NSLDC

Learning Outcomes

The overarching goal of the NSLDC is to help students become stronger leaders in their organizations and campuses, empowering them to create a more accepting, equitable environment and preparing them to work effectively in a diverse workplace. To this end, experiential workshops and discussions will focus on the following four crucial areas for learning:

Raise Awareness

• Awareness of and ability to explore aspects of own identity, culture, etc.
• Self-awareness about their own biases, fears, and comfort levels.
• Awareness of the “diverse” dimensions of diversity, including ability, age, ethnicity,  gender identity, geographic origin, national origin, race,  religion /spiritual traditions,  sexual orientation, and socioeconomic class.
• Awareness of inequity of privileges.
• Appreciation of the ways in which they are different from each other and similar to each other.
• Empathy and concern about the impact of social injustice.

Increase Knowledge

• Understanding that a true leader values and empowers all the members of the group.
• Understanding the levels of prejudice and how earlier levels pave the way for even more damaging levels.
• Learning more about the history of diversity in America.
• Learning more about global diversity issues –e.g. genocides that have occurred within their lifetimes and are still occurring, as well as in the past.
• Increasing knowledge base about each of the dimensions of diversity.
• Understanding of the essential vocabulary related to diversity.

Develop Skills

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and non-verbally
• Develop the skills of inclusive leadership, valuing and involving all members of the group for their unique contributions
• Invite others to open up and share their stories through an attitude of respectful interest and curiosity, using open-ended questions
• Respond to statements or acts of bias in a way that invites dialogue rather than debate or arguments
• Stand up and speak out for their own rights and for the rights of others

Plan for Social Action

• Take a leadership role in service projects and other programs that serve the cause of social justice
• Increase their interactions with people different from themselves
• Work effectively with diverse groups
• Actively try to impact those who are within their spheres of influence regarding issues of bias, discrimination, and social justice
• Make a positive difference on their campuses and in their communities