Wolverine Support Network DEI Statement

Since the creation of Wolverine Support Network, our goal has been to empower U-M students to create inclusive communities and support each other's identities, mental health, and day-to-day lives. WSN commits to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as a framework that enables us to truly accomplish our mission of creating this inclusive community of students of all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, nationalities, and citizenship, socioeconomic, or ability statuses. Diversity also stretches beyond the traditional categories of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability, etc. and also encompasses a wide range of dimensions, including values, hobbies, interests, and backgrounds. We recognize the diversity within our community is a gift that makes each one of us unique, and as a way that we can strengthen ourselves in the ways we support each other. 

We acknowledge that accessibility to mental health resources has historically and continually not been equal across all identities. WSN is open to all students of all identities on campus. We will continue to strive for just and equitable mental health opportunities for all representatives of the University of Michigan’s student body. This will be done by actively seeking partnerships with other student organizations and campus resources that share our commitment to diversity and inclusion in mental health advocacy, implementing a Director of DEI who monitors and works to improve the organizational climate, and creating an internal improvement committee to help identify overall growth areas for WSN. 

Our organization strives to provide ongoing anti-racism and anti-oppression work to members, group facilitators, organizing team members, and directors. This is done by providing safe spaces for anonymous feedback, education via MESA’s anti-racism teach-in workshops, and maintenance of an up-to-date list of mental health resources on and off campus.

WSN commits to the necessary education, conversations, self-reflection, and revisions that will reflect our ongoing process of continuing to foster an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming community. We will continue efforts to provide an affirming, safe source of support for students of all identities.