A new student club at the University of Maine at Augusta is creating space for connection, support, and belonging. Seen and Herd, founded by student Fray Bennett, alum John Ellis, and faculty advisor Amy Peterson Cyr, grew from a simple idea that kept coming up in conversation: students need a place where they can show up as themselves and be met with understanding.
We asked Amy Peterson Cyr a few questions about what we can expect from the club.
What is the official name of the club? Seen and Herd
How would you describe the club in one sentence? Seen and Herd is a safe space for all LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies to gather, connect, share space, plan events, and support one another.
Why does creating this space matter right now on campus? This is a challenging time in the world and many LGBTQIA+ folks may be feeling unsafe. By coming together, we can support one another and build a safe space.
Can you share a moment, idea, or conversation that sparked the club’s creation? Our founders are current student Fray Bennett and recently graduated student John Ellis. They, along with faculty advisor Amy Peterson Cyr, began chatting about the need for this club a year ago. After meeting many times, they crafted the constitution and bylaws and the club was officially born!
What kinds of activities, events, or gatherings do you envision? Initially we look forward to meeting people and building a supportive community, both in-person and online. We hope, in the future, to provide some educational programs and events at UMA, participate in Pride in June, and pursue the desires of the members!
What leadership opportunities are available, and why do they matter? All leadership roles: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary are available for interested students. Having an elected role in a campus club provides an excellent opportunity for personal growth, development of leadership skills, as well as some sparkle on your resume! Leaders need not be on-campus; students at a distance are also encouraged to pursue leadership roles.
How does this club reflect UMA’s values of belonging, access, and community? Because our meetings will be held on Zoom as well as on campus, access is available to folks at a distance. Our constitution promotes “an environment of equality, understanding, and harmony for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.”
What would you say to a student who is interested but unsure about joining? Come to our first meeting and see what you think! There is absolutely no pressure or obligation; we are just looking forward to meeting folks and building community.
What does success look like for this club in its first year? Having a healthy membership that supports the leadership roles is a primary goal as we begin to build this club. We look forward to meeting new people and creating a community that is inclusive, supportive, and excited about what our role can look like at UMA.
Interested students are invited to our first meeting on Tues. April 7, at 3 p.m., in Randall Hall room 218 and on Zoom. For more information and to receive the Zoom link, please contact faculty club advisor Amy Cyr at amy.peterson@maine.edu or student Fray Bennett at timothy.bennett@maine.edu.
The club will hold both in-person and virtual events and provide a safe space for folks to gather and connect. Opportunities exist to hold a leadership role, as officers need to be selected. All LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies are warmly welcomed. We hope to see you soon!