The Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) does a lot to support students in leadership roles throughout the academic year. We work very closely with a wide range of student organizations providing both inter- and intra-community leadership discussions, workshops and retreats as well as general guidance, advising, and support for student programming and other student based initiatives. Our work certainly includes, but is not limited to, students who take on leadership roles in established student organizations.

We also sponsor and facilitate a series of Student Leadership Gatherings during the year, approximately one per month. These events seek to support the needs of students who are involved on campus as activists both inside and outside of existing student organizations. If you are interested in becoming involved please contact the MRC at mrc@oberlin.edu.

Each year, usually in October, the MRC also takes a group of students to the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA) Student of Color Leadership Conference. The conference was held at Ohio Wesleyan University in 2006 and Hope College in 2007. The Dean of Arts and Sciences pays for the registration fees and the MRC provides meals (not covered by the conference), transportation, and lodging. There is NO cost to students. If you are interested in attending please contact the MRC at mrc@oberlin.edu.

The MRC also collaborates with other campus offices and staff working to support student leaders. In recent years, this collaboration has taken the form of playing an important role in planning and participating in the Taking the Lead Series. This series brings together numerous campus stakeholders such as the Center for Leadership in Health Promotion, Student Union, Center for Service and Learning, Bonner’s Scholars Program, and of course the MRC.

For past and upcoming events please see the Taking the Lead 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 pamphlets. In the fall of 2006, the MRC brought Norma Timbang who is the former Executive Director of Asian & Pacific Islander Women & Family Safety Center ( Seattle ) and former Executive Director of Asian Pacific AIDS Council (Seattle) as part of both the Taking the Lead Series as well as the MRC My Name is My Own Series. She facilitated two workshops—a beginners and intermediate workshop—for all interested students on sexual/dating violence issues and concerns within LGBT and Queer of Color contexts.

Taking the Lead 2006-2007 Schedule

Taking the Lead 2005-2006 Schedule