Bowman Advocates for Inclusive Culture
Mission Statement
Bowman Advocates for Inclusive Culture are student leaders who strive to support and empower the undergraduate student body in building a more inclusive Boston College community through cross-cultural dialogue.
Who We Are
Boston College sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have been trained by BAIC staff members to facilitate cross-cultural activities and dialogues with our peer community.
What We Do
- Co-facilitate debrief sessions during the Diversity Edu program during Welcome Week along with Resident Assistants, FACES members, faculty, and staff
- Facilitate Cultural Competency workshops for students that focus on diversity and identity
- Facilitate small group discussions at BAIC events or Diversity Conferences
Bowman Advocates
- Bowman Advocates:Accurately assess the strengths and weaknesses of their leadership skills
- Articulate awareness of social justice issuesIdentify the relationship between past inequalities' and current social structures and conditions
- Identify experiences that have consciously or unconsciously shaped their identity, assumptions about other people and their world view.
- Define specific terms related to prejudice and discrimination
- Explain the impact of bias behaviors in interpersonal and inter-group relationships
- Explain different levels of power and privilege that are associated with group membership
Madison Miraglia, ‘22
“I was excited about the opportunity to be a Bowman Advocate because previously I did not have the skills to have peaceful conversations with people who did not agree with me. Becoming a BA gave me the facilitation skills to talk about race with peers. I have learned so much about examining my own privilege, being
an advocate for change on campus, and being an ally.”
Larry Zhang, ‘22
“After a year of being a BA, I have learned so much more than I could have possibly imagined. In addition to developing important facilitation skills, I have gained a greater understanding of how people are continually marginalized on BC’s campus and the rest of the world.”
Kalah Thompson, ‘21
“Becoming a Bowman Advocate means being able to contribute to my BC community by promoting equity and inclusivity, and getting other students engaged as well. When I joined, I desired to be in a space in which I could address important issues, and be in a position to get others to do the same; I have been able to do exactly that.”
Franciel, ‘22
“Being a Bowman Advocate for me led to a belief that I can educate those who are different than I am. Being a BA not only educated me in a field that I already knew, but it gave me the opportunity to be around different mindsets and be more open-minded on different topics.”
Idris, ‘22
“I see value in the Bowman Advocates because it is a space for me to learn more about race, diversity, and so many other topics that need to be discussed. There is so much that needs to be educated not only to me but to those around me. I see value in challenging myself and others in a group setting where we all are vulnerable and cognizant of why these conversations are necessary.”
Jack Bracher, ‘22
“The Bowman Advocates program has allowed me to engage in meaningful conversations with my peers. I have enjoyed the opportunity to lead those conversations and contribute to making our campus culture more welcoming through Dialogues on Race and the BRAVE Workshops.”
Snapshot of Bowman Advocate Commitment
Time Commitment:
You will be expected to participate in the Bowman Advocate Leadership Program from the last week of August to March. The Fall commitment will be from Sunday, August 23 to November 19. The Spring commitment will be from January 21 to March 25.
In the Fall Semester you will be expected to:
Attend one week of training and a retreat the week of August 23, 2020
Facilitate one BRAVE Workshop from 7-9, each week for five weeks.
Attend a weekly meeting every Thursday from 4:30 - 6 PM.
Staff the Fall BRAVE Conference on November 7, 2020
In the Spring Semester you we be expected to:
Staff the RIDE Retreat from January 23rd & 24th
Facilitate one Dialogues on Race Session a week for three weeks.
Attend a weekly meeting every Thursday from 4:30 - 6 PM.
Staff the Spring BRAVE Conference on March 20, 2021
In addition to the leadership and facilitation experience, there are a number of extra perks of the program!
You will be granted early move-in access!
Opportunities to attend retreats as participants and leaders!
Group outings!
All meetings will have food!
Weekly Meetings will offer a series of professional development opportunities.
| Fall Semster | Spring Semester |
|---|---|
| Public Speaking Workshop | Guest Speaker: Working in a non-profit |
| Guest Speaker: How to develop workshops and powerful presentations | Guest Speaker: Conflict resolution |
| Professional development personality tests | Guest Speaker: Diversity education matters in academics |
| Guest Speaker: Diversity education matters in STEM | Successful Start presentation on personal finance |
| Guest Speaker: Diversity education matters in business sector | Guest Speaker: Community organizer or activist |
| Guest Speaker: Resume writing |
If you have any questions or are interested in being part of the Bowman Advocate leadership program, please contact:
Andy Petigny, Associate Director
andy.petigny@bc.edu
Applications are due September 8, 2023!