Igniter Pitches

The Office of Engaged Pluralism (EP) seeks to promote engagement “across all manner of social difference, viewing those differences not as problems to be overcome, but as essential components of a strong community where all members have the opportunity to thrive.”

If you have an idea for a project that speaks to this aim, one which fosters belonging, equity, and/or dialogue between social groups in the Vassar community, you are invited to submit a proposal for support. Successful proposals will take a multi-dimensional approach, bring into conversation the widest group of campus participants, and promote community-building across social groups in our community.

Propose an Igniter Pitch

Previous Pitches

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Uplift Physical theater at Vassar

February 4, 2024

Weaving a poetic vocabulary of acrobatic movement and storytelling, this award-winning intimate play tells the tale of one woman, lost between the uncharted waters of her grief and the shores of her joyful memories following the disappearance of her soulmate. Read more

A poster with the text "CJC and VIU Present 'Dreams for Living Jews: How to Flip The Conversation about Antisemitism on its Head' by Dara Horn, Author of "People Love Dead Jews". Friday, January 26th, at 4:30 p.m. in Taylor 102. Co-sponsored by: The President's Office, Psychology Dept., Asian Studies, RSLCP, Office of Living and Wellness, and Engaged Pluralism".

Dara Horn Lecture and Q&A

January 26th, 2024 at 5 p.m., in Taylor 102

Chabad Jewish Community brought acclaimed author Dara Horn to campus on January 26th to engage the community in a series of events both personal and lecture-based in their style. This provided an opportunity to discuss her work and have students learn more about antisemitism and its multiple forms more broadly. Read more.

A poster with the text "Writing Unworkshop Series: Join us for an hour to Rest, Reflect, Restore, Resist Building a Community of support and care".

Writing Workshop

Fall, 2023

In the fall of 2023, the offices of Engaged Pluralism and Student Growth and Engagement launched the Writing Unworkshop Series 2023–24. Open to the entire Vassar community, the Writing Unworkshop Series emerged as a testament to the power of writing as a tool for personal exploration, community-building, and resistance. Read more

A group of people stand in a crowded street. A person with long black hair, glasses, and a white striped dress is pointing to something off camera.

Behind the Scenes of Durga Puja, India

October 12–15, 2023

From Oct. 12–15, 2023, Engaged Pluralism was glad to provide some financial support to Bianca Niyonzima, Lavanya Manickam ’25, and Zerah Ruiz to participate in a four-day immersive program in Kolkata, India, with the Vassar Club South Asia (VCSA). Read more.

A poster with the text "Redefining Americanness: A Conversational Dinner. For Students Who Come From Immigrant Backgrounds".

Redefining American-ness: A Conversational Dinner 

September 28, 2023

This workshop was organized and conducted by Ming Ni '26 (They/Them) to explore the impact of immigrant identity and its influence on the redefinition of Americaness. The workshop aimed to delve into the complexities of identity formation and the ways in which individuals navigate the process of assimilation and adaptation to a new culture. Read more

A poster featuring stylized photos of people wearing makeup and eye shadow. The text reads “Transcend: A Drag Event by Mora Monae and Family. April 8th and 9th, at 8 p.m.; 18+; The Villard Room and The Mug”.

Transcend

April 4, 2023

Engaged Pluralism offered funding to support Matt Andres’s senior project in collaboration with Hype and VC Royalty. Andres designed and presented a drag show on April 4 using found materials on campus. Read more

A burgundy invite for an event. This is a minimal design, with two ornate flower designs on either side. In the center of the invite is a box with the text: “You are invited to the production of Wedding Scraps; written by Arshia Iqbal ‘23; Save the date and reserve tickets at the info desk; February 24 and February 25; 7 p.m. at the Aula. Individuals requiring accommodations or related information should contact Campus Activities at 845-437-5370.”

Wedding Scraps

February 2023

The Arts Working Group was recently able to fund a preview and production of Vassar senior Arshia Iqbal’s play Wedding Scraps. The production, produced in association with the Muslim Student Association, was presented in late February, 2023. Read more