Semester-long inclusivity project: Using our voices at community engagement

Abstract

Courses

This semester-long assignment is suited for any course that highlights cultural differences, diversity and equity, social advocacy, social justice, intercultural communication, and intercultural awareness and understanding.

Objectives

This series of inclusivity projects will help students to: (1) equip themselves with communication knowledge and skills; (2) recognize the structural, historical, and ideological forces in their own daily life; (3) reflect and analyze their own experiences and actions, as well as learn cultural diversities from their peers; and (4) be ready to serve as (intercultural) allies and agents to promote a more inclusive, harmonious community. While gaining required academic knowledge, students will practice civic engagement and advance their skills to advocate social justice in their community through planning, designing, and exhibiting photo posters to promote diversity and inclusion.

Notes

1 If instructors collaborate with university-level departments, such as the Office of Diversity and Equity, on this project, they can have outside, non-instructional reviewers. For us, the Chief Diversity Officer was the non-instructional reviewer for the proposal.