Best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion encompass a three-tiered approach. Training and Development; structural changes in policies, protocols, and practices, and doing the work to acknowledge, examine, and shift our thinking. There will be times when these tasks are arduous and exhausting, but the pathway to cultural competence is worth it.
Please use the resources to begin YOUR journey.
Feminist Colloquia
The Gloria E. Anzaldúa Colloquium aims to critically analyze the impact of social and cultural marginalization from an intersectional framework. The architect of ‘the New Mestiza Nation,’ Anzaldúa, a scholar of Chicana cultural theory, Feminist theory, and Queer theory, challenged notions of indoctrination, assimilation, and status quo acceptance. GRCC stakeholders will come together to explore the modern-day impact of colonialism in America and abroad and put forth practical strategies that use Anzaldúa’s theory of multiculturalist decolonization.
The Fannie Lou Hamer Colloquium seeks to broaden the historical landscape of the Civil Rights and Voting Rights movement in America. Touted as the ‘moral compass’ of social justice, Mrs. Hamer’s advocacy of politically disenfranchised people came into focus in 1964. She helped organize Freedom Summer, bringing hundreds of college students to the segregated South to help with African American voter registration. GRCC faculty and students will come together to examine contemporary issues that impact political engagement and agency, and provide practical solutions that use strategies aligned with Fannie Lou Hamer’s grassroots activism.
LGBTQ+ Think Tank
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Plus Think Tank is a brave space for GRCC stakeholders that identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. The Think Tank promotes awareness, agency, and advocacy, and provides an opportunity for participants to address issues relevant to LGBTQ+ communities. This coalition also includes a spectrum of straight cisgender allies.
College Resources
For information on GRCC's Preferred Name process visit Student Records.
Campus Map for gender-inclusive bathrooms.
For more community resources and events visit out LGBTQ+ Think Tank page.
Local Festivals
Grand Rapids hosts a variety of cultural festivals throughout the year.
- Three Fires Traditional Pow Wow
- Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival
- Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival
- Grand Rapids Polish Festival
- Grand Rapids Yassou! Greek Culture Festival
- Grand Valley American Indian Pow Wow
- African American Arts and Music Festival
- Oktoberfest
- Arab Film Festival
Speak UP for Inclusion
Speak up because silence does not move us forward. The videos listed below address best practices to address equity in the workplace.
Note: The videos can only be accessed when logged into your GRCC email address. Discussion topics include:
Cultural Competence: When more people speak up, more people listen
That Little Voice: Discrimination in the workplace
Speak Up for Inclusion: Women in the workplace
Speak Up for Inclusion: LGBTQ+ in the workplace
Picture This: Assumptions lead to microaggressions
DACA Student Information
- An Undocumented Student Guide - To College In Michigan
- An Undocumented Student Guide - To College In Michigan (Spanish)
- Scholarships that don't require proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency
Links to Organizations
- Know your Power: United We Dream
- Know your Rights: ACLU
- National Immigration Law Center
- Michigan Immigration Rights Center
Additional Resources
Google Doc Resources
*A compilation of resources are listed as hyperlinks within the Google Doc. Materials were developed by academic scholars and social justice educators.
- Protect Your Energy - Canned responses to messages that zap your energy, Author: Martina Abrahams Ilunga
The readings, videos, activities, and self-reflections are organized by stage, from interested person starting to learn all the way to committed activist looking to become more effective. It also makes a great tool to engage with people in your social network who may benefit from more accessible ways to get involved.
Statistical Information & Media/News
- Database of police killings (United States)
- FBI warned of white supremacists in law enforcement 10 years ago. Has anything changed?
Statements & Think Piece Resources
- Higher Education’s Role in Promoting Racial Healing and the Power of Wonder
- How Higher Ed Can Fight Racism: ‘Speak Up When It’s Hard’
- Police Killings Against Native Americans Are Off the Charts and Off the Radar
- Black Professionals Are Going Through A Lot
- The officer who stood by as George Floyd died is Asian American. We need to talk about that
- Teachers Must Hold Themselves Accountable for Dismantling Racial Oppression
- A Farewell Letter to DEI Work
Toolbox and Multimedia Resources
- The Four I's of Oppression
- Racial Microaggressions
- An Essential Reading Guide For Fighting Racism
- Institutionalized Racism: A Syllabus
- George Floyd, Minneapolis Protests, Ahmaud Arbery & Amy Cooper Trevor Noah, The Daily Social Distancing Show
- GRCCTV - Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion *A playlist of lectures, interviews, and events
- Teaching Beyond the Gender Binary in the University Classroom
Home for the HoliDAZE
While many look forward to the holiday season as a time for rest, reconnection, and reflection, for some, the pressure to navigate interaction with family and friends can bring on a great deal of anxiety that can leave one dazed and confused.
In partnership with United Campus Christian Fellowship, the Woodrick Center of Inclusion and Multicultural Affairs developed a shortlist of resources to lessen the stress.
- How to Prepare for Your First Visit Home after transitioning
- A Guide to Going Home for Break: Resources for LGBTQ+ Students
- Mental Health America: Winter Break Survival Tips for College Students
- 9 Tips for Surviving Political Conversations with Your Family During the Holidays
- How to Go Home for the Holidays When Your Family Is a Bit Much
- Social Justice and Equity Resources