DEI Common Read Recruiting Chaperones for Trip to Montgomery, AL!
The DEI Common Read has some big plans for the spring semester! The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Student Leadership and Engagement Department are proud to sponsor a group of students to go on location to Montgomery, Alabama, to visit the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) Legacy Sites and connect with the work of Bryan Stevenson.
The purpose of this trip is to provide students with a high-quality transformative educational experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning. Incorporating the visit to EJI into the context of the DEI Common Read Just Mercy enhances the educational experience by offering a practical, immersive extension of the book’s themes and messages. The trip also supports two main Student Life Learning Outcomes: (1) Leadership Development and Civic Engagement and (2) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Cultural Awareness. This trip offers students the opportunity to examine the behaviors of effective historical leaders and deepen their understanding of what it means to be a civically responsible individual, all within the context of historic social justice challenges and movements for change. Further, opportunities like field trips serve to build community and foster skills, which in turn will enhance student retention and success.
The trip will take place during the first weekend of spring break (Friday, March 8 – Sunday, March 10, 2024). Space is limited. Students will be chosen through a drawing from a group of qualifying applicants. To qualify, students must (1) be enrolled during the Spring 2024 semester and (2) complete the tasks outlined below to be entered into the drawing to go on the trip (see application here). Go to the faculty/staff Canvas site for more information to share with students.
We are also sponsoring some incredible NOVA faculty and staff to chaperone this trip! Like students, faculty and staff chaperones will be chosen from a qualifying group of applicants. To qualify, faculty and staff must (1) be employed during the Spring 2024 semester, (2) demonstrate engagement with the book Just Mercy at NOVA, and (3) have some experience chaperoning groups. You can apply to be a chaperone here.
The costs covered include:
- Roundtrip flight from DCA to MGM
- Roundtrip ground transportation from MGM to hotel
- Hotel room rate and taxes for two-night stay
- Food* (*reimbursed based on standard rate through Chrome River)
- EJI museum site tickets
- Just Mercy book (available now in your campus library!)
Applicants must submit the survey by Sunday, Dec. 17, at 11:59 p.m. Chaperones will be confirmed via email by Friday, Dec. 22, with more information about covered costs. Selected chaperones must confirm their participation on the trip no later than Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. If a selected chaperone does not confirm their participation by this deadline, their spot on the trip will be offered to another employee on the waitlist.
If you are interested in chaperoning this trip, having a transformative experience with students and enhancing your own sense of belonging here at NOVA, we welcome you to apply!
For more information, please contact Sherrene DeLong in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (SDeLong@nvcc.edu).
Submitted by:
Sherrene DeLong, DEI-Event Coordinator, SDeLong@nvcc.edu