Let's Start a Conversation

Today I was reading a blog that I follow called RaceWire, and its post, "Start a Conversation to Say No to Racial Profiling" caught my attention. With the struggle that bodies within the WU community have had with sustaining attention and concern with the racial profiling issue, it intrigued me that the organization and its partner, Night of 1000 Conversations, could do so with such ease in multiple cities.

I wanted to share this because as Missouri does not have a "Conversation" currently registered,  I think it would be great if conversations about various issues could be sparked with the toolkits and service that these organizations provide. What will we converse about as WashU students? What social causes and issues peak our interest at this current time? This is something to think about, and if you desire to spark a convo with your peers and groups, try using Night of 1000 Conversations as a resource.

Here's the video that they posted on RaceWire.*



*Please note that conversations do not have to be about race...

Peace

What Does "Connect 4" Stand For?

This is the question that we get a LOT, so I thought it would be great to answer it here.

Connect 4 is a merger from two previous WashU groups, Campus Week of Dialogue and the Student Diversity Initiative. Led by Cambrie Nelson/Hanna Beck and Fernando Cutz (SDI), the two groups merged in Spring 2008 and chose the name Connect 4 based upon the tenants on which each stands. These are:

The name itself, "Connect 4," has caused some confusion amongst students after the group was first instituted as a SU recognized Category 1 group.  Many conceive it as a game enthusiast group, others- who may know its general mission- lack clarity to what the "4" stands for. Still, others hear it and know not what to really think.

In its current year, changing the name has been discussed and considered amongst members. However, in efforts to not be conflicted with the potential Diversity Affairs Council and our separate focus on engagement, interaction, awareness, and programming, Connect 4 decided that we will keep the name. We hold the four principles at the core of our mission, initiatives, and events, and the name is unique. One consideration for future leaders, however, is indeed how we can possibly modify the original four tenants to for directly express the aforementioned new focuses. But this is a post for a later date.

Currently, many in our group, including freshmen Camille Young and Grace Chao have committed themselves to help the group engage ways to better share our mission, our purpose, and our activities, and this is definitely a great step in allowing our campus to know all of the many things that Connect 4 members connect for.

More will come throughout the semester for some of the publicity campaigns that Connect 4 members lead.

Please stay updated, follow us, and provide comments as desired!