Vermont College’s BIPOC Affinity Spaces & Cultural Clubs

Mental Health
Written By Luis Calderin
 

By Hanna Blankenship

What are affinity spaces and why are they important in higher education?

Affinity spaces or cultural organizations are safe spaces where people of shared identity can engage in activities and discussions relating to their identity and the unique struggles they may face. Students having the ability to come together with students that share their identity is important everywhere, but especially in a non-diverse state like Vermont, where BIPOC students might feel additionally lonely or uncomfortable. These spaces provide safe opportunities for students to feel comfortable practicing cultural practices, opening up about the unique struggles they face as a result of their differences, and exploring their identities on their own terms. 

Community Highlight

As new and returning students arrive at UVM and the greater Burlington community in a few days, we know the additional struggles BIPOC students will face as they adjust to the new semester. It is important that both new and returning BIPOC students know the affinity spaces and resources available to them both on and off campus. As such, we would like to highlight an amazing resource for BIPOC UVM students, UVM's Center for Health and Wellbeing. Acknowledging and working to bridge the gap in mental health equity in Vermont, the center is called to “recognize, center, and affirm the inequities in both the availability and accessibility of mental wellbeing resources for Black, Brown and QT-BIPOC students at the University of Vermont.” BIPOC Students are a significant part of not only the UVM community but the greater Burlington community and as such, we thank the center for its commitment to ensuring they are highlighted in their work. 

Please click below to utilize our directory featuring cultural clubs and affinity groups at Vermont colleges! This is a great resource to pass on to a current or incoming BIPOC student who is looking to connect with culturally aligned students. 

VHEI Directory

If you want to create an affinity space or cultural club or organization at a Vermont college, do it! Most student governments have a form and minimal requirements for starting a club. Plus, if you are feeling the need for such a space, likely, other students are too. 

If there is an affinity space or cultural club at your college that you do not see on the directory, please contact us so we can add it!

 
Luis Calderin
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