Welcome to the Club Showcase where every week we highlight one of the many extraordinary clubs you can join as a Penn State Behrend student. Today, we are focusing on the Disability Awareness and Resources for Equity Club. To learn more about this club, let us go to our discussion with club president Hannah Gampe.

What is the name of your club? (and nickname if you have one)

“We are the Disability Awareness and Resources for Equity Club. Known as D.A.R.E.

Does your club have a mission statement? What are your core values?

“Our purpose is to educate ourselves and others regarding a variety of disabilities to be able to better support and become an ally for those with disabilities. We hope to make Penn State Erie, the Behrend College, and the local community a more accepting, welcoming, and understanding place for individuals who identify as disabled and/or are disabled. The purpose of this organization is not to provide medical advice, but to share experiences and knowledge to create a more inclusive environment at Penn State Behrend and the surrounding area.”

“Our core values include equity, inclusion, understanding, and empathy.”

What is the most significant thing your club does on-campus?

“Our organization holds monthly DARE to Discuss events, where we have speakers who educate and inform our students about a particular disability. We also have had pop-up tables and giveaways.”

Do you have any upcoming events currently planned? If so, what events and when? 

“Our first DARE to Discuss event of the spring semester is Tuesday, February 7 in Reed 114 from 5 – 6 p.m. We also are working on a fun collaboration with LEB, so stay tuned!”

How can a student get involved with your organization?

“Any student can get involved by going to our events, following us on Instagram @dare_psb, requesting to join on Behrend Sync or joining our GroupMe!”

And that was the Disability Awareness and Resources for Equity Club. If you are interested in joining, make sure to reach out to Hannah or the rest of D.A.R.E.’s E-Board for more information. We will see you next week for another installment of Club Showcase!

Logo Credit: Alanna Gillis

By-line: The D.A.R.E. logo was created by vice president Alanna Gillis and depicts three individuals who identify as disabled and provides a more inclusive version of the traditional disability logo.