Growth in CFSN's Equity Learning Community
Hello and Happy May! Spring is on the way, and it is often a season that focuses on growth. As the flowers bloom, the temperature starts to increase, we often start to think about how far we’ve come and what we’re hoping for in this new season. Here at Center for Success Network, we are looking to grow and improve regardless of the season, but one area I am particularly proud of is in the ways we’ve grown in our commitment to equity. One of the ways we have done that is through our monthly Equity Learning Community sessions. Here are some of the topics that we’ve covered (see the attached links for some of the resources we explored when discussing these topics!):
Each of these meetings involves some articles or videos or podcast episodes to consume in advance, then our staff comes to the space ready to dissect and process what we’ve learned. Each session always ends with discussing action steps that individuals can take as well as action steps for CFSN as a whole to embody our commitment to equity. Through these meetings, CFSN has started to think critically about how students experience our assessment process, the recruitment of mentors and funders that share our commitment to equity, ensuring our forms and communication considers language and gender diversity, and so much more! But the growth is also happening on an individual level with our staff as well. Here are a few reflections from our staff members:
“I have been much more thoughtful about my personal growth - from perspective, books, and even vocabulary. I am acutely aware of words that have been a part of my vocabulary but are not reflective of the inclusive standards I want to hold myself to. Like the word "crazy". I also have been exposed to perspectives and voices which I may not have independently researched or found myself, and these are a necessary part of my growth and understanding.”
“Our Equity Learning Community meetings have had a great impact on me. They have allowed me to have meaningful conversations about important topics that matter. Without these discussions I wouldn't have had the opportunity to learn so much from my colleagues. The Equity Learning Community meetings have created an open dialogue and safe space to share ideas. I have grown so much from attending each meeting.”
“I have enjoyed ELC meetings as they have provided time and space to discuss pertinent and prominent topics with more depth. Consequently, it allows me to better assess how my personal behaviors and interactions might need to be adjusted or re-aligned.”
These Equity Learning Community meetings are often the highlight of my month, and I am proud to work with a staff so committed to growing and improving CFSN and themselves. Cheers to the continued growth of us all on our equity journey.