• When a community commits itself to fairness,justice and equal representation for all its citizens, it has taken the first step toward what we all want for ourselves, our families and our children.

    One Columbus' programs and activities that support bridge building and education begin to make these possible. Our city and our world can benefit from learning about each other and we can do this from the relentless pursuit of democratic dialogue which you offer to our community.


  • Vivian Creighton-Bishop
    Municipal Court Clerk
    Columbus, Georgia

April 12, 2007 Action Forum

The Action Forum for CSU Bridge-Builders Study Cirlces was held on Thursday, April 12th at 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the International House. Seventy students participated in Study Cirlces this term which ended in April, 2007.
Fifty of these were in Dr. Wakoko’s Race & Ethnic Relations class, and twenty students were facilitated by CHEC, a newly formed student organization that is focusing on building bridges of understanding among various groups on campus.
Four groups made presentations at the Action Forum.
Recommendations from these groups were made in three areas:

  1.  Individuals
  2. For the campus
  3. In the community

Group 1

Cougars Helping Enhance Community

Bridging the Socio-Cultural Gap

Study Circles Forum

To help bridge the gap and enhance community we should take action . . .

Individual

  •  Moving outside our comfort zone
  •  Becoming more involved
  • Being open minded
  • Volunteering
  • Asking questions
  • Persevering through defensiveness
  • Leaving behind ethnocentric ways
  • Knowing that we are not always right

Campus

  •  Increasing financial aid for study abroad programs
  •  Better advertising events
  • Having more diverse activities
  • Educating persons in leadership positions about diversity
  • Increasing the number of clubs
  • Participating in student government
  •  Increasing security

Community

  • Having free forums on diversity
  •  Having diverse performers at community events
  • Having more places or activities for the 17- 20 age group
  •  Increasing the police force
  •  Sharing our knowledge
  •  Having free events
  •  Being involved in town meetings
  • Having an international day

Group 3

Evening Class

Individual

  • Be a helping hand if its needed/ when it?s wanted
  • To be more inclusive
  • Get friends to join in an event or volunteer effort

Community

  • Volunteering community activities
  • Speak out against racism, poverty and education in balance at town managements.
  • Challenge the media about the negative
  •   Get out and vote

 

Campus

  • Bring in younger professors
    Allow more chances to share your story in class
    Orientation doesn’t reflect reality
    Home student affairs press for more diverse organizations.