Vogel Library Events

Listening to community voices helps us understand local needs, concerns, and perspectives. This is a welcoming space where students gather to discuss current events, community issues, ideas for the future. 

Our goal is to create a respectful and open dialogue. When we meet, we agree to listen actively, speak thoughtfully, and work together to build a community where everyone feels valued and heard.

Join us: Tuesday, Jan 21 from 3-4 PM.

January Topic: Stepping Up

Guest speakers shared big ideas with our campus on MLK Day. Let's gather to share key takeaways, connect with like-minded community members, and wrap our minds around ways we can work together to improve our community.

January - Stepping UP

WHERE and HOW do you want to make a difference?

• Identify your interests and passions.
• Which social issues are you most passionate about?
• What impact do you want to make?
• How can you connect your values to work being done in the community?
• What work is being done already?
  • Can you join in that work?
  • Are you compelled to start something new?
• What kind of involvement are you looking for?
• Consider your skillset.
  • What skills do you already have that could benefit an organization?
  • Could this be an opportunity to learn new skills?
  • What is your availability? (be realistic)

Identifying a Good Match

• Does the organization's mission resonate with your personal values?
• Does the organization encourage a visit or short-term opportunity before signing on? Is there a way to make sure its a good fit?
• Is this an organization that you want to be associated with?
  • How well does the organization connect with the community it serves?
  • Does the organization clearly communicate its impact?
  • Are finances clearly disclosed?

Join us: Tuesday, Feb 18 from 3-4 PM.

February Topic: I see you. I hear you. What you say matters.

Our theme, "I see you. I hear you. What you say matters," is all about recognizing the value of every individual's perspective and experience. It's about fostering a space where we can truly listen to and understand each other, even when we disagree.

February - I see you. I hear you. What you say matters.

• In what ways do you feel seen and heard in our college community? In what ways do you feel unseen or unheard?

• What are some of the most pressing issues facing our campus community right now? How do these issues impact different groups of students differently?

• Whose voices are currently missing from the conversations about these issues? How can we create space for those voices to be heard?

• What steps can we take, as individuals and as a community, to ensure that everyone feels safe and empowered to share their perspectives?

• If you had the power to change one thing about our campus climate to make it more inclusive and welcoming, what would it be?

• What kind of community do you want to create here at Wartburg College? What values are most important to you?

• How can we move beyond simply listening to each other and start taking action to address the concerns and ideas that are shared?

• What are some of the challenges we face in truly hearing and understanding perspectives that are different from our own?

• How can we practice empathy and active listening in our daily interactions with others?

• What role does vulnerability play in creating a space where everyone feels safe to share their truth?

• What is one action you will commit to taking to help build a more inclusive and welcoming community?