*Think of this page as an informal version of our "Mission Statement" it strives to tell you less about our ideals and more about who we really are.  Also please review our "Contact Us" page for information on where to send any questions that may not be answered here.*

• OASIS strives to be a "Safe space."  A setting where those who share in the experience of being an lgbt (or questioning) person can come to meet others like themselves.  Everyone is treated with respect, the hope is to create a place where people feel comfortable to meet, socialize and share experiences.  
  
  

• We have only one rule, "Confidentiality."  Everything that is said and the identities of people who come to our meetings is kept confidential.  

  • This is done primarily because our members come from all levels of "outness."  Meaning some are totally comfortable with their sexual/gender orientation while others may wish to remain in the closet outside of our meetings.
    
    

• As of this moment OASIS remains an "unrecognized" student group at Villanova.  Meaning: that while we are allowed to meet on university grounds we do not enjoy the benefits that "recognized" organizations hold; i.e. a budget, the ability to sponsor events on-campus, etc.  

  • Many in OASIS have felt that this lack of status has denied a voice to the lgbt members of Villanova's community, efforts to change the current atmosphere are always welcomed and encouraged.  
    
    

• OASIS meetings are really more social than anything else.  Topics (ranging from anything in current events to activism on-campus, and everything in-between) are often supplied by a group facilitator or anyone who wants to lead a discussion, but ultimately the focus changes to whatever YOU want to talk about. 

  • Remember: This is YOUR group!  Talk about whatever you want!
    

• A lot of times we'll give up one of our meetings to visit the lgbt student group of another local school.  We've been to Swarthmore, Haverford, and Bryn Mawr and we always encourage people from other colleges to come visit us!
  
  

• Sometimes its just fun to have a movie night instead and pitch in for a couple of pizzas.  And other times a group of us will get together to go to Woody's, one of Philadelphia's favorite gay nightclubs. 
  
  

• We are NOT a "support group."  What I mean is, we're not here to try psycho-analyze anyone; we're not here to try and persuade or dissuade anyone towards or away from homosexuality. 
  
  

• We DO acknowledge that homosexuality is as natural an orientation as heterosexuality, or bisexuality for that matter!