INCLUDE Club sponsor and faculty advisor Dr. Hamsa Mahafza (center) with College of Education student members
Courtesy INCLUDE Club
The INCLUDE Club at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), a part of The University of Alabama System, recently celebrated its third anniversary of promoting diversity and cultural exchange on the UAH campus.
The abbreviation “INCLUDE” stands for Inclusion of Culture through Language, Understanding, Diversity & Education (INCLUDE). The student organization is advised by Dr. Hamsa Mahafza, a faculty member in UAH’s College of Education.
“Learning beyond the classroom provides students with meaningful opportunities to apply what they have learned about diversity in real-life contexts,” Dr. Mahafza says. “In addition to expanding their knowledge about diversity, INCLUDE helps students to develop interpersonal, networking, collaborative learning and leadership skills.”
The club is run by undergraduate students and alumni from the College of Education.
“For me, the INCLUDE Club is a way that we can end color-blind ideals and learn that we thrive not in spite of diversity, but because of it,” says education student Jyrah Campbell. “When it comes to the path of equity and understanding, we all have room to grow. And that’s what INCLUDE gives me the opportunity to do!”
College of Education alumna Cheyenne Bonner says INCLUDE offers the chance to step out of one’s comfort zone and build valuable new bonds. “INCLUDE is a great way to connect with other students and build meaningful relationships while celebrating diversity and the strengths found in differences. Being a student leader is a great way to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people while celebrating and upholding the core values of the INCLUDE Club.”
Dr. Hamsa Mahafza, College of Education
Michael Mercier | UAH
The club’s mission is to provide a platform for diversity and multiculturalism, with the intent of promoting cultural/linguistic awareness and responsiveness within the field of education, as well as enhancing community service and involvement.
“The idea of the club is to promote diversity, peace, respect and tolerance for other cultures,” Dr. Mahafza notes. “Having a club like this is an excellent way to do so, especially working in the field of education.”
INCLUDE has been influential since its establishment. In the past three years, its members have demonstrated research and leadership skills through collaboration and active participation in numerous inclusive service projects.
“INCLUDE provides an avenue for spreading joy and kindness around campus,” says student Claire Dieselberg. “With its welcoming and inclusive attitude, this club has definitely made a difference at UAH. As someone who has always been passionate about learning about other cultures and languages, the INCLUDE club has been a great way for me to take part in celebrating diversity. By putting myself out there and getting out of my comfort zone, I feel like I can learn a lot and grow as a person.”
One of the club’s primary goals is to provide a means to bridge the gap between different cultures by participating in and hosting activities and events that provide culturally and linguistically engaging educational experiences.
“Joining the INCLUDE club gives me a sense of belonging on campus as well as valuable knowledge that will help me serve my students better as a teacher," explains Lauren Gibbs. “As future educators, it is important to learn about different backgrounds, languages and cultures in order to be sure all students are receiving what they need to be successful. INCLUDE provides fun ways to do this while stepping into a leadership role and learning strategies to use in the classroom."
In order to be culturally responsive teachers, we must have a constant desire to grow as human beings and in our understanding of cultural differences.
Some of the events and activities supported by the student organization include yearly Harvest Festivals and Thanksgiving celebrations; the College of Education Research Day; participation in the UAH Week of Welcome (WOW) Research and Creative Experience Opportunities Open House; an International Food Fair at the UAH Salmon Library; a “Passport to Diversity” Project that can be implemented at any school; the 10th Annual International Festival of North Alabama; as well as performances by the INCLUDE Club’s own Music Band.
“We have participated in a Donation Drive Competition,” Dr. Mahafza says. “We also helped in collecting travel size personal hygiene products for the Downtown Rescue Mission and the North Alabama Coalition for the Homeless.”
“In order to be culturally responsive teachers, we must have a constant desire to grow as human beings and in our understanding of cultural differences,” notes CoED student Mary Kathryn Rodgers. “We must never become complacent, as that hinders the goals of multiculturalism. Being in the INCLUDE Club allows me to put theory into practice while simultaneously developing close friendships.”
“I’m very proud of my students,” Dr. Mahafza says. “Very proud of what we have done and their commitment. And INCLUDE Club really helps them to gain leadership skills, and I can see growth where they are participating. I want them to enjoy it and find something they relate to, something they like to do.”
To read more about the organization, visit the club’s Facebook page at INCLUDE Club Student Leader Spotlight. For additional information about club’s activities, or to learn how you can get involved, contact include@uah.edu.
As sponsor and faculty advisor to the club, Dr. Mahafza draws on her extensive educational experience. Her current research focuses on service-learning in teacher education, a form of experiential learning that involves linking service with academics. She was selected as the 2022 Alabama World Languages Association (AWLA) Friend of Languages and also serves as faculty adviser for Perpetua, the UAH Journal of Undergraduate Research. Her passion motivated her to write her first children’s picture book, The Arabian Cinderella and the Secret of the Woven Threads. “This is my dream book,” she says. “The Arabian Cinderella is a strong and inspiring girl; she has her personality.”
