Student Counseling Services is proud to offer a program to promote awareness of diversity and expand the opportunity for cross-cultural and inter-group interaction on campus. Voices of Discovery (VOD) is an inter-group dialogue hosted by Student Counseling Services. Inter-group dialogues focus on promoting connection between students of diverse identities and backgrounds. The purpose of VOD is to foster meaningful connections among diverse students; increase students’ self-awareness; and increase understanding about issues faced by students from differing backgrounds.

In Voices of Discovery, students meet in small groups for two, 2.5-hour sessions one week apart (e.g., meet on a Tuesday and the following Tuesday) that are guided by two trained facilitators. The group discussions focus on addressing biases and stereotypes, social identities, white privilege, and committed social action. Voices of Discovery provides a wonderful opportunity for students to apply much of the multicultural/diversity knowledge they gain in the classroom, and also provides an excellent training experience for students who complete the program may have the chance to be chosen to become facilitators.

To learn more about Voices of Discovery, view the Voices of Discovery video explaining the program and the video of students discussing their Voices of Discovery experiences.

Spring 2021 dates and registration information to come. If you are interested in more information and registering for Voices of Discovery, please contact Laura Phillips at vpsalephill@IllinoisState.edu.