Nonstop news. Community conflicts.
Online outrage. In a time of political and
social turmoil, where can students safely
share their thoughts and experiences?
The students of Ss. John Neumann and
Maria Goretti High School didn’t have
a space that met their needs. So they
created their own. Formed in October of
2016, the Cultural Diversity Club seeks to
promote awareness and understanding
of different cultures by breaking down
barriers and building a spirit of unity.
“The school’s diversity has increased
enormously over the last four years,” says
Brittney Parker, who moderates the club
along with Michaela Mohr. “And not just
in the student body, but also within the
faculty and staff. The club was necessary
to address this growth, and the students
often have a better perception of how we
can discuss these topics.”
The Cultural Diversity Club
seeks to promote awareness
and understanding of
different cultures by
breaking down barriers and
building a spirit of unity.
Starting Your Own
Diversity Club: A Checklist
Interested in starting a diversity-driven club at your own school?
Mohr and Parker recommend following these guidelines:
▶ ▶ Stay open by being sensitive to students’ experiences
and checking your own biases.
▶ ▶ Engage the community correctly — pay attention
to your school’s culture and climate.
▶ ▶ Let students lead, but keep discussions on topic
and aimed towards a positive goal.
▶ ▶ Create a safe space where above all else, students
feel loved and com fortable being themselves.
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