Keziah (left), and Summer (right), are the first Inclusion Coordinators at Renison. Their office is located within the Link Inclusion Lounge.
By Nancy Schnarr, Senior Manager, Central Communications
The new Link Inclusion Lounge has two Inclusion Coordinators, who are completing the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Renison’s School of Social Work. The Coordinators, Keziah (shown below as K) and Summer (shown below as S), gave us some details about their placement and what they’re excited about this term.
What drew you to the placement as Inclusion Coordinator at Renison?
S: I was attracted to this position because I could improve my intercultural competency and learn how to promote DEI in a community by working with diverse populations at my placement. I also loved the vision of making Renison a more inclusive space for all communities.
K: At the placement fair back in April, I had a tough time finding a placement I was interested in but also something that would accommodate my vision loss appropriately. Unfortunately, some roles need adequate vision for their positions which meant that I would not be a good fit. I came across the Renison booth and within minutes it was obvious that this position not only catered to my needs but would also allow me to be an advocate for others like me. This was huge for me. I had so many issues going through post-secondary with my vision condition and I want to make sure other students don’t have to face similar setbacks. This was how I got interested in the position of inclusion coordinator and now I get to be an advocate not just for individuals with disabilities but also other marginalized groups.
What kinds of activities do you have planned? Is there anything you are particularly excited about?
S: Even though I have experience planning different recreational events, I have yet to plan any activities at Renison since this is only our third week here. However, I have participated in many activities that were planned previously. I am particularly excited about the diversity of the events here on campus. Each one of them is a learning opportunity.
K: I am particularly excited for our racialized groups session which is just a chill hang where people of colour can gather and speak about their hardships, share their stories, or even just talk about general life events. It’s a good way to decompress in a safe space but also build relationships with others and bond over events that everyone may relate to in some way, shape, or form.
I have yet to plan an event on my own, but these first couple months are intended for me to get a better understanding of the demographic and learn more about what they want to see for the future.
What do you hope students will get out of the new lounge and its programming?
S: I hope students will take pride in the space they have collectively created with their voices. Moreover, I hope that students will benefit from the Link Inclusion Lounge programs by developing knowledge of systemic or structural oppression, inequity, and injustice and gaining the power and skills to identify and dismantle the biases and prejudices in their minds established and fortified by their social locations. Lastly, I hope they can experience the power of solidarity and develop allyship with one another.
K: I hope students can experience a sense of belonging. Leaving home and starting new can be very difficult for new students but I hope this lounge can bring people together and make people feel at peace. Not a place where they need to pretend or perform to be someone they are not.
What does inclusion mean to you?
S: Inclusion means a sense of belonging to every individual, disrespecting the group dynamic. It means mindful considerations of all groups' needs and interests. It also means that all community members' attributes are respected and appreciated within the group.
K: I equate inclusion with belonging. As an inclusion coordinator I want to let people know that they do have a place, and they do belong. No matter your gender, age, race, religion, or ability, you belong. Those aspects that make us different are beautiful and that is what makes us whole.
Anything else to share?
S: First, I love working at Renison because it is such a loving and caring community.
Second, I am eager to explore the unexplored aspects of our new role, which presents a lot of learning opportunities.
I am also excited about our potential to shape the futures of those who join us in the future in our practicum.
K: Renison has some amazing support systems in place so please do not hesitate to reach out to staff if you are struggling in any way. The community also offers some amazing events and opportunities, and I highly suggest attending them, even if it's just for the free food. You may make some great memories with some great people. This is something I regret during my SDS career. I only came to campus to attend my lectures and then I would head back home, but your whole student experiences changes when you participate in community. Therefore, I encourage everyone to step out of their bubble a little bit and find some more places or people whom you can call home.
Students can find Keziah and Summer in their office Monday-Wednesday in the Link Inclusion Lounge. They are also available for one-on-one meetings. For more, visit the Link Inclusion Lounge webpage.