Student Advisory Board Mission
The Dialogue Vanderbilt Student Advisory Board ensures student voices are integral in the direction and activities of Dialogue Vanderbilt.
Student board members reflect the diversity of perspectives and experiences that comprise Vanderbilt’s undergraduate population. Participants contribute their ideas and expertise to programming initiatives and gain opportunities to engage with and be mentored by guest speakers and fellows, Vanderbilt faculty and staff, engaged alumni, and others.
Featured Student Advisory Board Members
Mary Meacham
Why did you join the SAB?
I believe one of the greatest issues facing my generation is our tendency to reflexively disagree rather than take the time to engage in constructive and respectful debate. I joined the DVSAB to play an active role in encouraging my peers to listen and take part in conversations surrounding divisive topics. I believe students can be instrumental in creating safe– and productive– spaces for conversation.
Rebecca Fishkin
Why is dialogue essential?
Dialogue is essential because, unlike debates or arguments, it allows individuals to express their own truths using 'I' statements. These truths are rooted in personal experience, enabling people to speak vulnerably. In this setting, we can listen to each other's perspectives and understand them more deeply, as the conversation remains peaceful.
Ryan Rose
What's the best part about being a member of the SAB?
It’s so easy and comfortable to surround yourself with like-minded people on campus—at any school, not just Vanderbilt—but joining the SAB has been an incredible opportunity to meet people so vastly different yet similar to me. I love being on a board where each of us has unique passions, life experiences, and political orientations, yet all of us share a commitment to improving campus climate and the Vanderbilt experience.