Mixing It Up
Vassar’s Mixing It Up dialogue program brings students from different backgrounds and beliefs together for honest and personal dialogue around issues of social identity and social justice. The program is offered in collaboration with Counseling Services.
What is Intergroup Dialogue?
An intergroup dialogue involves two or more socio-cultural groups brought together to discuss differences and similarities. It promotes self-awareness, challenges preconceived notions, and is a movement from unspoken prejudices toward personal and group alliances.
How does it work?
Each dialogue consists of up to twelve (12) students from two or more self-identified social groups.Two trained facilitators assist the group in creating an environment that allows participants to ask difficult questions of themselves and others. The hope is that each participant, over the course of five sessions, arrives at a place of awareness that allows her or him to see avenues for change within the context of a social justice model. Although each group has a particular focus, participants are encouraged to explore the intersection of multiple social identities.
What is the social justice model?
The social justice model looks at issues of privilege and social inequality while seeking to understand as well as map out steps for social change. It is a movement from awareness towards action.
Past Intergroup Dialogues
- Gender Realities: How Far Can We Go?
- Black/Jewish
- Intersecting Identities: Women of Color and White Women
- Mixing It Up: Questions of Gender at Vassar
- Religion, Politics, and Identity: Spiritual Life and Other Mysteries at Vassar
- Mixing It Up: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Straight and Queer
- Racial/Social Identity and Inclusion
For more information on the Mixing It Up Dialogues or scheduled dialogues, contact the Campus Life Office.