On behalf of NIRSA’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission, I invite you to take some time this week to review the resources below. Whether you choose to integrate them into an upcoming staff training or you’re simply reading them to expand your understanding of the vital topics of equity, diversity, or inclusion, these resources can help shape your perspective on social justice.

By Chescaleigh | YouTube

In the previous edition of the “Resources to promote Social justice on campus” series, NIRSA’s Director of Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships Erin O’Sullivan pointed us to resources about “Allies and Microaggressions” that can be very helpful for campus recreation students and professionals. However, since being an ally doesn’t exactly come with a manual, this entertaining video by Chescaleigh gives some good guidance on how to go about being a good ally.

She also shares some short perspective on privilege and the importance of doing your homework to better understand your community. The video is from 2014, but the information remains relevant for today’s conversations.

Her final tip—to remember that “ally is a verb”—is an important idea to weave through staff trainings. We talk often about wanting our facilities to be welcoming to and inclusive of the entire campus community; but, just like with being an ally, saying we want it isn’t enough to make it happen. Rather, we must actively work towards this each day.

 

By Dr. Brené Brown | The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce (RSA)

To truly achieve inclusive environments, we need to develop and foster a sense of empathy on the part of our staff and students. Often this word is confused with sympathy, which is where this resource can be helpful. Research professor at the University of Houston, Dr. Brené Brown talks about the role of connection in empathy; in this animated video, she gives good examples of things people say that do not reflect empathy.

The video—hosted on YouTube—is only about three minutes long and is perfect for discussion at staff meetings. Empathy may seem easy, but it takes conscious practice and development. And, as the speaker points out, it often relies on our ability to get in touch with our own fragility. You might consider pairing this video and discussion with some roleplay exercises so students can put into practice what they learn.

By Ben & Jerry’s | www.benjerry.com 

Who likes ice cream? Ok, now that I got your attention…seriously, this next article comes from the “What’s New” section of the Ben & Jerry’s website. The post outlines different ways that systemic racism manifests itself in our society. It is not too long and includes links to source documents in each of the subcategories discussed—wealth, employment, education, criminal justice, housing, surveillance, and healthcare.

As we know, systemic racism is an issue felt and debated on our campuses; sharing this article with students can provide a thoughtful perspective and help spark genuine dialogue and understanding. I leave you with this article: you’ll have to provide your own ice cream.

Add your voice to the conversation

We encourage you to connect with colleagues from across North America on this important topic. Join NIRSA’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Community of Practice today to find more resources or to participate in the online discussion.

Associate Director of Recreational Sports Programs at | NIRSA Profile

Marcus Jackson is currently Associate Director of Recreational Sports Programs at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor; he also serves on NIRSA's Commission for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. You can reach him at mjacksn@umich.edu.