The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force at Russell Sage College is a newly-convened committee comprised of students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni representing members of the college community. The committee recognizes that its overarching goal is to foster and create a more inclusive and supportive climate across the college. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion reflects the context in which Russell Sage College operates. The Task Force acknowledges that to fulfill its vision, it must understand and embrace the full diversity of the communities it serves and respond to the societal realities that affect us all.

The Heritage Committee will be responsible for planning and collaborating (across the college community) cultural programs and initiatives that celebrate and educate the general public, form community, unite and inspire, and enrich the overall campus experience for the many students, faculty, staff, and alumnae/i, and the community at large.

Heritage months are observed in the United States to recognize the profound and positive influence all Americans have had on our nation through the contributions of all cultural heritages that have been woven into the fabric of our nation through perseverance and a strong commitment through family, faith, strong work ethic, and service. Heritage months seek to not only celebrate but to educate. While there are designated heritage month celebrations, we hope to continue to acknowledge the contributions made by all groups of people in the United States throughout the year, not just during the heritage month celebrations.

Courageous Conversations is a continuous (sustained) dialogue that examines the current state of affairs and policies in our nation that directly impact our community. The conversation is a type of protocol to effectively engage, sustain, and deepen dialogue. We believe it is necessary to have conversations surrounding social justice issues that critically examine the systems that perpetuate injustice and take action to advance social justice through understanding and exploration of self-awareness and identity, including addressing issues of privilege, oppression, and power. Additionally, exploring the root causes of social issues including an analysis of intersecting injustices on the individual, organizational, and institutional levels. The Courageous Conversation Dialogue will present in multiple formats panel discussions, speakers, moderated led conversations, and round tables.

Our purpose is to establish RSC as a welcoming, inclusive, equitable, and safe community for all its members. By analyzing the data gathered, we will be able to develop a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of both our achievements and challenges to inclusive excellence. (Russell Sage College affirms that healthy societies are diverse and inclusive and welcome the creativity of all persons.)

Advocacy refers to organized endeavors by members of society to influence the creation and implementation of public policies and programs by influencing and compelling government officials, environmental institutions, health organizations, international financial institutions, and other powerful entities.

Advocacy embraces a multiplicity of actions to gain access to and influence decision-makers on matters that are important to a specific group or to society in general. 

Advocacy is often thought of as “an act of publicly representing an individual, organization, or idea and used as an umbrella term for many intervention tools. It can include active lobbying, including methods such as letter writing, meeting politicians, running public forums, questions in legislature, and participating in various consultative processes.” (source: ruminating.org)  

Advocacy can also include service to our community.  

The committee can seek to find ways to disrupt patterns in societal behavior that keep underrepresented populations oppressed and move them towards advocacy for themselves and their authentic life’s work.