MULTICULTURAL AND DIVERSITY RESOURCE CENTER TO HOLD FORUM FOR STUDENT VOICES

One of the main goals for MHCC and President Lisa Skari this year is working toward an improved relationship between the Gresham community and the college.

The recently renamed Multicultural and Diversity Resource Center (MDRC) is working to build a stronger sense of community on campus, with an eye on strengthening off-campus connections, as well.

On Oct. 2, the Center held an open house to spread awareness of the resources they can offer to students. Ernesto Vasquez, coordinator of the MDRC, explained that Mt. Hood community members can “provide authentic support for each other” by truly understanding the issues facing the community.

This year, a main MDRC effort is to break down important social issues, to increase understanding. The MDRC will host several events this year, some of then recurring events, in order to provide the space to discuss these issues. 

Since a big part of the MDRC’s goal for the year is open discussion, they will be hosting Student Voice Forums this year. These events will offer a physical space for students to speak freely about their experiences on campus, said Vasquez.

The first Student Voice Forum will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15, in the Center, located in the rear of the Student Union.

The MDRC also will begin a dialogue series called, “Let’s Talk About:”.  During these events, community members can learn about and discuss the social topic chosen for that meeting.

The first of these, “Let’s talk about microaggressions and implicit bias,” will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23.

Vasquez also is planning to launch the Social Justice Advocates program this year. Students who participate will learn more about social issues and gain skills to design and implement projects for social change on campus. Applications for this program are expected to be open by December or January. 

If social issues are something you’re passionate about, the MDRC has a few federal Work Study positions available.

Meantime, the office is open to any/all visitors, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday-Friday.