The Diversity & Inclusion Task Force (DITF) is a group of Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) providers who are passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. DITF was developed with the goal of reducing barriers and increasing accessibility to equitable and responsive care for individuals in historically and systematically excluded communities. We strive to empower and uplift the voices of people who experience exclusion, marginalization, and oppression. We are committed to advocacy and activism that furthers change within the intersecting systems of mental health, public health, and social justice.

Campus & Community Engagement:

The Diversity & Inclusion Task Force strives to foster systemic change that promotes equitable services for all Cal Poly students. The DITF continues to create new avenues for connection with staff members that work to support the wellbeing of historically and systematically excluded student communities. We value collaborating and connecting with our campus partners, as many students are referred to us based on their trusted recommendations. In addition, DITF aims to increase the visibility of our staff around campus, creating opportunities for students to interact with us in different ways.

As part of our ongoing initiatives to support our students, we are actively seeking avenues to expand collaboration among disciplines that impact student mental health, physical health, and wellbeing. We hope to involve all CAPS providers and increase the involvement of Campus Health & Wellbeing (CH&W) staff (i.e., medical staff, health advocates, peer educators, etc.) in the DITF mission. 

Commitment to Cultural Humility:

The Diversity & Inclusion Task Force is also committed to continued development of our cultural humility, as humans and as therapists. We must engage in our own growth to better serve students from various backgrounds and intersecting identities. To that end, the DITF provides a variety of didactic, conversation, reflection, and training spaces every month to encourage staff to examine and challenge their own biases and gain understanding of systemic oppression that members of our community face.

Increased Representation:

DITF understands the importance of representation. In collaboration with the CAPS Leadership Team, we are committed to advocating for inclusive hiring practices including recruitment and engagement with clinicians who hold identities that have been historically and systematically excluded.  

 

Fridays at 11AM-11:50AM

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86260282673

Let’s Talk Identity is designed for students whose identities have been historically and systematically marginalized, but is open to all students who want to meet with therapists committed to inclusion, cultural humility, and doing their own internal work to challenge cultural and/or privileged biases. When you drop into Let's Talk Identity you'll meet with one of the members of CAPS Diversity Inclusion Task Force (DITF).

We understand that many communities have rightful mistrust of the medical and mental health fields due to past and present injustices and disparities of care. Along with that, there are communities where discussing emotional health may feel especially vulnerable or would be something family members might not support. We honor the difficulties and obstacles that can arise when trying to access care, so we have created this informal, casual space to connect.  All students are welcome. 

We thank Student Diversity & Belonging and the Disability Resource Center for their collaboration on this space.  

If you have any questions prior to dropping into Let’s Talk Identity, please email Dr. Sarah Colwell. Want to learn more about which CAPS DITF provider you'll be meeting with, checkout our Meet the DITF Team page.

Date	Provider	Date	Provider	Date	Provider	Date	Provider
4/4	Diana Menendez, PsyD	4/25	Shala Cole, PsyD	5/16	Paloma Moran, PsyD	6/6	Sarah J. Colwell, PsyD
4/11	Ana Cabezas, PsyD	5/2	Amber Clemmons-Trigueros, LMFT	5/23	Amber Clemmons-Trigueros,LMFT	6/13	No Let's Talk Today
4/18	Sarah J. Colwell, PsyD	5/9	Allison Parker, LMFT	5/30	No Let's Talk Identity Today

*Providers May Be Subject to Change