Put student government to work for you

Monday, September 22, 1997 Put student government to work for
you USAC: Council’s agenda extends past current ‘hot’ topics;
invites students’ examination, activity

By Carol Lee

I am always surprised at the number of people who ask me, "What
is USAC?"

Not only does this question come from many new and incoming
freshmen, this question is even asked by many of the third- and
fourth-year students I run into. For those of you who don’t know,
USAC is the student government of UCLA, and the acronym stands for
the Undergraduate Students Association Council.

What surprises me even more than the first question, however,
are the answers that many people seem to have for that question.
"USAC is those people that do the affirmative action rallies!" "No,
USAC is Students First!" "Wait, USAC is those people that hate
us!"

Like all things in life that people have opinions about, the
answers I listed may ring true from a particularly narrow point of
view.

However, if a person was looking for a holistic answer, one that
encompasses all of the things that USAC represents, I would have to
tell you that I couldn’t answer that question for you. This is
because USAC is what you make of it and what you interpret it to
be.

On a purely factual note, I could tell you that USAC is
comprised of 13 officers and commissions that focus on many
important issues and are responsible for programming. These issues
range from labor and workers’ rights to films and speakers. Also
included are the subjects of student fees, financial aid, community
service and even direct services to concerts and parties. I could
also tell you that USAC sponsors approximately 20 student advocacy
groups (SAGs) that represent over half of the student body at
UCLA.

Sadly, all of these parts included in USAC are often overlooked
by the "hot issue" that surrounds us at different moments in time.
This "hot issue"often clouds the hard work that is accomplished by
many individuals within the umbrella of USAC.

As you start the 1997-98 school year, I ask you to use "praxis"
when dealing with USAC. Praxis is a word that is subject to many
interpretations. The main idea that I have derived from it can be
summed up with two words: reflection and action.

I ask you to critically examine USAC, but to be careful not to
overlook any part of it. I urge you to look at each part
individually and not lump it together as one complete whole. It is
important to take into account that USAC isn’t just politics or a
couple of people fighting over money.

USAC is a group of dedicated students that brings you speakers
and films in Ackerman. It is a group that meets each Saturday to
tutor inner-city children in Los Angeles. It is a group that is
constantly fighting for your rights.

On the state and national level, we have fought for lower fees
and more financial aid. On campus we have supported smaller rights
like receiving free books, voicing your opinions and not being
taken advantage of by the university.

After that examination, I ask you not to stop but to take
action. Come to Kerckhoff and learn how you can get involved. Join
a student advocacy group and participate in its activities, or
simply speak up and let us know how you feel and what you
think.

Praxis can give you your own answer to the question of "What is
USAC?" Only with student participation and input can USAC address
your needs and concerns. Just remember: acting without thinking is
useless, as is thinking without acting. Only when the two come
together does the word "praxis" arise.

Carol Lee