Office of ASUC Senator Ronit Sholkoff

Another wellness vending machine might be coming to campus soon, but we need your input to make it happen! Are there certain products you want to see in the machine? What locations would be best for you? Let us know at tinyurl.com/WVMachine!

The ASUC Mental Health Commission serves as the representative undergraduate voice on mental health, acting as the central liaison between mental health stakeholders, addressing the intersectionalities of mental health. Our goals as a commission include 1) to advocate for the mental health concerns of the undergraduate UC Berkeley population through community outreach, 2) to address campus culture & stigma surrounding mental health, and 3) to advocate for institutional changes that would improve the mental health of UC Berkeley students.

The Mental Health Commission is currently working on reaching out to faculty, advisors, and other administrative stakeholders who are already or currently looking to be involved in the student mental health space. This quick survey will allow us to learn more about faculty and advisors at Berkeley who are positively advocating for student mental health. These individuals could be important allies for the commission as we continue to voice the student body's needs and concerns.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMKaaLJckhzCJCyn2PCcNLsMLZg0TeHYuiO9Y-r6I1wzo4AQ/viewform

Google Forms - create and analyze surveys, for free. Create a new survey on your own or with others at the same time. Choose from a variety of survey types and analyze results in Google Forms. Free from Google.

This is Judaism, as written by you. Submissions due September 7th at 11:59pm!

Mental Health Check In! Quarantine sucks and UCB Student to Student Peer Counseling understands that many people might be going through a difficult time right now. We want you to know that you are not alone during this chaotic time! Tell us something that's been on your mind or something that you have been struggling with....

Since campus life is now virtual, the ASUC wants to hear from you to learn how we can best help you and your RSO transition to remote recruitment. Are you club president concerned about reaching potential members? Are you an incoming student worried about joining clubs on campus? Do you love expressing your opinion? Fill out this 3 minute survey to make the virtual campus club and organization recruitment process more accessible and successful for the Fall semester. Go to tinyurl.com/ClubSurveyFall20 to fill it out now!

Hi,

This is a really weird time to be a college student.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to radically shift the way we think about our lives for the foreseeable future. We’re all grappling with the idea of a Fall semester unlike anything we’ve experienced in our lifetimes. The shift to majority remote classes and a policy of social distancing means that the way we function on and off campus is going to look very different than before. Many of us are wondering how--for lack of better words--everything is going to go down.

At this strange moment in time, everyone’s thoughts may look a little different. We might be nervous about finding community when we can’t physically gather in large groups. We might be experiencing new financial issues. We might be wondering how clubs and student organizations can engage students and still be safe. We might be afraid of actually catching the virus. Our mental health might be struggling, we might be feeling more isolated from our friends, we might be more nervous, more stressed out, and more confused about what’s going to happen than ever before.

The issues and concerns we faced before COVID-19 didn’t go away just because we’re in a global pandemic. And for some, those issues may be exacerbated because of our present reality. On top of that, we may have new things to think and worry about. All of these factors combined mean that your voices are essential for us to be able to meet your needs and make the most out of Fall 2020.

The ASUC can seem a bit confusing to students--but in truth, it’s a valuable place for us to find resources, advocacy, and more. When students need more support in critical times like these, the ASUC can become a vital bridge between students and administration. As an ASUC Senator, I’m here to help you, whether that be by lobbying campus administration, launching new initiatives, or pointing you towards the right resources to help you get what you need. I want to be a resource to you all.

That’s why my office created this Google Form. My job as a senator is to represent you, and to do that in a time when so much of the student body’s needs may have changed, I need to hear from you. Your responses don’t have to be long. You don’t have to add your name. And nothing is too insignificant. Everything you say is valid and important to creating a better Berkeley experience. As your senator and fellow student, let me be someone who can offer clarity, support, and assurance that your voice matters.

And of course, I can be reached outside of a Google Form. If you need anything, please feel free to email me, [email protected], message me on Facebook, or on Instagram ()

tinyurl.com/fall2020concerns

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Yesterday, ICE released a devastating rule change barring international students from staying in the United States to study should they be taking an online course load given Covid-19.

The most effective way we can channel our opposition to this rule change is to actively push UC to sue the Trump administration to block the implementation of this rule.

If you’re an international student and interested in giving public comment, email your name and phone number to [email protected] by noon PDT. For public comment, the Regents office will randomly select phone numbers to call. If they call you, you’ll get 60 seconds to speak.

Suggested talking points:
(1) Share your story (Why you came to UC, and what you hope to achieve)
(2) Why it’s important to you that UC sues the Trump administration to block this.

During this truly historic time, of both global pandemic and arguably the largest uprising for racial justice since the Civil Rights Movement, student representation is more important than ever. Now is our chance to transform our community. Want to make our campus more equitable? Want to be on the forefront of navigating COVID-19 mitigation efforts? Want to play an active role in developing physically distanced, but socially connected programming for the student body? This is the office for you. This office is composed of passionate, thoughtful, and motivated individuals who work to make UC Berkeley the best place it can be. We can't wait to meet you!

Application: tinyurl.com/RSasucoffice

Department and Position Descriptions: tinyurl.com/ronitofficedescriptions

“We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” Elie Wiesel, author of Night, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, and Holocaust survivor.

To the Jewish Community at Cal, we must take a side.

The Jewish community cannot be silent. The Jewish community cannot turn a blind eye. The Jewish community cannot stand idly by.

White Jews, like myself, are in the unique position in which we are both beneficiaries and victims of white supremacy. White Jews in the United States experience the destructive hatred of antisemitism, but we don’t fear for our lives when encountering the police. The dichotomy of our existence tells us that we have a moral imperative to dismantle oppressive systems and use our privilege to educate our community members about racism, anti-Blackness, and other forms of injustice.

To be a Jew is to pursue justice. To be a Jew is to seek knowledge. To be a Jew is to spend every moment building a better world. I’m proud of how many community members have already shared information about white privilege, white supremacy, and different Black-led organizations to support. But this moment does not end tomorrow, and it does not end with a donation or an Instagram post. To truly fulfill the mitzvah of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world, we must learn how to be allies to the Black community. We must listen to Black activists, and we must lend our bodies and voices to work against the system that institutionally oppresses Black people.

We must actively unlearn racism, both inside ourselves and within our community:

We must build and maintain inclusive spaces for Jews of Color and Jews from non-European origins. It is not enough to simply acknowledge and recognize diversity within the Jewish community. It is crucial that Jewish spaces make intentional, conscious changes to ensure that Jews of Color know they are a part of the Jewish community. Below are links to educational resources to learn how to create welcoming community spaces.
We must engage in reflective, difficult, and uncomfortable conversations with our friends and relatives. Around our shabbat tables and within Jewish organizations, it is our responsibility to ask tough questions and actively work to challenge our own beliefs and biases.
We must educate ourselves to be actively anti-racist. Attached is a document curated by activists specifically aimed towards white allies to educate themselves.
We must commit to fighting racism and anti-Blackness at Berkeley, listen to the voices of Black students on campus, and stand in solidarity with the Black community. Below are links to resources that allies can use to show up every day for Black folks.

This list is by no means exhaustive, nor is it a checklist that can ever truly be completed. We must commit to rejecting racism and prejudice every day, in every place we encounter it—especially within ourselves. Everyday we learn how to be better allies. We must continue to learn and to listen, to take the lead from Black activists, and to show up for the Black community.

Organizations to donate in support of racial justice:
Minnesota based organizations:
*Due to an influx of donations, the Minnesota Freedom Fund has asked that supporters donate to other community organizations.
Black Visions Collective
https://www.blackvisionsmn.org/
Reclaim the Block
https://www.reclaimtheblock.org/home
North Star Health Collective
https://www.northstarhealthcollective.org/donate

Bay Area Based Organizations:
People’s Breakfast Oakland
https://www.instagram.com/peoplesbreakfastoakland/?hl=en
Anti Police-Terror Project
http://www.antipoliceterrorproject.org/about-aptp
East Oakland Collective
http://www.eastoaklandcollective.com/about-us.html
Transgender, Gender-Variant, and Intersex Justice Project (TGIJP)
http://www.tgijp.org/donate.html?fbclid=IwAR1ZEWON-muNmAQxeQiEMTU7kMOGd0JMhRtq7t6yiRlpZNvTv2arGqxWUI4

Resources to build inclusive spaces for Jews of Color:
Jews of Color Field Building Initiative
https://jewsofcolorinitiative.org/
Jewish Multiracial Network
https://www.jewishmultiracialnetwork.org/
“Resources for Embracing Racial Diversity in Our Jewish Communities” from the Religious Action Center
https://rac.org/resources-embracing-racial-diversity-our-jewish-communities
Audacious Hospitality Jews Of Color Educational Resource Module from the Union for Reform Judaism https://urj.org/sites/default/files/AudaciousHospitality_JOC%20Resource%20Module%20Pilot_2017.pdf

Resources for White folks to learn more about anti-racist work:
Includes numerous books, films, articles, organizations, videos and podcasts to check out
bit.ly/ANTIRACISMRESOURCES
“An Antiracist Reading List” from Ibram X. Kendi
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/29/books/review/antiracist-reading-list-ibram-x-kendi.html
“75 Things White People Can do for Racial Justice”
https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234
Anti-Racism Resources from T’ruah: the Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
https://www.truah.org/resources/anti-racism-resources/

We did it! During a time like this, when everything in the world seems unsure and in flux, I'm so incredibly thankful that I had a community to rely on and be there for me. I'm honored to have the chance to give back to those who gave me so much.
Let's get to work and go bears!

Why is this night different from all other nights? Because on this night, we vote! Today is the LAST DAY to vote in the ASUC Elections*! Vote Ronit FIRST at asuc.org/elections by 11:59PM! Or if you want to be ahead of the curve, vote before your seder tonight!
asuc.org/elections
asuc.org/elections

*titles for id purposes only

The time is NOW! Vote Ronit #1 for ASUC Senate!* Vote Melvin for EVP* and for YES on Class Pass*! We love AC Transit and want to keep our clipper cards!
https://asuc.org/elections/
https://asuc.org/elections/
https://asuc.org/elections/
https://asuc.org/elections/
https://asuc.org/elections/

*Titles for identification purposes only!!!

“I am incredibly fortunate to have grown alongside Ronit these past two years. I wholeheartedly trust her to enact much-needed change as an ASUC Senator. I cannot wait to vote for her.”

Clara Bishop has been an absolute inspiration to me. This past semester, she’s been faced with a quite literally unprecedented set of challenges, and she has been a calm and assertive leader throughout. Clara shows everyone she meets kindness and compassion and I’m so happy that we’ve met. Clara, thank you for teaching me how to lead in a way that brings out the best in others and I’m so honored to have your endorsement.

Coming to Berkeley in August 2018, I felt like the baby on the right. Excited, but also totally bewildered because there was just so much happening at Cal. With my surprised and excited face, I jumped into clubs and organizations, not really sure what I was getting myself into. I’ve loved every second of it.

These experiences have given me the institutional knowledge to not only see the areas where our campus needs to grow, but the technical skills to fix these gaps. They’ve given me confidence as a legislator, an advocate, and a leader. Most importantly, they’ve given me a sense of unwavering dedication to this school and the communities within it. They are a testament to my love of public service and to my passion for empowering others. With your support, I hope to continue my work next year as your ASUC Senator*.

To read more about my platforms, click: http://bit.ly/ronitplatforms And remember to vote Ronit #1 April 6th-8th.

*Titles for Identification Purposes Only

As a part of PHC*, I found a group of womxn who continuously inspire me, endlessly support me, and encourage me to advocate for causes I care about. It is this passion and willingness of community members to confront our challenges that has motivated me to work alongside PHC* to create a culture of belonging and inclusion.

I have watched countless student leaders act as their chapter’s risk managers, Presidents, and more--serving as confidential resources for students who are experiencing or have experienced trauma. The nature of this work is critical. However, the students who serve as resources for others lack the resources to take care of themselves too. As a senator, I plan to launch a collaborative effort with PHC and the LEAD Center* to fund a designated counselor, or other resources for risk managers*, [residents*, and other student leaders who act as confidential resources in order to support them in their work.

To read more about my platforms: bit.ly/ronitplatforms

*titles for identification purposes only

Did you know our Clipper Cards are up for renewal?? The Class Pass Renewal Referendum is up for a vote in ASUC* elections next week! Make sure you vote YES on the Class Pass Renewal Referendum so the thousands of UC Berkeley* students that depend on AC Transit* to commute to and from campus can do so!

In April 2013, 92% of the UC Berkeley* students who voted in the Class Pass referendum approved the continuation of the program for a period of seven years, ending in the summer semester of 2020. Voting YES on this proposition will continue UC Berkeley’s* contract with AC Transit for a period of 3 years (with a $15 dollar increase to the existing per-semester fee of $80), allowing Cal students unlimited travel on all AC transit local service, AC transit transbay service, Bear Transit campus shuttles and Bear Transit* Night Safety Shuttles. In addition, the passing of the student fee will allow for the reestablishment of a Bear Transit* line in the opposite direction as the existing Perimeter line. If the Class Pass student fee is not approved, undergraduate and graduate students will need to purchase fares from AC Transit at the standard rates, making access to AC Transit services significantly more expensive for all students.

Find out more at fb.me/classpassrenewal

*Titles for ID purposes only

Anyone who knows me knows I love Berkeley. However, Berkeley sometimes makes itself a very difficult campus to love. Resources are hard to come by, people are stressed, and sometimes accessing tools to better our health and wellness is nearly impossible. As a senator, I want Cal to fulfill the potential it so clearly possesses by working to expand sexual wellness resources and advocating for greater accessibility. This begins by ensuring students are taking care of themselves and prioritizing their well-being with help from a student government that puts them and their wellness first.

I will advocate for a more physically accessible Berkeley by working to expand the Loop service. While the Loop drives students around campus, it’s a challenge for people to actually get to campus to use the service in the first place. I will push to fill this gap by applying for a Wellness Grant and working with DSP to expand this program.

Let’s build a Berkeley where we can empower ourselves to take care of our bodies. Help me create a campus that gives us the resources to take care of our bodies and give them the love that they deserve.

To read more about my platforms: bit.ly/ronitplatforms

To me, representing the Jewish community means empowering ourselves and celebrating our identity. It means continuing work to make kosher food more accessible, promoting events and courses in the Jewish studies department, creating platforms for Jewish students to express what Judaism means to them, and so much more. Our identity is beautiful. Let’s celebrate it.

Empowering ourselves from within means building bridges with each other, creating dialogue and fostering active listening. I will work to bring Jewish students together in conversation. Our Jewish identity intersects with other identities and cultures on campus. I will work to build bridges between groups and create spaces where we can learn and celebrate our cultures together.

Finally, I will fight antisemitism on this campus proactively. To me, this means establishing clear lines of communication between Jewish students and campus administration, as well as developing stronger educational programs for students. After recent events on campus I know that myself, as well as many other Jewish students on campus, were left feeling distraught, frustrated, and ignored. As senator, I will bring my proud, unapologetically Jewish self to every Senate meeting to unwaveringly advocate for my community.

To read more about my platforms go to studentaction.org/ronit

Welcome to Ronit’s official campaign page!! Stay tuned for more info about the campaign and like this page.