Calling Students Interested in Social Justice Club

In observance of National Day of Racial Healing on Jan. 19, Thomas Nelson presented a virtual open mic night. Students, faculty, staff and the College community were invited to share stories, poems and other writings about race, equity and social justice in the hopes of fostering a community of respect and resilience.

Now, spurred on by math instructor Paul Tessier, the College is trying to form a Social Justice club for students.

"Based upon numerous interactions I had with students in discussing these issues, it became very apparent to me that there are a number of individual students who feel very passionately about the existence of social injustice in society and the desire to promote awareness of the existence," he said.

Tessier attended a recent Student Government Association meeting to drum up interest and volunteer as faculty adviser.

"My purpose … was to give students the opportunity to actually pick up the mantle and run with it," he said. "I'm just answering a need at the time, and providing students with an opportunity to participate in something I know they are passionate about."

More than 40 students, faculty and staff participated in the open mic night, which lasted 90 minutes and was sponsored by the College's Social Justice and Societl Change committee.

"What we're witnessing now is a time in our society, and perhaps even societies in other countries, that people are more and more aware of the degree to which social injustice exists, and are not really able to tolerate it anymore," Tessier said.

He's hoping students take advantage of the opportunity so "they can see how this club could actually impact life at Thomas Nelson, and life in the community as a whole."

Kadisia Archer, the College's Student Life and Leadership coordinator, said there was positive reaction from students attending the SGA meeting.

"It's one of those clubs that there's a need for," she said.

Archer added it's not difficult getting a club up and running. One requirement is recruiting 10 students, who then have to write the club's constitution.

"It basically says what their organization is going to be about, what are the goals and objectives, how they structure, will they have officers, how they vote and decide what they are going to do," Archer said.

For information on the club, email Tessier at tessierp@vpcc.edu or Archer at archerk@vpcc.edu.

"Anyone desirous of creating an environment where equality and social justice prevails, come join our club," Tessie said. "We will work together toward filling that vision."