Women's rights activists called for community involvement and activism at a rally in front of Pattee Library yesterday.

"I am calling for cultural, societal and political change," said Womyn's Concerns member Katelyn Belyus (junior-English).

The 20 participants, mostly women, gathered as part of the National Young Women's Day of Action. Womyn's Concerns co-director Mikaela Marmion said even though the turnout was small, those who did show up encouraged her. "Take this as a day of celebration of people who come out and work for change," Marmion said.

Belyus said young girls should be taught that they can go into science, politics or engineering. Belyus said she had told a high school teacher that she wanted to become involved in politics but was told to get involved in something "softer," such as music.

"We need more women in the White House," Belyus said. "We need to see some 'First Men,' " she said.

Womyn's Concerns co-director Laurie Rosenberger said the day was started in memory of a woman who died after an illegal abortion. It originally focused on reproductive rights, but now looks at a variety of topics, including domestic violence and affirmative action.

"There's all this injustice, but we can't let it stop us," she said. "We need to take action on these issues."

Marmion said one of Womyn's Concerns' projects is an examination of the way women are portrayed in the media. She asked the audience to bring old magazines to the group's office and cut out pictures of women. The pictures will be put in a collage and the magazines will be recycled.

"This is a really important component of feminism to me," Marmion said, in reference to the role of body image in society. "I think it's really important to work toward freedom in that aspect."

Amy Stipe (junior-elementary education) said she is a part of several communities on campus. She said organizations should focus on working together, because being apathetic does not accomplish anything.

"I'm asking for support," Stipe said. "We need to start being more active as individuals."

Belyus said equality would be achieved when victims of sexual assault are not blamed for not locking their door and when "you pay me $1 for every $1 my boyfriend makes."

Dora McQuaid, a lecturer in speech communications, encouraged students to take action, because from action comes hope. "The minute we start to take action, we believe in hope," McQuaid said.

Marmion closed the rally by encouraging students to get involved.

"I want to leave on the idea of passion, pursing passion," Marmion said. "When we follow that path, we are so powerful we can do anything."