Three topics of interest were presented, and members chose option number which is Identity & Belonging

2025-10-02 19.06.26 Human Relations and Sociology Club Meeting

Three topics of interest were presented, and members chose option number which is Identity & Belonging

Below are the topics of discussion:

• Option 1: Identity & Belonging
• Option 2: Cultural Diversity & Inclusion
• Option 3: Social Justice & Advocacy

Other Discussions:

§  We talked about OpenLab, its benefits, and purpose, and here is the link to the club’s OPENLAB

Note from meeting:

The meeting opened with tech setup and an icebreaker, where members shared fun prompts (e.g., favorite “bad” movie like Pluto Nash), wished-for superpowers (super speed; truth-detecting for authenticity), and unique foods (mochi).

Conversation shifted to the club’s direction: several preferred a connection-focused, social/networking space over a highly academic SHRM-style model. (Members just want to engage in conversation and dialogue rather than having to do another academic activity)

OpenLab was introduced as a place to showcase work/e-portfolios; file-sharing hiccups led to collecting emails, and members traded resources (e.g., professional development grants, student memberships, conferences, LinkedIn networking). The group aligned on a recurring 60-minute format with icebreaker, networking/resource share, a brief themed discussion (e.g., Identity & Belonging), and a quick bonding game (e.g., Kahoot). Next steps: draft a standing agenda/template and communicate the plan to the advisor (Pash/Prof Melanie Lorek).

§  Date: Next meeting is scheduled for November 3rd, 2025

Discussion Prompts for next month

• Identity is our sense of self and belonging, shaped by experiences, family, culture, and environment. Intersectionality reminds us that aspects like race, gender, class, and disability overlap, influencing how people experience inequality. Belonging extends beyond identity—it’s about how systems, norms, and policies shape inclusion or exclusion. Together, these ideas invite reflection on who we are, how we’re seen, and how we can create spaces where everyone feels accepted.

The point of discussion for the next meeting is Identity & Belonging. This discussion is based on shared and personal experience, learning from each other, and using our own experiences.