Peer Educators Step Up for Diversity Education Week

NC State’s peer-to-peer diversity educators will facilitate two workshops for students, “Identity Compass” and “Death by A Million Paper Cuts” for NC State’s ninth Diversity Education Week with the theme “Who Are We?: Defining the Wolfpack.” The peer educators comprise the DEPTH (Diversity Education for our Peers to THrive) program, currently in its third year.

Identity Compass Workshop

The first workshop, to be hosted by NC State’s Department of Social Work on October 17, 2018 in the Caldwell Hall Lounge from 10:00-11:30 a.m. This open attendance workshop, to be led by DEPTH facilitator Briana Garcia with graduate intern Paige Moore, will engage attendees about their “identity compasses.” Through an interactive program, attendees will discuss and examine how their identities impact how they navigate the campus and their interactions with others. Participants will also have the opportunity to consider the impact of multiple aspects of their own identities, while hearing and sharing stories and experiences.

“The department invited DEPTH to facilitate a workshop because we feel it is our duty to promote and advocate for diversity at NC State. As a profession that prides itself on diversity education and inclusion, we are always looking for opportunities to give back to our community and help others gain a better understanding of cultural competence, various social identities and how they impact the world we live in today” said Edwin Maldonado, a master’s student in social work with advanced standing.

Death By a Million Papercuts Workshop

The second Diversity Education Week event will occur on the afternoon of October 17, 2018 in Talley Student Union, Room 3223 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.. This workshop will led by DEPTH facilitators Kyle Lorenzo and Victor Eduardo, who will present and engage in “Death By a Million Paper Cuts.” This open-attendance workshop will focus on helping attendees to recognize what microaggressions are and when they occur. Participants will also have the opportunities to acknowledge the impact of microaggressions and develop skills that allow them to confront microaggressions in a productive and respectful manner while using inclusive language.

Requesting a DEPTH Workshop

Anyone can request a DEPTH workshop facilitation; instructors can even request facilitation for their class. To request a DEPTH workshop, please visit the DEPTH website or complete the workshop request form.

Why You Should Request a Workshop

  • “Diversity Education for our Peers to THrive (DEPTH) peer education is a student-led initiative to help educate the greater NC State Community on the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion. Through the workshops, students, faculty and staff can learn ways to combat oppressive institutions and systems and find ways to practice active engagement to make their surroundings more inclusive. DEPTH uses interpersonal communication to foster dialogues about tough topics and aims to create catalysts for change through these discussions. I am extremely excited to see the content that is put out this upcoming year and can’t wait to continue my impact on campus!” — Achaia Dent, senior in psychology
  • “DEPTH is a student-led program that really embodies the principle of “by us and for us.” Through different workshops, events and trainings, DEPTH really helps us #ThinkandDo by allowing us to help make the campus a more welcoming, inclusive and culturally competent place. I have really enjoyed my time being a DEPTH intern because it allows me to grow and develop not only as an advocate for social justice but also helps me grow and develop as a social worker. This year, I am looking forward to DEPTH collaborating with more organizations and departments on campus.” — Briana Garcia, senior in social work with a minor in Spanish
  • DEPTH programs are an opportunity for students of NC State to learn more about managing diversity and inclusivity. The DEPTH team develops workshops and events that are engaging, educational and beneficial for all audiences. From first-year students to orientation leaders, members of the Wolfpack can explore important topics like social identity, intersectionality and cross-cultural competency. Being a DEPTH mentor allows me to not only better understand others, but also understand and appreciate my own identity. This year, I am looking forward to having new audiences to interact with and more people to hopefully motivate and inspire towards embracing an inclusive campus.” — Kyle Lorenzo, junior in psychology and biology

Paige Moore is a first-year graduate student in the master’s of social work program and a graduate student intern in the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity.