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Supporting Diversity in Your Student Organization
How will diversity among your members (sex, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, etc.) enhance your organization?
Some organizations (like governing groups) should be representative of the population they serve. Having a diversified membership helps to ensure all viewpoints are heard and actions of the group benefit the entire constituency.
An organization with a diverse membership can provide a unique learning experience. Students in these organizations have a setting in which to interact with and learn about people different from themselves. American society is becoming increasingly diverse, and students need to be able to interact with a variety of people. Involvement in student organizations with a diverse membership is a good place to gain experience in dealing with others.
Advantages of a diverse membership
A diverse membership will bring new and different ideas to a group. Many groups become stagnant and do the same activities year after year. People who are similar in background and experience tend to think alike.
Some groups wonder why certain people do not attend their activities and meetings. Usually it is because the organization does not reflect diverse interests. Having a diverse membership can help attract diverse interest and attendance because various ideas and needs are reflected in the activity or program.
Having a diverse membership has a "snowball" effect when trying to recruit new members from a variety of backgrounds. An organization will seem more supportive and friendly to someone if they can identify with current people in the group.