Seattle University Dance Marathon student leaders present at national conference
July 2014-
Students from Seattle University gave a presentation on Diversity and Inclusion at a national conference for Dance Marathon in Chicago. Emily Downing, Executive Director, and Alex Stoffel, Director of Internal Affairs, are two of the three members on the 2014-15 Executive Committee for Seattle University’s Dance Marathon (SUDM). The two Seattle University students were invited to present at a national conference on recent changes SUDM implemented regarding accessibility and inclusion, and why. “Ableist language is othering,” says former executive committee member Katy Granath, “it hinders and damages relationships with those who may identify as having an illness, disability, or different ability levels.” Downing and Stoffel discussed the basics of ableism and the changes to their Dance Marathon’s promotional language, accessibility at events, and the importance of an inclusive community.
The 14th annual Dance Marathon Leadership Conference (DMLC) was held in Chicago, IL. Hundreds of student leaders came from across the country to “learn helpful best practices, develop valuable leadership skills, hear from professionals in the nonprofit and fundraising field, and network,” according to DMLC chair Brit Davis. Dance Marathon is a nationwide youth-led nonprofit that supports Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. With the help of universities across the United States and Canada, more than 170 hospitals receive millions in fundraising assistance every year. SUDM was nominated for a 2014 DMLC innovation award, in part for its approach to accessibility and inclusivity.
Last year SUDM raised nearly $60,000 for Seattle Children’s Hospital’s Uncompensated Care Fund, which provides funding for children and families who otherwise would not be able to afford medical care.
July 2014-
Students from Seattle University gave a presentation on Diversity and Inclusion at a national conference for Dance Marathon in Chicago. Emily Downing, Executive Director, and Alex Stoffel, Director of Internal Affairs, are two of the three members on the 2014-15 Executive Committee for Seattle University’s Dance Marathon (SUDM). The two Seattle University students were invited to present at a national conference on recent changes SUDM implemented regarding accessibility and inclusion, and why. “Ableist language is othering,” says former executive committee member Katy Granath, “it hinders and damages relationships with those who may identify as having an illness, disability, or different ability levels.” Downing and Stoffel discussed the basics of ableism and the changes to their Dance Marathon’s promotional language, accessibility at events, and the importance of an inclusive community.
The 14th annual Dance Marathon Leadership Conference (DMLC) was held in Chicago, IL. Hundreds of student leaders came from across the country to “learn helpful best practices, develop valuable leadership skills, hear from professionals in the nonprofit and fundraising field, and network,” according to DMLC chair Brit Davis. Dance Marathon is a nationwide youth-led nonprofit that supports Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. With the help of universities across the United States and Canada, more than 170 hospitals receive millions in fundraising assistance every year. SUDM was nominated for a 2014 DMLC innovation award, in part for its approach to accessibility and inclusivity.
Last year SUDM raised nearly $60,000 for Seattle Children’s Hospital’s Uncompensated Care Fund, which provides funding for children and families who otherwise would not be able to afford medical care.
