Engaged Pluralism Open House: Building the Community You Want to See at Vassar
Vassar has a unique program for cultivating a strong campus community for all who live, learn, and work here. It’s called Engaged Pluralism (EP), begun as a Mellon Foundation-funded initiative to promote a sense of belonging, inclusion, and equity on campus.
While it’s been part of Vassar’s social fabric for years, not everyone on campus is familiar with its goals, methods, and dedicated staff. That’s why the program’s new director, Professor Kimberly Williams Brown, is urging the whole campus community to participate in the Engaged Pluralism Open House on Wednesday, September 18, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Aula.
“The opportunity to come together in a moment of joy, visioning, and planning to create intentional community is a unique opportunity,” said Williams Brown. “We highly encourage people to attend to get to know each other, to learn more about how they can get involved in EP, and how we can all work towards a campus where dialogue, justice, and connecting through storytelling are central to our campus community.”
There will be several workshop-style activities geared toward generating ideas from attendees. “Sharing Your Story” will be a narrative storytelling activity in which participants will respond to a prompt from the TMI Project of Kingston, NY in small discussion groups.
EP’s Working Groups, which tackle specific issues related to inclusion and belonging, will give an update on their work tackling “Big Questions,” and seek input on where to go next. “The Big Questions include questions addressing power and privilege and questions that are central to our ability to function as a community of care,” explained Selena Hughes, EP program Administrator. “The tools and the strategies to make this happen will be shared, and everyone’s voice is important to addressing these questions.”
Participants will also get a chance to brainstorm Igniter Pitches—projects that foster belonging, equity, and/or dialogue between social groups in the Vassar community that are eligible for funding from the College.
The evening includes dinner from Twisted Soul of Poughkeepsie.
Hughes said she and the rest of the EP staff members are hoping to see a big turnout. “This will be a fun, intentional exercise in creating a community of deep thought and care,” she said. “It takes all of us to make it happen!”
Those planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP here—but reservations are not required.