Issue link: http://ihouse.uberflip.com/i/1509013
Transcending Borders I n our highly interconnected world, the ability to navigate differences and foster meaningful connections across cultures is essential. Recognizing this, the Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership and Programs (RCILP) continues to be a beacon of cultural celebration and understanding at I-House. During the past academic year, RCILP brought back many I-House signature events that had been on hold since the beginning of the pandemic, launched new programming, restructured the resident leadership program, and welcomed new team members. Through RCILP, residents made friends; shared the foods, music, dance, and art of their home cultures; explored the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond; and much more. Residents also engaged in critical conversations about current and historical world events and issues. Sometimes they agreed to disagree peacefully— sometimes mindsets shifted. This year, RCILP is launching a certificate program for I-House residents, through which participants will explore cultural differences, challenge assumptions, and develop practical skills to lead with empathy and respect in culturally diverse environments. Weekly DiversiTEA and Coffee Hours provide a space for residents to share their cultures through food, performance, and activities. Cultures and festivals celebrated in 2022-23 included: Romanian, Mid-Autumn Festival, Hispanic Heritage Month, Int. Day of Peace, Jewish, Iranian, Afghan, American, Diwali, Brazilian, Mexican, Japanese, Irish, British, Taiwanese, French, Spanish, Réunion Island, Norwegian, Canadian, Fastnacht, Nowruz, SE Asian, Italian, and Hong Kong. We look forward to welcoming I-House alumni and friends to RCILP events throughout the year to celebrate diversity, promote inclusion and authenticity, and encourage positive change at both local and global scales. Be sure to check out RCILP's upcoming 2023-24 events on the back cover! n More than 200 new I-House residents participated in Fall 2022 retreats The Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership and Programs Dance performance during the Diwali Themed Dinner The 2022-23 Resident Council, from Left: Briana Steven, Ricardo Armentia Moliner, Marina Ruiz, Abby Pope (Secretary), Eric Guntermann (President), César Rojas Angel, Olivia Agnew, Manal Siddiqui (Treasurer), Bryant Larson (Vice President), Mary Pompee (Communications Officer), Daniel Edrisian, Oke Iroegbu 4 International House Times