The Center for Leadership & Involvement is dedicated to inspiring purposeful action and positive change, to address racism and dismantle systems of oppression. Our staff is committed, individually and collectively, to this work.
Our efforts listed below were initiated during a planning process that began in Summer 2020. However this does not encompass all efforts our office is engaging in to address our commitments to our campus. We understand that engaging in social justice work is a continuous process and we will continue seeking ways to transform our organization and better serve our campus community.
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View CfLI Racial Justice Statement
The Center for Leadership & Involvement staff acknowledges and shares in the pain and anger experienced by our students, colleagues, and community at the senseless death of George Floyd at the hands of police. This tragic act serves as a stark reminder of the existing and historical oppression of our Black and African American communities.
We have an obligation, as a leadership department dedicated to inspiring purposeful action and positive change, to address racism and dismantle systems of oppression. Our staff is committed, individually and collectively, to this work. That labor has historically been shouldered by our most marginalized communities, including our Black and African American colleagues – student organization leaders, advisors, and staff. We seek to share that burden and stand committed to:
- Intentionally reaching out to our marginalized students to support them where they need it through advising, leadership development, and funding.
- Providing leadership training to our UW-Madison community that elevates and centers minoritized voices while addressing existing systems of power and privilege.
- Reviewing our policies and procedures to make certain they meet the needs of marginalized students.
- Assessing our programs, resources, and services through a social justice lens and making necessary changes to limit gaps and ensure accessibility.
We look to translate this moment into a movement. An inherently inclusive movement that appreciates the shared struggles and the unique stories of our marginalized communities – advocating especially for those whose intersectional social identities often result in disproportionate suppression. This will require listening, on-going learning, and a commitment to change.
Ultimately, we will be judged by our behavior and not on our mission, core values, or statements. We acknowledge and apologize for our silence to date. We will hold ourselves accountable for our actions and we encourage you to partner with us in bringing forth a more just University and community.
In Solidarity,
Center for Leadership & Involvement Staff
Commitments List
- Intentionally reaching out to our marginalized students to support them where they need it through advising, leadership development, and funding.
- Providing leadership training to our UW-Madison community that elevates and centers minoritized voices while addressing existing systems of power and privilege.
- Reviewing our policies and procedures to make certain they meet the needs of marginalized students.
- Assessing our programs, resources, and services through a social justice lens and making necessary changes to limit gaps and ensure accessibility.
Resources for Students
Fostering an Inclusive Environment Workshop
View our video on how student leaders utilized the UW-Madison Leadership Framework to identify and remove barriers as well as how to examine what diversity and inclusivity looks like in their own organizations.
Schedule 1:1 Advising
Meet with us individually to learn about the UW-Madison Leadership Certificate process and how it connects with your involvement journey, ask questions about how to start a new student organization or grow your current organization, or learn about the Wisconsin Experience Grant process.
Social Change and Inclusivity Workshops
The Student Leadership Program's Social Change and Inclusivity Committee plan five socially just leadership development workshops each semester to promote a diverse and inclusive environment on campus and encourage the exchange of ideas among student leaders. Learn more about upcoming workshops and how to get involved.
Commitments Tracker (last updated Spring 2021)
| Commitment Number(s) | Initiative | Progress to Date |
| 1 | Provide training and culturally relevant resources that support CfLI marketing and communications student staff. |
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| 1 | Implement high-touch advising and outreach for marginalized students in Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and Leadership Certificate program. |
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| 2 | Create quarterly training for CfLI student staff that addresses power, privilege, and elevates marginalized student voices. |
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| 2 | Create social justice orientated leadership development workshops accessible for all students. |
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| 2 | Require social justice education for all RSOs and Wisconsin Experience Grant applicants. |
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| 2 & 3 | Align our entire organizational social justice competencies to keep ourselves and our student staff accountable. |
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| 3 & 4 | Conduct CfLI social justice organizational audit. |
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| 4 | Review the Leadership Framework through a social justice lens and make necessary changes to ensure cultural relevance. |
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