Taking my work study position at the Diversity Council has been the best decision I made this year. The Diversity Council is an organization in Rochester whose main purpose is to create a community that is welcoming and inclusive. They are in charge of a variety of workshops and discussion groups, and assisted with a major project; the "RACE" exhibit at the Rochester Public Library.
My job is to assist Dr. Char Kunkel, professor of Sociology at Luther College, who is on sabbatical at the Diversity Council. I am helping to create an online resource manual highlighting community based anti-bias activities. Their goal is to find organizations or groups doing anti-bias work, write up a summary about how the organizations are encouraging diversity in their community, and then post it on a website for other communities to access. The process sounds really easy, but it can take months just to set up an interview! Interviewing organizations about their work is my favorite part of the process.
It is really fun to learn about how people are making a difference in the community. We have interviewed people from all over the state and have been able to meet some really amazing people, and learn about some really remarkable projects. I have interacted with people of many different races, religions, and cultures. Working at the Diversity Council has opened my eyes to not only the incredible diversity in Rochester, but also how much work is needed to ensure equality for all. It has truly been an incredible experience that I am very grateful for. For more information about the Diversity Council, please visit www.diversitycouncil.org .