A campus organization dedicated to raising awareness of multicultural issues at Iowa State is currently accepting new members.

The Iowa State Multicultural Task Force is looking to add a few new members, said Vernon Wall, assistant dean of students.

The Multicultural Task Force was formed in 1996 with support from the provost and vice president of student affairs, Wall said. The task force provides an opportunity for multicultural organizations on campus, such as the Government of the Student Body and the Nigerian Student Union to get together and talk about multicultural issues on campus. It also acts as a funding source for groups contributing to multiculturalism at Iowa State.

The task force has between ten to twelve students and three faculty or staff advisors who go over applications for funding.

“The funding goes to any student organization on campus meeting three things,” Wall said. “The events have to be free, collaborative in nature and promote a multicultural campus.”

Jason Carroll, junior in civil engineering, said he became involved with the task force to help the diverse groups on campus hold events and showcase their assets.

“I believe these groups have a lot to offer the Iowa State community,” Carroll said. “The more assistance we give them, the better we all are.”

Last year the task force help fund a Chinese New Year celebration, a powwow for the American Indian Symposium, Women’s Week activities and a Nigerian Independence Day celebration, he said.

“I firmly believe [the task force] serves a great purpose on campus,” Carroll said.

Leslie Saporu, senior in management information, said she joined the task force because it provided her with an awareness of multicultural activities at Iowa State.

“It also helped me become aware of the different cultures and ethnicities on-campus,” she said.

GSB only has a certain amount of money it can give out to student organizations, and the task force gives organizations another funding option, she said.

“I feel there is a great need for the task force on campus,” Saporu said.

Students need to be aware of other cultures and MTF provides funds necessary to accomplish that task, she said.

“It give students the option of attending multicultural events without paying,” Saporu added.

Wall said the group meets every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. to discuss multicultural issues on campus. Students who wish to join are asked to contact Wall for more information.