SGA ‘Voices’ project will gather community opinions

IIn an effort to increase dialogue on a multitude of issues among the Davidson community, the Student Government Association (SGA) has begun the Voices Project.
"Lots of issues, topics and questions are not frequently discussed at Davidson for many reasons," SGA President Meikaela Zwieryznski said. "Some students have the feeling that it isn't okay to bring up concerns or questions, and we want to ensure that every member of our campus community can have his or her voice heard. Whether it is praise about what the Davidson community is doing well, or concern about what we need to do better, everyone should be able to speak openly and freely, and to be received with respect."

A three-part initiative, the Voices Project begins with the "Your Voice, Your Story" section of the Davidsonian (the first edition of which is to the right of this article) in which students and faculty can share their opinions anonymously.

"It is open, it is public, and all submissions will be shared with the community to promote discussion about what our peers are experiencing, thinking, and feeling," Zwieryznski said. "It is anonymous to ensure that the focus is directed at the issues and topics raised in the submissions rather than directed toward the individuals submitting the comments."

Secondly, the SGA has also implemented a "Movie Screening, Dinner and Dialogue" series called Reel Talk. Beginning last Wednesday with a screening of "Babel," Reel Talk will show "Good Hair" next Monday, Feb. 15, in the 900 Room, as a collaborative event with the Residence Life Office and the Black Student Coalition.

"The documentary follows the business of black hair to evaluate various social, international and economic issues, and makes you laugh while really challenging you to think about complex issues," Zwieryznski said.

Thirdly, the "Breaking Bread" section of the Voices Project will consist of two groups coming together over dinner to discuss an issue that involves both groups, but may not have previously been discussed. Zwieryznski said that groups can either make requests to attend the dinner or be invited.
"Clearly some discussion can get heated, and it is crucial to ensure that all dialogue that comes from this project is proactive and productive," she said. "Therefore, all events will include a trained facilitator to ensure that we move forward and progress as a community from such meaningful dialogue."

A result of feedback from previous SGA focus groups, the Voices Project is intended to "get people talking," according to Zwieryznski.

"Davidson stresses how important it is to bring people from different backgrounds to our community," she said. "We agree, but we also think it is important to ensure that people from different backgrounds are engaging with one another."

Zwieryznski also noted that despite the diversity that Davidson has, it is "easy to fall into a comfort zone and miss out on the experiences of so many members of our community."

"Furthermore, we want to give those individuals who feel that their experiences and voices have been overlooked or silenced the opportunity to share those stories, thoughts and feelings," she continued. "The name of the project comes from a desire to empower all members of our community." I feel like a full member of the Davidson Community because …..

My opinions are respected by others. Staff

Because I am allowed to speak my mind and the community accepts my right to do so. Student

People treat me respectfully. To the extent that my background and interests differ from those of mainstream Davidsonians, mainstream Davidsonians accept me, accept my spouse (who is less mainstream than I am), and don't try to push their culture on me. Faculty

I feel that my diversity, in terms of ethnicity as well as opinions, is respected. Student

Even though I am a minority here, I feel like Davidson has been accepting of my culture and skin color. People definitely stay in their own groups. However, I think that they are open to new cultures, religions, and ideas if (and only if) they are questioned or provoked to talk about new things. Student

My professors and peers make me feel comfortable. -Student

I do not feel like a full member of the Davidson Community because ….

People have crazy ideas about why minorities, women and international faculty are at Davidson. We fulfill diversity quotas. -Faculty Member

There's a giant gap between those who party and those who don't. Those who don't party are missing a huge part of the life of those who do and because that group is so large and dominant (posters everywhere, music so loud you can hear it up the hill) I feel like an outsider for not being able to relate to stories of poor choices and intoxicated fun. -Student

I don't believe in ghosts, gods, angels, demons, or anything else supernatural. The natural world runs by natural processes, and there is no valid evidence suggesting otherwise. Christian prayers before college events are marginalizing to the nonreligious and to those of other faiths. And the many college awards that honor a "life of faith and service" demean those who serve the community without basing that obligation on faith in the supernatural. -Faculty Member

When we pass each other in the hall, the disingenuous smiles and careless "How are you?" remind me that regardless of how many people's names I know - I don't really know anyone. -Student

The website for SGA Voices is: http://checkboxweb.davidson.edu/Survey.aspx?s=69a9c8d47e9d4eff9d4d359fe5b04e4f