Permanent link for Reflection and Hope: Kaufman On Campus on December 19, 2023

This past semester, we've been hard at work developing programming, gathering together, and defining our collective voice on campus. We asked each other a couple questions as we look back and look forward into the year ahead. Here are the team's responses:

What do you feel like we've accomplished on campus so far this year?

Molly:  Something we did this year was create a space for people to openly talk about their spiritual identity. Through events like interfaith 101 and the Teach-In, we allow people to explore more about themselves self even if it was just for an hour or two.

Cecelia:  This past semester has shown me that effort and presence are everything. It can be easy to be discouraged in this type of work, but throughout the semester I have been comforted and found purpose in thinking about what campus would look like if we, and interfaith resource, we’re not here. So this past semester I’ve found there is need and purpose in this work.

Franklin:  We’ve accomplished further cementing Kaufman as a campus entity. Seeing the team and my peers all acting on campus makes Kaufman feel more alive and a part of GVSU. We’re going on strong to be a well-oiled, operating machine!

Liz:  I hold fast to Rev. Jennifer Bailey's quote that "relationships are built at the speed of trust, and social change happens at the speed of relationships.” We've spent the first half of this school year showing up, being present and reliably available, while getting to know each other as a small but mighty team. I'm very proud of the foundation of trust we've formed within our group.

Zahabia:  Reinvigorating presence on campus, clarification of what interfaith resources we have for campus, building connections with all aspects of student life and promoting spiritual wellness on campus, and bringing faith based organizations together on campus.

Kyle:  Looking back over this past year, I'm incredibly proud of the strong foundation we have built for offering and sustaining support and resources for students of all worldview identities and traditions. Updated strategic language, goals, and values, a fresh brand layout, a revamped websites, a vivid and compeling new look to the Interfaith Inform e-newsletter help us articulate and showcase the impact of our work and make it easier for students to connect with us, with our programming, and with one another. Likewise, the immense effort to network across the university - Recreation Wellness, Social Justice Centers, Student Ombuds, Counseling Center, University Library, Art Gallery, School of Health Science, Religious Studies, Inclusion & Equity Institute - as well as, strengthen connections with university leadership have set us up to have a wide network of partners and a broad reach with out programming. Lastly, I'm thrilled for the return of our Interfaith Campus Intern program, as we are benefiting greatly from the leadership and vision of three exceptional students this academic year. All of this enabled us to provide a high level of support and direction to the University at a time when hate and division on college campuses has reached a boiling point and will continue to serve us well as we continue the work of fostering the next generation of pluralistic citizens and compassionate neighbors.

What are you looking forward to next semester, or beyond? 

Molly:  Looking forward, I would love to reach more people on campus. I want people to know what Kaufman is and all the amazing things we are trying to do at GVSU.

Cecelia:  I am looking forward to cultivating relationship and community with students not totally on the basis of spiritual identity, but in aim that we can build relationships as full people and they can know any type of spiritually or lack there of has a safe space to be shared or talked about within that relationship and community on campus.

Franklin:  Next semester, I am looking forward to seeing how our activity on campus grows as Photovoice takes place. I think the group will really help get Kaufman in the minds of others and create spaces for good conversation.

Liz:  Cannot wait for the campus cohort of Interfaith Photovoice to get underway! I'm excited to dive in, to see and hear the stories and experiences of other students on campus.

Zahabia:  Photovoice and more intimate conversations with students about issues of religious/spiritual/secular identities on campus. A deeper awareness of Kaufman- who we are, what we do, how we can resource the GV community. Also, hoping we can gain more insight on what the campus needs/wants and that we have that trust with others to work alongside of us on this work.

Kyle :  I'm really excited about our upcoming Interfaith Photovoice initiative on campus, both for the amazing relationships that are built through sharing food and storytelling with pictures as well as the ability for us to hear directly from students about their experiences on campus as persons of diverse religious, secular, and spiritual identities. That process of deep and engaged listening with allow students themselves to drive the programs, initiatives, and resources that the Kaufman Interfaith Institute offers to the GVSU campus. As seen with our community councils and planning committees, the Institute is at it's best when it is empowering and supporting grass-roots movements and projects. I'm thrilled to see a similar, yet creative, approach being taken to develop a well resourced community of belonging at Grand Valley.

Doug:  The Kaufman team is playing a more important role on campus and we are grateful for the support from students, faculty, staff, and university leadership. These are times when understanding among faith communities is even more important than ever.  We continue to find the commonality within difference as we affirm our basic humanity. 

 

Posted on Permanent link for Reflection and Hope: Kaufman On Campus on December 19, 2023.