2013 Tahoma West Deadline Approaching
Tahoma West, UW Tacoma’s literary arts magazine, is a free yearly student publication. It allows an outlet for students, faculty, and alumni to have their writing of several genres published. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and visual arts are a few of the options for those looking to submit their works.
The deadline to submit work for 2013’s edition is February 23. Individuals can submit multiple submissions in all genres. The six Tahoma West team members collectively choose winning pieces from each category for $100 prizes.
Last year, Tahoma West received around 300 submissions, and hopes for upwards of 400 this year. “We want to hear from all students. Even if they feel like they can’t write: they’d be surprised,” said managing editor Rachel Ervin.
The student publication utilizes assistant editors and volunteers all year long. “Anyone who wants to see what it’s like to publish a magazine and be a part of that process is more than welcome to stop by.” Ervin said, encouraging students to involve themselves in the workings of the magazine. Their office, in MAT 152, is open every day during the 12:30 lunch hour.
On February 21, there will be a showcase for the graduating writing studies class at Anthem during the Art Walk, from 6-8pm. The graduates will be reading from their works, and anyone is welcome. “If you’re enjoying the art walk, stop in, get some coffee, and listen,” invited Ervin.
Tahoma West will also be looking for a managing editor for next year, beginning at the end of this quarter. It’s preferred that applicants have an interest in reading, writing and publishing, and any experience in the realm of writing or editing is also preferred, although it is not a requirement.
hingtR\ tt??&?)ture will begin its session on January 14 and go through April 28, and this is one of the most important sessions for college students to be involved in.
While thousands of bills are proposed every year, the one that must pass is the budget. The general fund budget is predicted to contain a $1 billion deficit. On top of this, the federal legislature ruled in favor of school districts last year in the Mcleary Decision, when they sued Washington over insufficiently funding K-12. Fulfilling the responsibility to primary education will cost the state another $1.4 billion.
Since a balanced budget must be passed, and Washington voters have chosen to require a two thirds majority vote in the house and senate in order to raise taxes, the legislature must find $2.4 billion in existing budgets, and they generally pull from three main areas: higher education, Department of Social and Health Services, and other human services.
“If this is an all cuts budget it’s going to be pretty devastating,” said Amidei.
Seattle Times reported last week that state college presidents have promised not to raise tuition next year if an extra $225 million is added to the budget, but the likelihood of an addition to higher education budget, as opposed to more cuts, is doubtful.
“It’s a big challenge, but you can’t give up,” Amidei said, “We have faced bad budget years before. In fact we have never had a good budget year.”
Amidei went on to list what people can do to advocate for their issues: sign up with an advocacy group that is tracking your issue, communicate with your elected officials, get other people involved, advertise your issue, and talk.
She recommended that everyone develop a short “elevator” story, and tell it whenever the opportunity arises, especially if you make it to Olympia at some point. Throughout the legislative session there, is a toll free number anyone can call in order to leave a message for whatever official can influence the issue you are focused on.
If you want an easy way to affect change make a quick call to the Legislative Hotline: 1-800-562-6000.
