Social Action Groups that address multiple issues
Sustained Dialogue
Mission Statement
Sustained Dialogue is a systematic, prolonged dialogue among small groups of citizens committed to changing conflictual relationships, ending conflict, and building peace. Sustained Dialogue has five different phases for dialogue, and they are:
1. The individuals deciding that they want change and wanting to be a part of a group to implement the changes.
2. Understanding everyone's interests and identities.
3. Gaining a sense of interdependence by connecting to these identities and interests.
4. Realizing individual and collective power to makes changes.
5. Implementing the changes and improving interactions.
Dickinson College is one of the few college campuses in the country to have a branch of the International Institute for Sustained Dialogue. It was founded by Hal Saunders, and in 2002 he incorporated Sustained Dialogue as an institute in collaboration with the Kettering Foundation and its President, David Matthews. To read more about The International Institute for Sustained Dialogue, please visit their website.
Events
Effectiveness
Problems/Dilemmas
UMOJA
Mission Statements
As an active member, Shawn Nannan believes UMOJA's mission statement to be inadequate. In fact, he believes that this group has transformed for the better within the past couple of years due to improved leadership and student's interest in the club. Given this, Nannan says that "they have gone above and beyond to fulfill the mission as stated". The club's official mission is this: UMOJA- (ooh-MOE-jah) means Unite, the concept in which this organization is based on. The House of Umoja is an organization that was founded by seven women who sought to createa a space where students of different ethnicities, race, socio-economic backgrounds and religions could speak freely about pressing issues. It was created for the purpose of establishing and maintaining unity among the Dickinson students and the Carlisle community at large. This organization works in affiliation with Dickinson College and it is open to any student who is willing to dedicate themselves to upholding the integrity of the organization and advancing Umoja's goals. This and other information about the club can be found on their website here The club works on a volunteer basis with the Carlisle community and also sponsors and coordinates events on campus that further their mission.
Events
With the exception of Apollo Night, UMOJA is not known for hosting events on its own. Instead, UMOJA works with many of the other groups on campus such as the Latin American Club and certain sororities to show its interest in supporting and promoting diversity on campus. They prefer to use their funds to help other groups better their events. These events include cultural dinners, speakers, and performances. Most notably though is Apollo Night. This event raises money that usually goes to help the sick or needy. For example, in 2002, profits were sent to National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The events include perform
