A relatively new registered student organization is advocating for the rights of women and seeking to improve their sense of self-worth.

Advocating the Rights and Relief of Women was founded in Spring 2011 by Danika Dale, a sophomore communication studies major.

The organization meets at 8 a.m. Wednesdays in the Crystal Room of Andrews Hall.

Becca Braundmeier, the ARROW vice president and a sophomore history major, said the purpose of the organization is to provide information to students about issues women face on a daily basis and help students with relationship and self-image problems.

“It is important on campus because many college kids don’t know the severity of these issues, so we try to bring those issues to the surface and give people a chance to help,” Braundmeier said.

Kirstin Duffin, the ARROW adviser and library service worker, said ARROW also tackles issues outside of Eastern’s campus by discussing matters that affect women both in the community and across the nation, especially during an election season that has seen women’s issues become a center of debate.

During the month of November, ARROW will be sponsoring a cell phone drive to help provide to women who are victims of domestic violence and stalking.

The club will also be collecting bathroom products for HOPE of East Central Illinois, a local domestic violence agency that serves Coles County and six surrounding counties.

ARROW also promotes healthy attitudes and life choices in children by volunteering time to work with local Girl Scouts troops and the Boys & Girls Club of America.

Duffin has advised the organization since it was founded and came to be associated with ARROW by pure luck.

Duffin was sitting next to Dale during Pantherpalooza in Spring 2011, and Dale told her the organization was in desperate need of an adviser to become a registered student organization.

Duffin said she was glad to help Dale get the organization on its feet and running.

Duffins said she knows the challenges female students and women in general can face on a daily basis, both in and out of school.

“Working to promote women’s self-esteem and sense of self-worth is something that is really important to me,” Duffin said. “It was something I struggled with when I was in college, so I definitely want to serve as a contact for these ladies as they are working through college.”

Duffin said she has been impressed by the work and passion of ARROW members.

“I’ve been impressed with the ladies who have been working in ARROW,” she said. “They all seem very driven.”

ARROW has about four regularly active members, and one area of concentration the organization is working on is attracting more students.

“One of our main focuses this semester has been recruitment,” Duffin said. “We are definitely trying to get more awareness and interest in the group.”

ARROW is considering teaming with other registered student organizations to co-organize events and promote awareness of women’s issues.

Tim Deters can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].