The goal of the partnership was to help promote both groups. CHAARG’s mission is to help girls get more comfortable in the gym, in their bodies, learn new ways to work out, get more involved on campus and meet new people.

"We have gotten a lot of new possible members, and members have been able to talk to a lot of new girls about what CHAARG is — people who maybe didn't know or were interested in joining or coming to events," graphic design junior and VP membership for CHAARG Kaylin Scheuneman said. "It's a good way to get people from CHAARG and non-CHAARG together and for CHAARG girls to learn more about how they can get involved with UAB as well."

Communicative science disorders sophomore Katie Lalor, a small group coordinator and membership committee member of CHAARG, began her time with the club through an event like this one. 

"I found out about CHAARG the summer after my senior year," Lalor said. "My mom had told me about it — she saw a Facebook post for it — and I showed up to my first-ever event, just like the one we're at now, knowing nobody, knowing, really, nothing about the club. And I just walked in, met a few girls, and since then, they've been some of my closest friends. I love going to all the workouts because everyone feels comfortable and everyone's included. It's just a very safe space for women."

The event’s activities were chosen specifically to stay true to CHAARG’s focus on health and wellness.  

"A lot of times with wellness, mental health doesn't always get put to the forefront," secondary english education junior and UAB student events coordinator Gabby Gillespie said. "We thought, dirty sodas are in, people really like them, and claw clips are a nice way to destress — especially midway through the first weeks."

Despite attending the event for the claw clips, political science freshman Rachel Chynoweth got to learn about CHAARG and the UAB. 

"I heard that [CHAARG] sometimes does barre classes and Zumba classes, which I really enjoy doing," Chynoweth said. "I’d definitely go to another UAB event and probably CHAARG, but not completely sure."

Wednesday’s event was part of CHAARG’s recruitment period, which the group hosts the first three weeks of each semester to generate interest in the club. 

"I just hope [people were] able to make connections," Gillespie said. "Second semester is hard. You might lose that first-semester friend group and things like that. Just being able to meet people while you're waiting in line, sitting at your tables, and hopefully you can find CHAARG and find your people there, too. 

CHAARG’s next event is a movie night and vision board event Jan. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m.  In their second week of recruitment, they will host a free sample workout so potential members can get a feel for what they would be doing in the club. More information can be found on the organization’s Instagram page.