“Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.” –Unknown
Where to Begin
What’s up?
As you work on your Inclusive Excellence Development Plan this month, be sure to use this online guide to help you brainstorm ideas to help you meet your diversity and learning goals for the year.
Make the Connection
Setting up an Inclusive Community
The following reflective activities and programming ideas are designed to present ways to be inclusive of all the unique contributions that residents, staff, faculty, and guests bring to our hall communities.
What does it mean to create an inclusive community?-– Check out this video from American University to get an idea of what an inclusive residence hall community is like. Talk with your supervisor or peers about your thoughts on the ideas presented here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=66&v=OhWAeR6WuZw
Jorge the Church Janitor Finally Quits–Think about the following reading in terms of the dynamics that sometimes happen in a Residence Hall. In the reading, who does Jorge represent in our hall communities? What are the issues presented in this reading? What can staff do to change those dynamics? Click here for the reading: Jorge the Church Janitor Finally Quits (2)
Community Connections
Programming/ OA Staff Development Ideas
*Talk with your supervisor about how you can use these ideas to meet your staff expectations related to creating an inclusive residential environment.
“Sociogram Activity”- Use this activity to help look at the relationships you have with the residents on your floor or in the office. It will give you a good idea about the students or staff you are well connected with, and those you should consider getting more connected with in the future. The worksheet was created by Ohio State alum Meredith Mickaliger: Residence Life Staff Sociogram Activity
Bulletin Board/Group Chat Idea— Have community members or office staff share one thing that they are proud of about themselves or where they come from. If possible create time/space for the group to discuss why this aspect of themselves gives them such positive vibes!
Global Connections
COOL-UMBUS TIDBIT
- The alternative rock group duo Twenty One Pilots, whose music deals with issues ranging from mental health to inclusion, was formed in Columbus in 2009.
CULTURAL INSIGHTS
- September is Latinx Heritage Month at Ohio State- To learn more about this celebration go to http://mcc.osu.edu/events-and-programs/heritage-and-awareness-events/
- September 12th is Ethiopian New Year. Rastafarians celebrate the New Year on this date and believe that Ethiopia is their spiritual home.
- September 29-October 1, 2019 (sundown to sundown) is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year celebration marking the creation of the world.