Through holistic leadership development initiatives, the Office of Multicultural Affairs supports the continued development of the multicultural competencies of enhanced awareness of oneself, knowledge of cultures varied from one's own, and the skills necessary to communicate cross-culturally

The Fordham University Diversity Peer Educator (DPE) Program is a leadership development program. Its purpose is to enhance and increase knowledge and awareness of the many facets of diversity and social justice, and their impact on the Fordham University community. Peer Educators will be trained to facilitate community dialogue's intended to encourage intercultural communication and exchange.

Why become a Diversity Peer Educator?

• Leadership development
• Increase awareness of diversity and social justice education
• Explore personal cultural composition
• Encourage the formation of an inclusive campus culture
• Enhance communication and facilitation skills

Leadership Opportunities as a DPE

• Co-facilitate community dialogues
• Explore diversity and social justice education
• Participate in OMA's Sustained Dialogue Series
• Design/implement programs in support of cultural heritage months
• Creatively collaborate with student peers

DPE will also explore the many ways in which the University's mission supports intentional reflection and authentic exchange around the fundamental tenets of diversity and social justice education.

• Promote an environment in which each member of the University community is welcomed and valued.
• Promote an understanding, acceptance and appreciation of our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students that is rooted in the Jesuit tenet of Cura Personalis and the principle that all persons should be treated with dignity and respect which is explicit in Catholic teaching.
• Promote an environment of inclusion within the University community through a network of trained students, faculty and staff across Fordham who support our LGBT students; understand the unique challenges facing LGBT students; are aware of the appropriate resources; and sponsor education and awareness opportunities to challenge systemic discrimination, homophobia, heterosexism and ignorance.

Dialogue is a derivation of the Greek word, dialogos. The root “dia” means “through” and the root “logos” means “the word.” Words have two dimensions, reflection and action. It is through the word, therefore, that change can come. True dialogue requires engagement in critical thinking, which perceives reality as a process, as transformation. Dialogue can also be characterized as a flow of meaning through relationships, or by gathering together. It is a necessary encounter amongst people to name their world.

• Enhancing self-awareness, the knowledge of cultures other than one’s own, and the skills to engage in cross-cultural exchange
• Understanding and applying the following principles: maintaining a social justice lens, attending to both process and content, engaging in self-reflection and action-thinking
• Creating a space for dialogue resulting in an attitudinal shift in students
• Increasing the capacity for critical thinking and authentic dialogue
• Encouraging the openness of mind and willingness of heart to learn, explore, and ask questions

The Office of Multicultural Affairs has many new and exciting programs coming in the next few months.

Please keep a lookout for exciting new things such as:

• Anti-Bias/Bias Reduction Program