The ACC Service-Learning Program, in collaboration with Interfaith Action of Central Texas, invites you to an on-campus conversation event on the topic, "Belonging!" Austin Community College (ACC) employees, students, employers, and the community are invited to attend this free in-person event. Registration is required.
All ACC students, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend. RSVP required.
Rio Grande Campus Map
1212 Rio Grande Street
Austin, Texas 78701
512-223-3000
We need volunteers to help set up and take down the event--are you available?
Volunteer Form Coming Soon!
"Experiencing a discussion and listening event that allows everyone to grow was such a great time." --Anonymous spring 2023 student participant
The ACC Office of Belonging and Purpose notes that "Belonging is the extent to which students feel personally accepted, respected, included, supported and allowed to be their authentic selves by others in the school environment." For this special evening, ACC is joining with Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) to host small community conversations on the topic of "belonging."
After a light meal at small tables, iACT experts and our Social Psychology student hosts will guide us to practice listening and speaking in ways that encourage mutual understanding. Our conversations are genuinely respectful, safe, and courageous. Individual participants are invited to share their personal experiences and listen with their hearts!
Larry Davis serves as Vice Chancellor Belonging & Purpose for Austin Community College. Larry carefully connects with faculty, staff, administrators, and students in creating and managing the development and implementation of proactive initiatives to promote belonging, purpose, and engagement in support of the college’s strategic plan.
Larry collaborates with the college community to facilitate the enhancement of the learning and working environment where all individuals have an opportunity to succeed and play a significant role in developing plans and training programs to ensure belonging, purpose, and engagement in our programs, policies, and culture.
Larry has an Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education from Baylor University; and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University-Central Texas. In addition, he has participated in post-graduate study in Theology at Baylor University and has certification in Mediation, and as a Gallup Clifton Strengths coach.
What is the Red Bench?
Interfaith Action of Central Texas describes the Red Bench as "an ongoing dialogue program designed to address one of the most pressing needs of our time: improving interfaith understanding and civil discourse in our society. Each conversation is centered on moderated small group discussions that are genuinely respectful and safe. No one has to be an expert. Individual participants are invited to share from their personal experiences and listen with their hearts. The format is structured and allows each individual to be heard. Each table is 'hosted' by one or two table hosts," which will be our very own ACC Social Psychology students!
What should I expect at the Red Bench event?
The Red Bench is a table conversation, not a debate. You can expect to share your own experiences and listen to the experiences of others. Upon arrival, you may join a table of 6 people for a light buffet-style dinner from 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM, with music from our ACC Student String Quartet. Vegetarian meal options are provided. We encourage you to sit with people you don't know! Then our speaker will briefly frame the topic of conversation for the evening. Our partner, Interfaith Action of Central Texas, will provide instructions for the structured conversation, and trained ACC students will host the conversation at each table. The conversation will last one hour, from around 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM, then each table will have the opportunity to share highlights with the larger group. We will adjourn at 8:00 PM.
Why should I participate?
Last year, 100% of respondents felt highly or extremely welcomed at the event, and 100% would recommend it to a friend or colleague. Here's what students were saying:
"I absolutely loved how kind everyone was, even when a conversation took a difficult turn. People still tried their best to give other people their attention and empathy; something I wish we had a lot more of in everyday conversations and interactions."
"The structure, collaborative nature, and encouragement to engage at your own comfort level. Also the food and string quartet!"
"I loved being able to connect with strangers in a way that I would never have done outside of the event."
Communication Studies
Composition & Literacy Studies
Dental Hygiene
Education Instruction
English for Speakers of Other Languages
Interdisciplinary Studies: Peace and Conflict Studies
Music Department
Philosophy, Religion, and Humanities
Psychology
Office of Belonging and Purpose
Sociology
Under the direction of Dr. Albert Lo and Dr. Steven Sodders
Piano: Wolfgang Burst
Bass: Marcel Melendez
Drums: Parker Bradley
A special thank you to the Liberal Arts Humanities and Communications and Dean Antonio Ramirez for sponsoring our ensemble.
