Defining Diversity submissions due by 31 March

From: The International Beliefs and Values Institute (IBAVI)

Diversity as a concept is ripe for critical reflection.
For many of us, the term “diversity” evokes complex and powerful reactions to notions of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and more. But diversity may also imply new ways of living, of interacting with one another and the environment, of taking action in the world at local and global scales, that both amplify and go beyond these familiar categories of difference.

We invite you to share your understanding and experience of diversity with the regional community in ways that reflect your own unique skills, views, and life experiences.

What is diversity to you?
You may submit a “Defining Diversity” project in one of the following categories:
• Essays (not to exceed 1,000 words)
• Photographs, with explanatory captions
• Short films/videos (on DVD; not to exceed 15 minutes)
• Any other art form (sculpture, painting, etc.)
Please see our website at: http://www.jmu.edu/ibavi/definingdiversity/ for more information about each category, as well as contest themes.

Each category will have its own panel of judges who will independently review and rank the entries. After the initial ranking, judges will meet to discuss results and announce the top entries. Each category will have first, second, and third place winners with cash prizes of $150, $100, and $50 respectively. Further, the winning submissions, along with select other entries, will be showcased on a website, featured in a film to be shown during JMU’s Orientation in fall 2008, and also placed on exhibition at the Madison Art Collection’s Prism Gallery from August – September 2008.

This contest is open to any resident of Harrisonburg or Rockingham County, as well as JMU students, staff and faculty. You may enter the competition as an individual or as a team, but only one entry per person or per team will be accepted.

For more information, please contact Dr. Jennifer Coffman (coffmaje@jmu.edu; 540-568-5202) or Matthew Chamberlin (chambema@jmu.edu; 540-568-6983).

DEADLINE: all submissions must be turned in at the International Beliefs and Values Institute (IBAVI) by 4:30 PM on Monday, 31st March.

This program is sponsored by the International Beliefs and Values Institute in collaboration with the Office of International Programs, the Orientation Office, the Madison Art Collection, and the Office of the Special Assistant for Diversity