Racial Trauma, Management, and Self-care Workshop: Module Three

Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Resources at GVSU and in the Community


Ways to Get Connected and Receive Support at GVSU

Social Justice Education

The Social Justice Education Program provides support for students. The SJE program also provides integrative educational experiences for students, faculty, and staff to facilitate critical dialogue around race, gender, sexuality, social justice, and the interplay of identity, power, privilege, and oppression.

Intersections: An Initiative of the Social Justice Centers

Intersections provide an opportunity for students to have several places on campus to feel connected and valued. Examples of opportunities available for students: Application of social justice principle on campus, learn to become intersectional advocates in the workplace, and understand inclusion and equity.   

Degree Programs, Minors & Certificates

GVSU provides degree programs, minors, and certificates to strengthen your knowledge and awareness on inclusion ad equity.  

Group Therapy at GVSU Counseling Center

  • Black Voices: This confidential support/discussion group is open to African American students who want the opportunity to dialogue about their experiences and their personal/professional goals. This group aims to create a community in which students feel empowered to explore and address life challenges.
  • LGBTQ Therapy: This confidential group is open to registered GVSU students who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, Queer or who may be questioning their sexual identity. This group aims to be a normalizing experience for each member. We explore many factors that may be affecting our identity such as stereotypes, family, religion, meeting others, and many more. The focus of the group really depends on the needs of the group. This is not a “coming out” group, but there may be members who are in this process. There also may be members who have been “out” for years, but would like this opportunity to explore and share experiences/challenges with others sharing a similar identity. Overall, this group will help students figure out “where they fit in.” A commitment to attend each weekly meeting for the semester is required.  

 

Black Student Support Resources

The University Counseling Center acknowledges the impact of institutionalized racism and generational trauma on marginalized people throughout history. We stand in solidarity with our Black students, Black colleagues, and the Black community during this time (and always). To those whose voices have been silenced, ignored, or invalidated, we hear our call to action. 

Asian Student Support Resources

The University Counseling Center strives to provide an inclusive environment and condemns any acts or beliefs that promote hate, bias, and discrimination. We condemn the violence and racism committed against members of Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities. It is imperative that we continue to support communities that are impacted by social injustices and rise up to our responsibility to do more.

Culturally Based Student Organizations

GVSU offers more than 20 different culturally-based student organizations.

Campus Climate Incidents

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) provides an opportunity to report online (anonymous), in person, or by phone if you feel belittled, disrespected, or isolated based on your identity. Check the below link for detailed information on reporting Campus Climate Incidents.


Ways to Get Connected and Receive Support in the Community

The Greater Grand Rapids NAACP         

The Greater Grand Rapids NAACP is proudly dedicated to eradicating racial discrimination and building a stronger society in which all individuals have equal rights.” You can volunteer and get connected with Greater Grand Rapids NAACP.

Grand Rapids Urban League

Grand Rapids Urban League is committed to empower communities by addressing the economic, educational, and social challenges for minorities. You have the opportunity to become an Urban Leaguer to address the inequalities in the West Michigan area.

Urban Core Collective: “Unapologetically Serving the Grand Rapids Community”

The mission of Urban Core Collective is “uplifting historically marginalized communities to a place of greater self-sufficiency by unifying communities of color in order to reduce the effects of systemic racism.” 

Transformational Leaders Program (TLP)

“The Transformational Leaders Program (TLP) is a unique eight-month training program designed to advance African-American and Latinx leaders within Grand Rapids.”

Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance

Mission of the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance is to “dismantle barriers to ensure people of all ethnic backgrounds have equal access and opportunity to participate fully in the life of the community.” Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance provides various resources such as diversity education workshops and volunteer opportunities. 


References

Andoh, E. (2016, July 14). Racial Trauma is Real: The Impact of Police Shootings on African Americans. In Psychology Benefits Society. Retrieved from https://psychologybenefits.org/2016/07/14/racial-trauma-police-shootings-on-african-americans/

APA. (2019, October). Racial Stress and Self-Care. In RESilience. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/res/parent-resources/racial-stress?tab=3

Claytor, K. (2020). What Does it Mean to be Centered?. In KaseyClaytor.com.

Hargons, C. N. (2017, August). Black Lives Matter Meditations. In Dr. Candice Nicole - Sex | Social Justice | Leadership | Love. Retrieved from https://www.drcandicenicole.com/post/2016-07-black-lives-matter-meditation 

Jernigan, M. M., Green, C. E., Pérez-Gualdrón, L., Liu, M., Henze, K. T., Chen, C., ... Helms, J. E. (2015). #racismisreal Alumni Advisory Group Institution for the Study and Promotion of Race and Culture. Institute for the Study and Promotion of Race and Culture.Retrieved from https://www.bc.edu/content/dam/bc1/schools/lsoe/sites/isprc/racialtraumaisreal.pdf

Rennalls, S. (2020, June 27). A Psychologist’s Guide To Healing From Racial Trauma. In Vogue. Retrieved from https://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/article/racial-trauma



Page last modified June 9, 2022