We know that polarization and partisanship are perpetuated when we surround ourselves with people and voices that align only with our distinctive identities and points of view. But there are times and places in our lives where we are surrounded by—indeed sometimes immersed in—communities that are highly diverse. The college campus is, for example, among the most diverse public spaces in contemporary American life.
Today’s campuses host students and faculty who represent different ages, races, nationalities, political ideologies, and religious affiliations. As a result the college years represent an ideal time and opportunity to encourage students to practice learning from and more deeply appreciating others from who they differ. To promote such learning and appreciation, the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations supports numerous projects that bring students together across lines of difference in sustained and meaningful ways.
Featured Grant: Fellowship of Catholic University Students
One of these initiatives specifically aims to bring college students from different campus faith communities together to learn about and from each other concerning areas where they agree and where they disagree.
In 2021 the Foundations provided financial support to the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) to promote engagement, dialogue, and fellowship with students from other campus faith communities. FOCUS hosts chapters on over 200 campuses in 41 states which support Catholic students in the spiritual and intellectual development.
Through a $150,000 grant, FOCUS will invite campus chapters to submit applications for up to $5,000 to co-host events (or series of events) with campus groups that represent different religious traditions, such as the Muslim Student Association, Hillel, the Buddhist Society, and Cru. Events eligible for funding can take many forms, such as service projects, reading groups, informal dinners, and even sports leagues. FOCUS expects to provide funding for activities on up to 50 campuses during the 2021-2022 year. All projects will be designed in such a way that they promise to help students of varying faiths encounter one another in ways that include ample time for socialization and meaningful conversation.
Through sustained discussion and productive personal engagement, FOCUS believes that students on campus will better understand others with whom they differ. Eileen Piper, Vice President at FOCUS explains, “Since they are recent college graduates and receive extensive training in interpersonal communication FOCUS campus staff are particularly skilled in fostering dialogue that can create authentic, lasting friendships. Relationships built on friendship and trust will be the foundation for a clear understanding of similarities and an honest discussion of differences. In this way, interfaith encounters can create communities of awareness that will have a ripple effect across campus and contribute to an atmosphere of peace on campus.”