El Camino College's MANA Center is set to host an open discussion forum named “Talanoa” on Wednesday, October 15. The event aims to create a secure environment for students to engage in meaningful and sometimes challenging conversations. It will take place from noon to 2 p.m. in Room 304 of the Communications Building and is open to the entire student body.
Key Takeaways
- Event: “Talanoa,” an open discussion and safe space for students.
- Date and Time: Wednesday, October 15, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Communications Building, Room 304, at El Camino College.
- Host: The MANA Center, which supports Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander, Asian, and Native American students.
- Purpose: To facilitate open dialogue on sensitive topics in a supportive environment.
Fostering Open Dialogue Through Talanoa
The upcoming event, titled “Talanoa,” is designed to offer students a unique platform for communication. The initiative provides a dedicated time and place for conversations that may be difficult to have in more public or casual settings. The goal is to build understanding and community through shared dialogue.
Vesi Solomua, a MANA student ambassador, highlighted the event's inclusive and protective nature. The structure is intended to encourage participation from all students, regardless of their background, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and open-mindedness.
“It’s open to all students and they can come and join, it’s a safe space for students to have uncomfortable conversations that they wouldn’t have outside in the open,” Vesi Solomua stated.
The Cultural Significance of Talanoa
The term “Talanoa” has deep roots in Pacific Islander cultures, particularly in Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa. It refers to a traditional form of dialogue that is inclusive, participatory, and transparent. The process is not about debate or winning an argument but about sharing stories, building empathy, and collectively seeking solutions or understanding.
By adopting this name, the MANA Center signals its commitment to creating a space where every voice is valued. The principles of Talanoa emphasize listening and speaking from the heart, which is essential for discussing sensitive subjects like identity, social justice, and personal experiences on a diverse college campus.
The Power of Dialogue
Educational institutions increasingly recognize the importance of structured dialogue sessions. According to studies on student engagement, providing safe spaces for discussion can lead to improved critical thinking, a stronger sense of belonging, and a more positive campus climate. These events help bridge cultural divides and promote a more cohesive student body.
The MANA Center's Mission and Support
The MANA Center is a vital resource at El Camino College, dedicated to supporting the academic and personal success of its students. While it has a specific focus on assisting students of Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander, Asian, and Native American descent, its services and events are available to everyone on campus.
According to the MANA Program’s official webpage, the center provides a range of services aimed at improving student retention and success rates. These services often include academic counseling, mentorship programs, cultural workshops, and community-building events like the Talanoa discussion.
A Hub of Student Resources
The MANA Center is part of a larger network of support centers located within the Communications Building at El Camino College. This central location makes it easy for students to access a variety of specialized resources designed to meet the needs of a diverse student population. This co-location of centers fosters collaboration and an intersectional approach to student support.
Other Support Centers in the Communications Building
The Communications Building serves as a central hub for student equity and support services. Alongside the MANA Center, it houses several other key resource programs, including:
- The Black Student Success Center: Focuses on resources and support for Black and African American students.
- MICASA (Mentees in Alliance for Student Achievement): Provides services geared towards Latinx student success.
- The Social Justice Center: Addresses broader issues of equity, activism, and social change on campus.
- The LGBTQIA+ Pride Center: Offers a safe and inclusive space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual students and their allies.
The Importance of Safe Spaces on Campus
The concept of a “safe space,” as emphasized by Solomua, is a cornerstone of modern student support services in higher education. These environments are designed to be free of bias, conflict, criticism, or potentially threatening actions, ideas, or conversations. The primary goal is to allow students to feel confident and comfortable in expressing themselves.
For many students, particularly those from marginalized communities, college can be an overwhelming experience. Navigating academic pressures while also dealing with social and personal challenges requires a strong support system. Events like Talanoa play a crucial role in building that system by allowing for vulnerability and honest expression without fear of judgment.
These discussions can cover a wide array of topics, from academic stress and career anxieties to more profound conversations about cultural identity, discrimination, and current events. By providing a moderated and respectful forum, the college helps students develop essential communication skills and build resilience.
The presence of multiple resource centers in one building underscores El Camino College's commitment to an inclusive educational environment. This integrated approach ensures that students can easily find the support they need, whether it is academic guidance, cultural connection, or a safe space to simply be themselves and share their stories.