The Committee for Inclusion is working on new approaches to enrich HILR by diversifying academically and socially in race, national culture, ethnicity, and life style. As charged by the Council, our goal is to better reflect the world around us. We strive not only toward a more diverse membership but also toward programs and courses that broaden members' awareness and sensitivity to people who have very different perspectives on life.
Several projects are underway, including:
- Establishing relationships with area programs that are a source of experience with these challenges as well as a source of potential member applicants,
- Encouraging current members to think about friends and relations who would enjoy HILR while at the same time adding to our diverse make up and backgrounds,
- Exploring the ways other groups at Harvard and in the area have successfully made cultural shifts to openness, and inviting experienced diversity officers to speak to the committee,
- Analyzing HILR's curriculum to see how subject matter can be broadened, and how existing courses can be more inclusive of the diverse human experience,
- Promoting ideas for forums and special events to celebrate cultural diversity,
- Developing a resource bank to support study group leaders in broadening the intercultural aspects of their courses,
- Focusing on awareness and attitudes within the membership, to insure that the tone reflects the program's commitment to cultural shift,
- Discussing with those who leave HILR voluntarily (despite good health and staying in the area) whether they felt the atmosphere at HILR was welcoming and supportive for people like themselves,
- Communicating with HILR members about the committee's effort and inviting those interested to provide suggestions or to get further involved.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Committee Chairman, Ross Neisuler. Rneisuler@hotmail.com , 617-244-2194. There are few full-committee meetings but there are between-meeting tasks to be accomplished.
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