Need to know: Multicultural groups
July 9, 2018
Iowa State is place where people from diverse backgrounds can come together, but not everyone knows how or where to begin.
Students and staff come from over 120 countries, and there are over 70 multicultural registered student organizations. Whether it’s religion, heritage or circumstance, bonds are forged here.
To create opportunities to practice Hinduism and help students develop character and selflessness, Hindu Yuva hosts yoga, fundraising events and discussion about contemporary Hindu issues. Anyone open to the Hindu dharma (way of life) can attend meetings on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at Coover 1011. Weekly Shakha takes place on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Park’s Library Lawns. You can contact them through their email [email protected] or @HinduYuvaISU on Facebook.
Latinx Student Initiatives is a student organization which promotes Latinx Leadership and aims to unite the Latinx community on campus.
Their website lists the three goals of their organization as “1.Develop and experience a Latino/a Community 2.Develop and promote Latino student Leadership 3.Empower Latino/a students at Iowa State University.”
They host two annual events each academic year. They have the Latinx Leadership Retreat in the Fall and in the Spring they host the Latinx Graduation Ceremony.
At their meetings LSI members have an opportunity to bring up topics pertinent to the Latino community in Ames and Iowa State.
For more information, contact [email protected]
The Black Student Alliance meets every other Thursday to uplift and empower students of African descent “through academic, professional, cultural, and social programs.”
At their meetings , BSA has an open discussion on varying topics that are typically facilitated by a member of their executive board or a faculty member.
“Our Special events for this semester include a spoken word event that will take place in October called Intersections of Identity and a Winter Formal,” says the BSA website. “We also do various other activities throughout the semester including but not limited to volunteer work, Sunday dinners at the BCC and social activities.”
For more information, contact [email protected]
For Iowa State students of the Jewish faith or involved with it, Hillel provides a connection for Jewish students to fulfill their religious, ethnic and political needs. The group has meetings, holiday celebrations, food-making, seders and high holiday meals. Look for @IowaStateH on Facebook for updates and more information.
The ASA is a community that celebrates African cultures and heritage while promoting diversity through discussion, game nights and volunteering. They Meet every other Friday each month at 6:00 p.m. They also host the annual “African Night,” a huge event filled with authentic food and performances. Look for @ASAatISU on Facebook for more information.
Open to the Ames community and for those interested in ASL and Deaf culture, the club has meetings on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Voice-off events and educational seminars are hosted throughout the year. Look for “ASL Club at Iowa State” group on Facebook for more information.
Their goal is to gather Arab students and cultivate awareness of Arab culture at Iowa State. They meet every other Wednesday at 6 p.m. Look for @ASAIowa on Facebook and @asaiowa1 on Twitter for more information.
To advocate for the Asian American community, they share their experiences through public engagement, discussion and celebration. Activities include raising awareness of negative stereotypes, attending a spring conference and celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May. They meets bi-weekly from 6-7 pm in the Memorial Union Gold Room. Their email is [email protected] if you wish to contact them.
For international Latino students who want a home away from home. All are welcome to engage and learn about Latino cultures. Meetings are determined at the beginning of the fall semester. Look for @ImpactoLatinx on Twitter for more information.
ISU Leaders in Education and Diversity
ILEAD offers networking for a professional career in teaching and addressing globalization in the classroom. In today’s ever-increasing diversity and multicultural landscape, new challenges emerge in the 21st century for teachers preparing for education. They meet at the end of each month. Times will be determined at the start of the fall semester. Email the advisor, [email protected] for more information.
Multicultural Business Network
They expose multicultural College of Business students to networking opportunities, and prepare them for a professional career. They meet Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. in Gerdin 3136. Email the president for more info, or look for @ISUMBN on Facebook.
They provide an environment that serves the religious and political needs of Muslim ISU members, encourage the practice of Islam and raise awareness on campus. They meet twice a month at Carver 298. Email [email protected] for more info.
Their goal is to improve the experience of those with Caribbean heritage and develop understanding of Caribbean cultures on campus. They meet every other Thursday at 7 p.m. Email [email protected] or find @ISUPCC on Facebook for more information.
Their goal is to support underrepresented women minorities in ISU and empower them. They meet bi-weekly with times determined at the beginning of the semester. Email [email protected], or the graduate chapter [email protected] for more information.
Iowa State German Club
The Iowa State German Club is welcome to any new, returning or transfer students. As the name suggests, they are a club for people interested in German culture. They celebrate German culture by participating in German holidays, watching German movies, cooking German food, listening to an array of speakers and going on field trips.
According to their website, they say joining their club requires you must “be willing to try new things,” and you must “be alive.” In other words, “no zombies allowed.”
They hold meetings every Wednesday from 8-9 p.m. in 2125 Pearson Hall.
According to their website, ”ISU French Club exists to promote the acquisition, practice and appreciation of French language and culture with those involved in the Iowa State University community.”
The monthly meetings are held in addition to one cultural event and a film night every month.
For more information on how to join, email [email protected].