What is Intersections?
Intersections is a weekly discussion group that fosters a sense of belonging through open dialogue about societal challenges and their historical contexts. We come together to build an inclusive community by seeking to understand the complex issues that shape our society today.
Each gathering focuses on a specific topic, with different members of our community taking turns to guide the conversation. Facilitators aren't expected to be experts; instead, their role is to nurture an environment of shared learning and mutual understanding. Our goal is to create a space where everyone feels they belong and can contribute to our collective growth.
Join Us!
Intersections meets every Wednesday, from 12:00 - 1:00 via Zoom. Topics are announced weekly in SpiderBytes and on the University calendar. Participation is open to staff, faculty, and students of the University of Richmond.
Reach out to Dr. Keith W. McIntosh at cio@richmond.edu to be connected with the resources and receive the weekly meeting invites.
A Brief History of Intersections
In August 2017, Information Services (IS) staff initiated discussions about societal events, including the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville. Dr. Keith W. "Mac" McIntosh, Vice President for Information Services and CIO, established weekly discussions to foster open dialogue among staff members.
The group developed guidelines for respectful communication and initially limited attendance to IS staff to create a trusted environment. Meetings were held weekly on Wednesdays from noon to 1:00 PM, with participation remaining voluntary.
From August to December 2017, McIntosh facilitated discussions on various topics, including essays like "Getting Comfortable with the Uncomfortable" by Dr. Belisa Gonzales. The group aimed to build awareness about different perspectives and enhance interpersonal communication skills.
In 2018, the group expanded to welcome faculty, staff, and students from across the University community, fostering broader campus engagement. The group was renamed "Intersections" to reflect its focus on building a cohesive campus environment.
Also in 2018, participants began selecting topics and leading conversations. Guest speakers, including Dr. Lauranette Lee, Dr. Thad Williamson, Dr. Ed Ayers, and Dr. Glynn Hughes, were invited to share their expertise. The group engaged in annual book discussions, including works like Our Hidden Conversations by Michele Norris and Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell. They also films each year, like "Crash" and "The ReUnited States," to broaden their understanding of complex social issues.
Today, Intersections continues to meet weekly, providing a forum for respectful discussions on various topics that impact our campus and society. The group emphasizes shared learning, mutual understanding, and fostering a supportive community environment for all participants.