Laying the Groundwork for an Inclusive Community

When I took on the role of President of two student organizations at my university, I was determined to set the foundation for building an inclusive community within both clubs. I realized that to truly empower diverse groups of students and make a positive impact, inclusion had to be central to our mission and functioning.

One of my first actions was to clearly outline diversity and inclusion as core values in the official mandates of Bearcats (Into) Tech and UC Rotaract Club. This established an expectation and vision for both groups that resonated with members. I also organized team bonding activities focused on discussing our different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These not only enabled us to develop mutual understanding but also created space for honest conversations on how we could uplift underrepresented voices.

Establishing clear communication channels was another priority. I wanted all members, especially those from marginalized communities, to feel heard and know their thoughts mattered. We implemented anonymous feedback channels and scheduled regular check-ins where everyone could openly share their needs, suggestions, and concerns. As the leader, I had to also be vulnerable and acknowledge my privileges and limitations.

My biggest early challenge was getting complete buy-in on inclusion from long-time members used to status-quo. Some questioned if we were becoming “too focused” on diversity. I dealt with this by patiently explaining the rationale and benefits of an inclusive approach. It was also about leading by example - demonstrating how initiatives, like targeted tech seminars and volunteering projects, could achieve our goals while uplifting communities.

Laying this groundwork was so important for setting the right inclusive culture. It enabled us to gain trust, encourage allyship, and take bold steps to fulfill our vision. The impact went beyond our objectives - it shaped members' perspectives and commitment to uplifting fellow citizens. The foundations we built in those early days continue to live on in the club's ethos today. And we can't wait to welcome the new executive members!