Student-run organizations can provide multiple avenues to express ideas, pursue interests, and cultivate relationships. According to our definition of culture, all student-run organizations provide an outlet for the promotion and celebration of a culture. Let’s take, for instance, a gospel choir and an animation club and apply the components of culture to both of them. Both groups promote a belief system that is common among their members: The first is based on a love of music in the gospel tradition, and the second is based on the appreciation of animation as an art form. Both have aspects that can be taught: the musical tradition of gospel singing and the rules and techniques used in drawing. Both groups use a specific language related to the group’s belief system. Most campus organizations bring like-minded students together and are open to anyone who wants to be involved.
To promote learning and discovery both inside and outside the classroom, colleges and universities provide programming that highlights ethnic and cultural celebrations, such as Chinese New Year and Kwanzaa; gender-related activities, such as initiatives sponsored by the group Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Activists; and a broad range of entertainment, including concerts and art exhibits. These events expose you to new and exciting ideas and viewpoints, enhancing your education and challenging your current views.
Career/Major Groups You can also explore diversity through your major and your career interests. Groups that focus on a specific field of study can be great assets as you explore your interests. Are you interested in helping minority and majority groups interact more effectively? Consider majoring in sociology or social work. Do you want to learn more about human behavior? Study psychology. If you join a club that is affiliated with the major that interests you, not only will you find out more about the major, but you can also make contacts in the field that could lead to career opportunities.
Political/Activist Organizations Organizations devoted to specific political affiliations and causes—such as Campus Republicans, Young Democrats, Students for Human Rights, and Native Students in Social Action—add to the diversity mix on campus. These organizations provide debating events and forums and contribute diverse ideas on current issues and events.
Special-Interest Groups Perhaps the largest subgroup of student organizations is the special-interest category, which encompasses everything from recreational interests to hobbies. On your campus, you might find special-interest clubs such as the Brazilian jujitsu club, a belly dance club, the flamenco club, Ultimate Frisbee, and the video gamers’ society. Students can cultivate an interest in bird watching or indulge their curiosity about ballroom dance without ever leaving campus. If a club for your special interest is not available, create one yourself.
Intramural Sports Believe it or not, you can often experience multiculturalism through intramural sports, especially soccer, tennis, and basketball. These sports and others may be a way for you to develop close friendships with teammates whom you might never have met in any other way.