Each year at SpringFest, organizations across campus gather to showcase all of the hard work that they have been doing and the projects they have been working on. Festival-goers are able to meet representatives from these organizations and are encouraged to participate in activations during SpringFest related to the organizations’ values and missions. This year, we are excited to be showcasing over 100 projects and student organizations, including:
SAPAC:
Who They Are:
SAPAC is the Sexual Assault and Prevention Awareness Center at the University of Michigan. The organization “teaches non-violence and equality, supports survivor healing, and fosters a respectful and safe environment for all members of the University of Michigan community.” They provide services for those who have experienced sexual assault, intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, and stalking, and aim to empower the students, faculty, and staff at the university. They serve all backgrounds, religions, sexual orientations, and gender and social identities.
SpringFest Activation:
At SpringFest, they will be sharing information about their organization and mission, involving festival-goers in a live-action bystander activity, and handing out zines of poetry, artwork, and stories.
DMUM:
Who They Are:
DMUM is the Dance Marathon at the University of Michigan (DMUM). It is a student-run, non-profit organization, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pediatric rehabilitation programs at the C.S. Mott and Beaumont Children's Hospitals. Each year, the organization holds VictorThon, an event where each member stands for 24 hours straight to raise money and show support for the children that are involved in these rehabilitation programs. DMUM was founded in 1997 and, since then, has raised over $5,500,000!
SpringFest Activation:
At SpringFest, they will be sharing information about their organization and inspiring others to join in their incredible efforts through an engaging dance activity.
He for She:
Who They Are:
He for She, founded in 2014 by the UN, is a global solidarity campaign for the advancement of gender equality. The U of M chapter of HeForShe has been raising awareness of these gender inequalities and advocating for change in the community since 2016. HeForShe believes that gender and sexuality are spectrums, not binaries, and often works directly with United Nations Women to further their mission.
SpringFest Activation:
At SpringFest, they will be sharing information about gender inequalities within the music industry and have an interactive art display.
Mcity:
Who They Are:
Mcity is a 32-acre mock city located on the University of Michigan North Campus, built for the testing of wirelessly connected and driverless cars. The goal of the testing is to “bring together industry, government, and academia to advance transportation safety, sustainability, and accessibility for the benefit of society.” The research done at Mcity draws from the knowledge and expertise of U of M faculty and researchers within fields such as engineering, public policy, law, business, social sciences and urban planning.
SpringFest Activation:
SpringFest will feature one of Mcity’s innovative driverless vehicles.
EnspiRED:
Who They Are:
EnspiRED, founded in 2006, is a student organization at the University of Michigan that aims to highlight the arts and artists on campus. They “serve as an advocate of the arts through several outlets including but not limited to singing, dancing, painting and so much more.” While they host a variety of events throughout the year, the largest is their annual charity fashion show, RAW, where they showcase pieces from local designers.
Involvement:
They will be participating in MUSIC Matters’s annual fashion show on April 13th.
Consider Magazine:
Who They Are:
Consider Magazine is a point/counter-point publication that aims to provide an open forum for discussion of significant issues facing those at the University of Michigan and beyond. Consider also runs a website that features electronic versions of issues and blog posts on various topics. They “aim to create discussion on campus that is avoided in this technology generation.” They offer the opportunity for others to form their own opinions, as opposed to “preaching.”
SpringFest Activation:
They will have a SpringFest edition of their magazine, entitled: What Moves You?
Friends for St. Jude:
Who They Are:
Friends for St. Jude supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as they improve means of prevention and cures for pediatric cancer. Because St. Jude Children's Research Hospital receives around 80% of its funds from donors, Friends for St. Jude’s efforts are incredibly impactful to the hospital and its efforts to advance cancer treatments and find new and innovative cures. The organization hosts an Annual Collegiate Gala, as well as other fundraisers, to help pay for patients' treatments and advance research.
SpringFest Activation:
At SpringFest, Friends for St. Jude will provide festival-goers the opportunity to send something handmade to the children at St. Jude’s Hospital.
Wolverine Support Network:
Who They Are:
The Wolverine Support Network is an organization dedicated to empowering University of Michigan students to “create an inclusive community and support each other’s identity, mental well-being, and day-to-day lives through peer-facilitated groups and bi-weekly community events.” Each year, they host an event called “MI-SPIN” that promotes the benefits of exercise on mental health. Students are encouraged to create teams and cycle for 6 hours to raise money for the Wolverine Support Network so that they can continue to create a positive impact on the community.
SpringFest Activation:
At SpringFest, they will be hosting a WSN Wellness Zone, having KIND Bar giveaways to spread positive messages about mental health, featuring an interactive art display, holding guided meditation sessions, and much more!
We cannot wait to showcase the many organizations and projects that our campus holds, and are incredibly proud to be working alongside these organizations to create an incredible day with a variety of learning and involvement opportunities!