Values:

• We value student leadership and voice: the symposium builds off of topics that students have elevated in our internal equity work.

• We value opportunities for students and staff to learn together from community organizers, scholars, and leaders.

• The Equity Symposium aligns with West HOUSE values (Humanity, Ownership, Unity, Scholarship, Equity).

Goals:

• Increase exposure and awareness of the wide-range of equity work in Madison-area communities.

• Connect participants around shared histories, culture, and identities. 

• Nurture student empowerment and agency: students have choice in the workshops they attend and will have opportunities to share their perspectives, questions, and ideas with presenters. 

• Action: students and staff build skills to make meaningful change within and potentially beyond their spheres of influence.

• Build networks between West students, staff, and presenters, opening doors for meaningful collaboration and future experiential learning.