NIRSA Caucuses
In NIRSA we are developing several strategies and actions to further our commitment to equity diversity and inclusion. This will include strategies focused on the Association and strategies focused on the profession. We will do this work with members, with our communities of color and other marginalized groups as well as with the entire NIRSA membership. Read more »
Asian Caucus • Black Caucus • Latinx Caucus • LGBTQ+ Caucus
Upcoming Caucuses
About Caucuses
Caucuses have long been used to as “opportunities for those who share a common identity to meet separately to gather, connect and learn.” NIRSA intends these identity-based spaces to create and share knowledge, expand and foster networking and mentoring opportunities, and support community-curated resources.
NIRSA’s caucuses are run by members of the community, for members of that community. Their format, frequency, and outcomes are designed to meet the dynamic needs of the community. No two approaches look exactly the same.
Members are welcomed and encouraged to suggest additional caucuses they would like to see at any time by emailing Elishea Borin, Senior Executive Assistant, or reaching out to a member of the NIRSA Board of Directors.
Additional Resources
NIRSA’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Guide
The publication, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: A resource guide for Leaders in Collegiate Recreation, compiles foundational concepts, research-driven best practices, and case studies to help campus recreation professionals develop competencies around EDI – for their own personal and professional growth, as well as for their departments.
Interassociation Wellbeing Definition
The Interassociation Wellbeing Definition is one outcome of the “Health and Wellbeing in Higher Education: A Commitment to Student Success.” In our pursuit to co-create cultures of integrated well-being on campuses worldwide, we want to ensure we are building from a shared understanding and foundation. Since there was not an existing definition that defined wellbeing, especially as it applies to higher education, the members of our organizations asked that one be created. This definition, and its supplementary material, is meant to be foundational; we hope a shared understanding can be a steppingstone to systemic change.
Past Webinars, Roundtables, & Conversations
The Anti-Racism for Beginners Roundtable focuses on developing a basic understanding of key terms and resources, self-reflection, and discussion surrounding what anti-racism and social justice look like. discussions.
Ask the Black Girl: A conversation spanning wellbeing to improved programming for Black students
Stigma, inequality, and injustices surrounding human rights persist in our culture today. Sadly, the color of a person’s skin plays a significant role in how people are perceived, respected, and handled. We know that racism, both deliberate and unintentional, affects the health and wellbeing of individuals and groups; so, as campus recreations professionals, we must consider how we can each contribute to a culture where all people feel included. Listen in on a conversation between Michele Martin, a white woman working at a PWI, and Chavonne Shorter, a Black woman who previously worked at an HBCU. Their dialogue exchange provides details on how they have been able to learn from one another and how their conversation can inform the development of successful programming for people of color on a PWI campus.
Inclusive Workplace from a Woman Leadership Lens
Listen to a conversation that explores diversity, equity and inclusion through lived and shared experiences as women leaders in campus recreation.
Creating a Sense of Belonging in Campus Recreation
This conversation explores the responsibility campus recreation professionals have in fostering a sense of belonging amongst students beyond our programs, facilities, and opportunities.
This Director’s Roundtable focuses on issues of EDI and racism, and how to lead students and staff during these times.
Mental Health Series: Supporting Black Community Members
Listen to this moderated discussion on how systemic issues of racism/anti-Blackness may manifest on campus, and how to most effectively support Black community members during the current climate of unrest, heightened racial tensions, COVID-19, and the call to action to dismantle systemic racism on our campuses and beyond.
Mental Health Series: Supporting BIPOC Community Members
Listen to this moderated discussion on how systemic racism may manifest on campus and how to most effectively support our BIPOC community members during the current climate of unrest, heightened racial tensions, COVID-19, and the call to action to dismantle systemic racism on our campuses and beyond.
