Written By: Bella McKenzie

 

Welcome back to WUSA 101! Today’s lesson is about RAISE, the student-led WUSA service that serves to address racism and xenophobia on UW campus. 

 

What is RAISE? 

Racial Advocacy for Inclusion, Solidarity, and Equity (RAISE) is a student-led WUSA service that works to with the UWaterloo to acknowledge and address the impacts of racism and xenophobia. 

RAISE uses an anti-oppressive approach to dismantle systemic barriers that limit the success and affect the experiences of students on campus. 

 

The 3 Pillars of RAISE: 

Launched in the Winter 2019 term, RAISE’s initiatives reflect their three pillars: 

EDUCATION & ADVOCACY 

• Showcase of artwork from POC artists 
• Support a library collection filled with works that discuss marginalization/racism/intersectionality/xenophobia 
• Seek partnerships with others on campus to provide learning opportunities 

PEER-TO-PEER SUPPORT 

• Provide accessible and considerate peer support to UWaterloo students 

COMMUNITY BUILDING 

• Organize social events to cultivate both an uplifting and united community. 
• Maintain an online presence that serves to unite the community 

 

How Does RAISE Support Students Directly? 

RAISE provides confidential peer support to all undergraduate students at UW with a prioritization to students with marginalized identities, especially those with overlapping intersectional marginalization. 

Peer support is provided by trained RAISE volunteers, executives, and coordinators.  

RAISE peer support is student-centered and affirms the lived experiences of racialized students through an intersectional and anti-oppressive lens. 

RAISE BIPOC Advocacy Mentorship Program (RBAMP) 

RBAMP is an initiative that seeks to provide first and second-year racialized students with an introduction to advocacy work and campus life with support and guidance from an upper-year student. 

 

How Can I Get Involved with RAISE? 

RAISE is always hiring volunteers and executive members who are crucial to the success of our service each term. Check out the WUSA Jobs and Opportunities page for more information! 

 

Join RAISE at their XChanges Conference! 

Are you passionate about promoting equality, enjoy experiencing people’s art, and advocating for breaking cultural barriers? If yes, then the XChanges Conference is perfect for you! Follow @uwraise for full details and updates.

Save the dates: 

Friday, March 10th – Conference Day 1 

Saturday, March 11th – Conference Day 2 

📢 Stay tuned for details on how to RSVP 

 

How to Connect with RAISE 

Connect:	Hours:	Location:
Facebook: WUSA Raise  Instagram: @UWRaise  Twitter: @UWRaise  Email: raise@wusa.ca  Discord: UWRAISE Server	Office Hours: 11am-5pm on weekdays  Peer Support Hours: 5pm-6pm on Mon, Tues, Thurs, & Fri	Student Life Centre, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1  RM 3207