Diverse Minds Peer Education

Diverse Minds Peer Educators (DMPs) are select Towson University students, dedicated to facilitating dialogue and workshops among their peers on the intersection of mental health and social justice.

We Are actively recruiting Diversity peer educators at this time

Mission Statement

The mission of Diverse Mind Peer Educators is to create a campus community that values the psychological and social wellbeing of diverse communities through ongoing effort, both in the form of education and advocacy, to promote multicultural competence, inclusion, and fairness.

Are you interested in becoming a DMP?

Please review the content below for further information on the new Diverse Minds Peer Education program. If you believe you would be a excellent candidate, visit our application page to apply to become a DMP!

Contact the Program Coordinator, Shudarshana Gupta, with any questions.

Description of Program:

DMPs will undergo extensive training which prepares them in:

• Facilitating workshops, presentations, and small group discussions on issues, such as, how the well-being of students at Towson University is impacted by racism, sexism, classism, and other forms of systematic oppression.
• Navigating sensitive dialogues pertaining to many aspects of mental health, as it relates to diversity, and engage their peers in meaningful conversations.

DMPs will play an imperative role in the development of a campus that is safe and welcoming to students from diverse backgrounds, and encourages the mental health of students of all identities.

Peer Educator Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications

1. Demonstrate an interest, passion, commitment, and willingness to learn about mental health, diversity and social justice issues
2. Openness to self-exploration and demonstrate openness to other cultural values
3. Possess strong interpersonal communication skills
4. Ability to attend weekly training sessions/meetings
5. Participate in at least 1 mandatory retreat conducted by CSD per academic year

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Highly self-motivated with a strong sense of diversity awareness
2. Demonstrate a passion and commitment to affect social change
3. Possess good presentation and/or public speaking skills
4. Have leadership experience
5. Preference will be given to students who have completed coursework in social/behavioral science, cultural studies, international studies, or relevant fields

Responsibilities:

• Attend all weekly meetings/trainings
• Attend at least 1 cultural immersion event/activity each month
• Plan, promote, and facilitate diversity initiatives (e.g. workshops, dialogues) at least twice in Spring semester
• Work closely with liaisons in Housing and Residence Life, Greek Life and other campus partners
• Role model positive behavior within the campus community
• Keep abreast and keep others abreast of current diversity related topics
• Assist the campus with awareness and appreciation of diversity and inclusive issues on a level of peer-to-peer engagement throughout the academic year
• Collaborate with various students affairs organizations on diversity and mental health programming

 

More Information about Diverse Minds Peer Educators

Primary Goal

The DMPs will create and facilitate ongoing dialogues with their peers about issues pertaining to the intersection of mental health and diversity.

Objectives

• To plan, promote, and facilitate mental health outreach programs and initiatives related to social justice and diversity issues
• To intentionally create additional opportunities to discuss diversity and cultural issues as they relate to mental health on campus
• To increase students’ psycho-social wellbeing, cultural awareness and multicultural competence
• To develop and enhance effective cross-cultural communication skills