Forum On The Future Of America
FOLLOWING THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, STUDENTS FELT OUTRAGED AND DIVIDED. at our senate meeting, the student government decided to organize a forum. one week later, we had planned and promoted the event, invited professors to speak, and had the university president kick off the event to a room of over 250 students. here's how we did it.
We began with an e-mail to the entire student body that reaffirmed our commitment to all students and promoted our forum.
To the students of the University of Richmond,
A week ago, our nation woke up to a largely unpredicted result of the presidential election. We are proud that our student body became deeply engaged. You formed your own opinions through educated and meaningful dialogue, research, and debate. A week ago, when you woke up, you had an opinion. You felt something. Whether you kept it internal; talked about it in class, the library, dhall, or the comfort of your own room; or took to social media to pour out your thoughts, you felt something. Regardless of what these feelings exactly are, we want you to feel comfortable sharing them. We aim to preserve a culture of inclusivity and belonging here at the University of Richmond.
In that way, we, the members of the Westhampton College Government Association, want every University of Richmond student, especially those feeling scared in any way, to know that you belong here. No matter your political beliefs, you belong here. No matter your religious beliefs, you belong here. No matter your ethnicity, race, heritage, or ancestry, you belong here. No matter what your background is, you belong here.
Who you are makes this university what it is. Your individuality is at the core of the web of Spiders who are here now, who have come before, and who are still to come. We feel fortunate to represent such a diverse student body that strives to be engaged in political discourse, simultaneously respect and love each other, and create a more inclusive and understanding world. You are UR. We are UR.
Today, we will be tabling in Tyler Hanes Commons to provide you the ability to share your feelings with us anonymously. Tonight, we, along with RCSGA, will continue to provide this opportunity at What’s Next?! A Forum on the Future of America, in the Pier at 7:00 pm. President Crutcher will begin with opening remarks and a panel of faculty experts will then lead us in a discussion of the policy implications of the election in a constructive and non-partisan environment. As always, we welcome feedback and input from the student body through our student affairs email at wcga@gmail.com or during our weekly meetings on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Westhampton Deanery.
Sincerely,
Westhampton College Government Association
We set up tables with blank paper and pens along popular walkways in the week leading up to the event, and encouraged students to write down any thoughts they had about the election. We used that opportunity to promote our event to students.
Finally, we leveraged partnerships with professors to offer extra credit in exchange for attending the event. We also invited eight professors spanning eight different departments, which drummed up faculty speculation and attendance. And we got on President Crutcher's busy schedule just a week in advance in order to kick off the discussion with a bang.
