Programming for Diverse Groups

10 Tips on Programming for Diverse Groups

1. Start with diversity in mind.  Your target audience should be one that reflects a diverse crowd (i.e., race, gender, socioeconomic status, religious, sexual orientation, disability).  If in the event planning stage you do not challenge yourself to think about how minority groups fit into your program, you have overlooked a very important factor! 
2. Don’t let preconceived notions about any particular group hinder your ability to see the potential that lies within programming for a diverse crowd.  Differences should be embraced, respected and welcomed.
   
3. Take advantage of any opportunity to survey your target audience.  Ask the anticipated participants about their interests in order to find common ground.  After your event, question those who showed up about what worked well and what could have been improved. 
   
4. Actively recruit speakers and performers who welcome multiculturalism and   who would be sensitive to the diverse nature of your audience.  Avoid entertainers who are mainstream and multiculturally incompetent of meeting the needs of a diverse crowd.
   
5. Initiate contact with the Office of Multicultural Affairs to gain ideas or suggestions.  Visit the Multicultural Resource Center on the ground floor of Briggs to educate oneself about available resources (i.e, lecturers, performers, books, artists, etc.).
   
6. Invite peers from diverse backgrounds or student organizations to co-sponsor activities with you.  Co-sponsorship can be in the form of physical or financial support.
   
7. Challenge members in your group to brainstorm activities that will appeal to or attract students from multicultural backgrounds.
   
8. Reach out to departments on campus such as the African American Studies, Latin American Studies, Women’s Studies, and Asian American Studies departments for help.
   
9. Welcome and don’t be afraid to try new, creative and innovative ideas that push people beyond their comfort zones.
   
10. When in doubt about the appropriateness of a particular program, don’t hesitate to contact the office of Multicultural Affairs for assistance. 
    

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