Student Clubs

We will be the African Diaspora's very own group on heritage, arts, lifestyle, fashion, beauty, health, travel and more for the greater MIIS community. Our goal is to highlight various elements of African culture and heritage. We hope to provide balance to Africa related media coverage. We also hope to provide information as it relates to travel, education, and other Africa Diaspora related opportunities.

Club President: Randall Crowder

Club Treasurer: Todd Cooley

The American Red Cross club at MIIS works in collaboration with the International Serivces office of our local chapter, American Red Cross Monterey Bay (ARCMB). The mission of the club parallels that of ARCMB International Services, i.e. to "advocate for the relief of human suffering and for the education, support and development of impartial relief efforts, including the promotion of International Humanitarian Law."

Club President: Nadine Custis

Club Treasurer: Hanna Muegge

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/MIISRedCrossClub

The Amnesty International Club at the Monterey Institute is devoted to raising awareness of injustices committed both domestically and internationally and to the advancement of human rights. Its members come from diverse backgrounds but stand united in their defense of those rights, which are fundamental to life and liberty. The purpose of the Club is to engage the MIIS community in an exploration of the complex landscape of rights-related issues through constructive dialogue. The Club further intends to seek solutions to emerging and ongoing rights abuses throughout our world by drawing on the knowledge, creativity, compassion, and diversity of its members and the greater student body.

Club President: Benedicte Gyllensten

Club Vice President: Ashley Anderson

Club Treasurer: Sharon Chang

Our aim is to provide a starting point for those who want to study other languages, but never had the chance to do it. For students we provide a highly informal, but effective language learning environment. For future teachers we provide an opportunity to put all of the theory they have been learning into practice and gain valuable professional experience while honing their teaching skills in a relaxed, nonthreatening environment. Teachers will plan lessons, gather materials, collaborate with fellow teachers, and gain valuable feedback from real-life learners. They will do all this and more with one goal in mind: to provide students with what they need in their language learning while promoting effective cross–cultural communication. Email: miisbuild@gmail.com

Club President: Stephanie Loiselle

Club Administrative Coordinator: Christian Van den Akker

Club Events Coordinators: Dulce Elizabeth Munoz Abundez & Vanessa Caudill

Club Technological and Outreach Coordinator: Paul Sonnier & Lucas Olson

BUILD Blog

Facebook Page

To provide an environment for Christian and non-Christian students on the MIIS campus to develop lasting and meaningful friendships; to spread an awareness of Christianity and its relevance to students today; to create a safe space for students interested in Christianity, Jesus, and/or other religions to be able to discuss and ask questions; and to be an outreach to the MIIS community through ISI or on-campus events.

Club Presidents: Ying Zhou & Brent Hassebrock

Club Treasurer: Jiayin Wang

Chinese Student Association is a student union serving all Chinese students that are from the PRC, Taiwan, and other areas of the world. We exist to promote Chinese culture, enhance mutual understanding between Chinese and other ethnic groups, and contribute to the diversity of the campus cultures at the Monterey Institute.

Club President: Xu Zhang

Club Treasurer: Mengzhu Wang

Facebook Page

This club is an opportunity for members of the MIIS community to become more informed and involved in the local arts scene by attending or participating in events, shows, festivals, exhibits, and other local art-related activities.

President: Mercy Trent

Treasurer: Thomas Shannon

To expose and engage students in a broad range of topics relating to conflict resolution that will deepen their understanding of different aspects, issues, theories, and areas. To serve as a platform in which students put forward their ideas and turn them into an educational event for the community, for conflict resolution students, and for themselves.

Club Co-Presidents: Maria Olavarria & Kirill Prudinikov

Treasurer:Sydney Bern-Story

The Fine Dining Club seeks to explore the diverse world of food, drink, and culture to promote an atmosphere of understanding and fellowship that uses food as a common denominator to unite a multi-disciplinary group. The Fine Dining Club was created to broaden our senses, palettes and minds, offering us a chance to travel through new cultures, using members' respective cuisines as our tour guides.

Club President: Leigh Hammel

Club Treasurer: Sarah Cowen

Gay & Co. is the MIIS community’s Gay-Straight Alliance, promoting awareness, understanding, and communication for LGBTQAI issues within the framework of our unique multicultural setting. Club members are willing to provide outreach on an informal basis to those within the MIIS and Monterey communities who have questions about sexuality and related issues.

Club President: Neal Pierantoni

Club Treasurer: Bryan Weiner

E-mail: miis.gayandco@gmail.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gay-Co/137513839630071

MIIS Blog: 

http://blogs.miis.edu/gayandco/

Global Majority is an international non-governmental organization committed to the promotion of non-violent conflict resolution through education & training, networking and advocacy. We believe that an overwhelming majority of the global population aspires to live in peace. We believe that principled dialogue is imperative and must replace violent conflict if humankind is to thrive. and will embrace the tools and reforms necessary to advance this call.

Club President: Sydney Bern-Story

Club Treasurer: Gabby Abrego

The (Hu)SAND Group was officially formed in February 2013 as the result of a merger between two on-campus organizations at the Monterey Institute of International Studies: the SAND Cluster and the Human Security and Development Club.  SAND, an acronym for Security and Development, has been active for nearly 20 years.  During, which, SAND members have produced cutting edge research and projects. The Human Security and Development Club was started in the Fall of 2012 to provide a network for Human Security and Development graduate students at the Monterey Institute. The merger has provided our team an opportunity to establish a professional working group of Human Security and Development practitioners, a central database for research and projects related to the field of Human Security, and a method for networking on a global scale.

Co-Presidents: Chris Puder & Shawn Harris

Club Treasurer: Noosha Aftahi

Faculty Advisers: Dr. Tsuneo Akaha & Dr. Edward Laurance

Official Website

Facebook 

The Institute of Nuclear Materials Management is the premier organization in the field of protection and
management of nuclear materials, and as such offers students unique learning and networking opportunities. The purpose of our club is to introduce MIIS students to the rich resources provided by membership to the INMM organization and broaden their understanding of the nonproliferation field through our club events and activities..

Club President: Karen Hogue

Club Treasurer: Sarah Norris

The International Student Club is an organization that is dedicated to enhancing diversity at MIIS and
supporting international students during their academic career. We aim on creating a friendly environment which entertains and educates our members about the different cultures and experiences that will enrich the MIIS Community. We contribute to their social and cultural growth, through the events we organize.

Club President: Dulce Elizabeth Munoz Abundez

Club Treasurer: Mohammed Makhlouf 

The members of the MIIS Japan Forum are students and others who share their enthusiasm for the art and culture of Japan. The purpose of the Club is to provide the MIIS community with opportunities to discuss Japan, participate in Japanese cultural activities, as well as get a chance to broaden their social circles. It is also our aim to provide this club, Japan Forum, for those who have both lived in Japan as well as those who never had the opportunity to visit Japan, but whom wish to discover more about Japanese culture.

Club President: Justin Streight

Club Treasurer: Joel Post

Club Email: miisjapanforum@gmail.com

Facebook Page

To offer a platform for MIIS community members to practice Spanish conversational skills and engage in Spanish and Latin culture.

Club President: Myneisha Davis

Club Treasurer: Whitney White

The MBA Student Association exists to enrich the Fisher MBA program with social, career networking, and professional development events.  The club provides opportunities for students to meet and build connections with faculty members and alumni as well as gain relevant professional information from speakers both affiliated with and outside of the MIIS community.

Club President: Ross Belliveau

Club Treasurer: Brittany Smith

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/groups/MiisMbaClub/

The MIIS Democrats Club has been formed for the purpose of encouraging involvement in Democratic politics at all levels. We may provide information, and adopt positions on pending legislation at county, state and federal levels. We may seek and support candidates for elective office. We will raise funds and promote activities that will encourage interest and participation in Democratic activities. We will provide a forum for discussion and action on matters of interest to our membership. We may join the California Democratic Council of clubs in an effort to add our voices to those of others, in the hope that we may effectively influence the political process at all levels.

Club President: Randall Crowder

Club Treasurer: Alexis Gabriel

To increase student awareness and participation in traditional folkloric activities. Activities would include traditional music and dance, both internationally and from the US. Ideally, as the club would grow, more students would bring in more traditions that could either become new activities in the Folklife club or new offshoot clubs.

Club President: Alexander Dennis

Club Treasurer: Chisom Udeze

The MIIS Futbol Club (aka The Globadores) is a competitive soccer team that is made up of students of the Monterey Institute in Monterey, California. Players come from all over the world to be a part of the "Globadores" MIIS soccer team. The team plays in the Monterey Peninsula Soccer League during fall and spring semesters. Games take place Sundays at Pacific Grove High School in Pacific Grove (a 10 minute car ride from campus), and are great social and school pride activities.

Club Captain: Jason Hernandez

Club Co-Captain: Zay Atia

Facebook Page

Our goal is to promote interfaith dialogue and raise awareness about Islam. Our club is open to both Muslims and non-Muslims, anyone who is interested in building bridges! Dialogue is what the world needs!

Club President: Zeynep Timmester

Club Treasurer: Mohammed Abdulmajeed

Through conferences, brown bag lunches, and informal forums, the club provides opportunities for students and faculty to discuss issues not covered in the classroom in order to increase the knowledge and understanding of current trade related affairs on campus and in the broader community.

Club President: Sean Manzano

Club Treasurer: David Thomson

Facebook Page

Trade Club Blog

We want to give students an outlet to learn some Bollywood and Bhangra styles of dance, get fit, learn about culture, and have a heck of a fun time doing it!

Club President: Tom Ford

Club Treasurer: Jessica Singh

The MIIS Model Arab Union Delegation is intended to give MIIS more of a presence on the national stage through involvement in this national debate competition. Additionally, this club strives to deepen students knowledge on the region of North Africa and the Middle East by acquiring expert knowledge about the country they choose to represent. Finally, involved students will sharpen their public speaking and debating ability.

This year, the club will be representing Qatar!

Club President: Tim Michetti

Club Treasurer: MaryAlecia Briggs

The MIIS Peace Corps club exists to spread awareness about the Peace Corps to MIIS students and the larger Monterey community. We also provide support to PCMIs (both current volunteers in the field and those preparing to depart) and RPCVs by creating a community that understands and can relate to the unique experience of the Peace Corps.

Club President: Whitney Anderson

Club Co-President: Molly McMills

Club Treasurer: Cynthia Yeh

Website

Facebook Page

The purpose of the MIISFits softball team is to provide a recreational outlet for the MIIS community, without excluding based on gender or ability. Students & alumni will practice and compete against local teams, providing entertainment to other MIIS students in an alcohol-free environment.

Club President: Marc Quint

Club Treasurer: Morgan Roggee

The Women's MIIS Soccer Club provides recreation and fun for all women interested in playing recreational soccer.

Club President: Allie Browne

Club Treasurer: Ana Flores

The purpose of the NET Impact MIIS Chapter is to enhance the student body and greater world through business-oriented activities that promote social and environmental responsibility in addition to economic vitality. The Chapter intends to give back to the local community and beyond through community service and business projects, environmental initiatives, and more, and will better prepare its members for fulfilling careers after graduate school through networking and professional development.

Club Presidents: Annie Rouse & Ben Couch

Club Treasurer: Margaret Sands

Twitter

Our Green Thumb Community Garden is just that – a community garden shared between MIIS students, MIIS faculty and MIIS neighbors. We’re proud to offer free garden space to anyone interested in digging in the dirt and dedicated to doing his/her fair share of the upkeep.

Club President: Anja Mondragon

Club Treasurer: Anna Lui

E-mail: ourgreenthumbgarden@gmail.com

MIIS Blog: http://blogs.miis.edu/ourgreenthumb/

The ODRC is a collaboration of students inviting the entire MIIS community to enjoy the many opportunities for outdoor fun in the greater Monterey Bay region.  We lead several outdoor activities throughout each semester including hiking, camping, kayaking, rock climbing, running, cycling, surfing, and more.  We even provide affordable equipment rentals and workshops to help YOU enjoy the great outdoors on your own time.  Last but not least, we lead the First-semester Outdoor Orientation Trip (FOOT) prior to the start of each semester to introduce incoming students to MIIS outside the classroom.  Outdoor adventures are a great way for new students to bond and create lasting memories.

Club President: Adam Fullerton

Club Treasurer: Brittany Smith

Blog

Facebook page

We meet to educate ourselves and the MIIS community about all things related to the culture of the Russian Federation and the nations of the former Soviet Union. A great way to share what everyone already knows from growing up, living in, and studying Russian; we all come from different and diverse backgrounds.

Club President: Devon Blount

Club Treasurer: Matthiew Johnston

This club shall give students who are interested in the German language and culture the opportunity to get together with Germans and German speakers at the Monterey Institute.

Club President: Anne-Kathrin Koch

Club Treasurer: Gerrit Tschirner

The STOP club is a student driven anti-human trafficking club working to increase awareness on related issues and removing stigma, ultimately moving people towards action. Case in point: Monterey County has one of the highest rates of human trafficking in California. Through informational campus events, film screenings, and other events, we work towards dispelling misconceptions of human trafficking in all its forms.

Club President: Elena Kokhanovski

Facebook Page

Blog

Students for Sustainability Club provides a platform to share ideas and develop opportunities that expand environmental stewardship on the MIIS campus. Through the club, students position themselves as professional advisors to the Monterey Institute, implementing energy and carbon reduction strategies, in addition to a host of other sustainability initiatives on campus. The club provides practical experience that advances networking by serving as an interface between students and leaders in the sustainability sector as well as by developing partnerships and hosting events.

Club President: Amy Kessler

Club Treasurer: Emily Cluff

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/MIIS-Students-for-Sustainability/230074617082721

The Monterey Taiwanese Student Association promotes Taiwanese culture and language, and are open to all who love or take an interest in Taiwan, its culture, and its people. We hope that people of all nationalities and backgrounds may become better acquainted with Taiwan through us and may come to appreciate Taiwan, its beauty, and the friendliness and helpfulness of its people. We are not a politically motivated association and do not wish to engage in any political bantering, particularly in regards to Taiwan/China relations, although we will not prevent people from discussing these issues amongst themselves in an educated way.

Club President: Li-Chun Wang

Club Vise-President: Ying Yang

Club Treasurer: Ting-Han Huang

Team Peru seeks to promote awareness and begin a dialogue for solutions around development issues in Peru. The club informs the community and thinks critically about issues pertaining to strategic NGO networks, health and wellness, social enterprise, agriculture initiatives, and women and empowerment in Peru. The goal is to actively engage students in an immersive learning experience, inspiring students to apply their educational skills to solving real world problems whether in team meetings, classroom projects, or working on the ground in Peru with the club and a Peruvian based partner, The Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development.

Club President: Monica Kelsh

Club Treasurer: Zeynep Timmester

Blog

The Terrorism Studies Club aims to connect students with professionals in the Counterterrorism and Security Studies fields. Through social and academic events we offer students the opportunity to engage with each other and share resources. By organizing events that enhance both practical and academic skills, we help students further their career goals and increase their exposure to the key social, political, and security issues of our century.

Club President:  Nathan Poffenberger

Club Treasurers: Sehendy Estevez & Alexander Wells

This club is geared towards improving the communication and interaction in Arabic amongst the students at the Monterey Institute. We will aim to encourage fluency as a continuation to the activities that we did during summer 2012 in the Institute of Monterey. The second goal is to involve the students in real life communication with Arabic native speakers to share experience and enhance both sides knowledge tandemly about the target languages.

Club President: Waleed Abdulabas

Club Treasurer: Adnan Shehab Alhammody

The mission of a Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. Through this mission, each Toastmaster gains a clear understanding of the club’s purpose, and the organization as a whole benefits from a shared set of values and goals.

Club President: Will Heilbut

The purpose of the MIIS Ultimate Frisbee Club is to provide the MIIS community the opportunity to play Ultimate. In particular, it intends to promote physical fitness; build leadership and teamwork among members; promote the sport of ultimate; and to foster sportsmanship and friendly, self-regulated competition according to "the spirit of the game"™.

Club President: Mary Vargo

Club Treasurer: David Martin

The MIIS Veterans Organization exists to serve the unique needs of the veteran community at MIIS by
fostering a sense of community amongst veterans, providing critical veteran-related support and services, and sponsoring military and veteran-related events and activities.

Club President: Michael Sanford

Women for Women International (WfWI) MIIS Chapter is a student club on the MIIS campus to both support the work of New York-based NGO, Women for Women International (WfWI), and establish formal effort to spread awareness on gender issues. Through club events and possible future collaboration with WfWI, we hope to discover the possibility to advance the cause to a greater audience and scale, utilizing the unique nature of the MIIS community.

Club President: Jocelyn Rheem

Club Treasurer: Madeline Stoeri

To bring yoga to the students in order to achieve peace of mind and to care for the body throughout the
semester.

Club President: Sally Quigley

Club Treasurer: Nate Stephens