RA360: Inclusivity and Belonging
TL;DR
Creating a community space where everyone feels like they belong and are welcome is perhaps the most important role of a student staff member. Part of creating these communities is getting to know residents’ stories and backgrounds, learning their names (and pronouncing them correctly), and encouraging dialogue and understanding.
We should not underestimate the power that comes from a vibrant community full of people bringing their full selves to the space. In your role, you are constantly exploring how to cultivate connection and build an atmosphere of acceptance and care amongst your neighbors. The ability for individuals to speak to one another about their myriad of experience and communicate successfully is the first step.
In this RA360…
“Creating an inclusive and welcoming community requires active investment on your part. Some residents will jump right in while others will need the invitation. Disengagement does not equal disinterest. Oftentimes, the least engaged are craving community the most. Help them overcome their hesitation by showing them how important their presence is to the community that’s being built.”
What’s In A Name?
Getting your residents names “right” is CRITICAL to making them feel included. It’s likely you’ll receive a roster at the beginning of the year. Make sure this roster includes the preferred or chosen names instead of their legal names. For example, sometimes students may go by their middle name. Or perhaps they go by a shortened version of their name. When in doubt, ask!
Learn To Pronounce Your Residents’ Names Correctly
A lot of K-12 educators talk about why it’s important to learn your students’ names and how to pronounce them. The same holds true for you and your residents.
Struggling? There are also some tips to help you with names you’re unfamiliar with.
Dialogue Across Difference
More To Explore
Questions To Ponder:
- What does in mean to “belong”? What does it feel like?
- Do all of your residents feel like they belong? In your community? In the residence hall? On campus?
- How can you make sure residents feel included?
RA360 Outcomes:
RAs and student staff members will be able to:
- Explain why belonging is an important focus for residence life work.
- Apply strategies to ensure all residents feel included in their communities.
RA360 is a set of resources organized around skills, topics and competencies relevant to Resident Advisors and similar related student staff positions in college and university residence halls.
