Carolina United provides a safe and accepting environment for UNC students to explore diversity within and between themselves. This environment is intended to foster collaborative dialogue that unites participants across their differences. Carolina United hopes to serve as a catalyst for greater recognition and celebration of this unity on UNC’s campus and in humanity.
"Diversity is not simply race, religion, sexuality, gender, creed; it is a plurality of experience, perspectives, and ideas. Leadership is not simply a title, position, list of accomplishments; it is the ability and willingness to inspire yourself and others." .
- Jesalyn Keziah, CU 2010 Co-Director
Program Description
Carolina United, as a program ascribing to this broad definition of diversity and leadership, brings together students from all walks of life and types of campus involvement. Carolina United looks for passionate students who want to challenge themselves as individuals in an environment of perpetual growth and dynamic interpersonal exploration.
Throughout the week students attend sessions on topics such as Affirmative Action, Interfaith Dialogue, Conflict Resolution and more. Students also learn how to create and implement programs that will continue the mission of Carolina United once they get back to campus. Interspersed between the sessions are small group meetings in which students have time to break into their discussion groups to go deeper into the issues and share their experiences.
"The point of diversity is not for gay, black, and asian people to
sit in a room and talk to each other about how they hate the white man."
- Lee Storrow, Co-Coordinator Carolina United 2010
The point of diversity is to learn about and from ourselves and each other. Regardless of our individual differences, all of us have unique perspectives and backgrounds, and everyone has some inspirational and educational perspective to share. We believe that each individual is diverse within and beyond themselves, and that's the reason you should apply for CU!
...But I'm not a campus leader! Leadership comes in a variety of forms. It doesn't take a formal title or role to be a leader, and you don't need a formal title or role to be a CU participant. In fact, we WANT to have people from different perspectives, and this includes perspectives on and about leadership. We are looking for people who are passionate but haven't figured where on campus to direct their energy in pursuing these passions. All perspectives are important; we look for a spectrum of people, from those who have had leadership experiences to those who haven't yet had the opportunity.
...But I can't pay! CU isfree for all undergraduate students! Apply!!
Please don't hesitate to contact any of the counselors or past participants. They would love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have!
Also check out the student stories to gauge what the CU experience is like.
