill needs over the short- and long-term. Donate here.
If you are able to donate and if you feel comfortable disclosing who you donated to, please let us know using this form here. This initiative is so that we can track our efforts as a chapter.
