Wilson Middle School Introduces Cultural Diversity Club – WFMZ.com

Wilson Middle School Launches Cultural Diversity Club Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Wilson Middle School, a United Way Community School, has established a new after-school club dedicated to celebrating the diverse cultures and ethnicities represented within its student body. This initiative, driven by student voices through the Positive Youth Development group, aims to foster greater understanding and appreciation among peers, directly supporting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Student Leadership and Initiative

The club originated from student-identified needs, highlighting the importance of youth empowerment and participation, which aligns with SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The Positive Youth Development group recognized the necessity for enhanced cultural awareness, leading to the creation of this transformative program.

Corporate Partnership and Mentorship

National Fuel, Wilson’s corporate partner, supports the club through its EDGEFuel Group (Ethnically Diverse Group of Employees). EDGEFuel representatives, including Assistant Manager Darius Hubbart, provide mentorship and guidance, reinforcing values of inclusion and support for diverse backgrounds. This partnership exemplifies SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

• EDGEFuel’s mission promotes environments where diversity is celebrated.
• Mentorship helps shape the club’s direction and activities.
• Wilson’s diverse student population offers a natural platform for cultural awareness.

Club Activities and Future Plans

The inaugural meeting gathered 15 students, with EDGEFuel leaders sharing cultural programming examples and encouraging exploration of valued traditions. Planned activities include:

1. Monthly club meetings focused on cultural education.
2. Incorporation of culturally relevant content in morning announcements.
3. A community-wide cultural celebration scheduled for the end of the school year.

These activities contribute to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting inclusive and sustainable social environments.

Impact and Broader Community Engagement

The initiative exemplifies the United Way Community School model, which addresses non-academic barriers by elevating student voice and fostering meaningful connections, supporting SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 5: Gender Equality through inclusive participation.

Additionally, United Way acknowledged the support of Moore Research, a global marketing research firm based in Erie, for their strong commitment to community schools, reinforcing collaborative efforts toward sustainable development.

Conclusion

The Wilson Middle School cultural diversity club serves as a model for integrating Sustainable Development Goals within educational settings by empowering youth leadership, fostering inclusivity, and building partnerships that celebrate human diversity. As Assistant Manager Darius Hubbart stated, “Human diversity is essential—it broadens perspectives and helps us discover things we might never have known otherwise.”

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education – The article discusses an after-school club at Wilson Middle School that promotes cultural awareness and inclusion, highlighting student leadership and positive youth development.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The initiative fosters understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and ethnicities, aiming to create an inclusive environment where all backgrounds are supported and celebrated.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – By elevating student voice and encouraging collaboration and cultural understanding, the program contributes to peaceful and inclusive societies.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 4 – Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for cultural diversity and global citizenship.
2. SDG 10 – Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
3. SDG 16 – Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Indicator for SDG 4.7: Number or percentage of students participating in programs that promote cultural awareness and sustainable development education (implied by the after-school club activities and student engagement).
• Indicator for SDG 10.2: Level of participation and inclusion of ethnically diverse students in school activities and leadership roles (implied by the diverse student body involvement and EDGEFuel mentorship).
• Indicator for SDG 16.7: Degree of student participation in decision-making processes and leadership initiatives within the school (implied by the Positive Youth Development group initiating the club and student-led activities).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wfmz.com