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Community Advocacy Alliance |
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What is the Community Advocacy Alliance?
CAA is a group of staff, students, administrators, and faculty who provide support to students at Miami University who might encounter hostility or an unwelcoming environment because of their race, religion, gender, age, ethnic background, disability, or sexual orientation. CAA offers an education program that prepares you to be a community advocate. Advocates agree to display a sign with the CAA symbol outside their office or room. They agree to talk with people who have encountered hostility and refer them to appropriate offices, agencies, or other helpful resources. CAA provides ally training for those who have completed the first level of CAA educational program and who are already committed to accepting persons of diverse cultures. The session provides necessary skills to ally oneself with others despite personal differences and it encourages continual growth and development of skills that could lead to increased knowledge and advocacy experiences.
All members of the Miami University campus are able to participate in any of the training and education programs. There are special opportunities for students to participate in education sessions as a fishbowl participant. Discussions about diversity with marginalized students are held while trainees observe so that they understand how to be a more supportive ally.
What is the CAA education program?
Education consists of two sessions facilitated by members of the CAA. Generally, between 10 and 20 people attend each of the sessions.
During the first session, participants are given an overview of the nature of prejudice and the effects our attitudes can have on the self-perceptions of students. We work in the whole group and in smaller breakout groups to complete exercises that were developed and used nationally. These materials have been highly rated by participants who have completed the program.
During the second session, participants observe a "fishbowl" discussion among students from diverse backgrounds on our campus. Drawing on the themes that emerge from that discussion, we consider strategies for responding to students who encounter hostility in this environment. Facilitators distribute written materials that help with this process.
At the end of the session, participants can decide if, as a result of this program, they want to become an advocate. If so, they are listed on our roster of advocates and they post our symbol outside their office or place of residence.
We hope that all people who complete these education sessions will choose to become advocates; but the decision is entirely theirs.
What happens after CAA education?
The Community Advocacy Alliance is continually active throughout the academic year promoting lectures, hosting brownbag discussion groups, participating in campus-wide cultural programs, and offering Train the Trainers classes to CAA graduates who wish to become facilitators for the education sessions.
One of the most important aspects of the participation in CAA is referring friends, classmates, co-workers, and colleagues for future education sessions.
You are our most valuable resource for growth. Our hope is that every office building, every residence hall, and every classroom will have a CAA symbol displayed to show that Miami University is truly committed to openness, to creating a safe and supportive environment, and to promoting positive change toward a diverse community.
If you would like to participate in any of the above, please contact Juanita Tate 529-5656, tatejs1@muohio.edu |
