The return of D.O.P.E. Chats is near. Standing for “Discoveries, Opportunities, Partnerships and Experiences,” these chats offer the Stevenson community the chance to come together for a series of deep conversations in a safe place.
This year, D.O.P.E Chats is looking forward to collaborating and connecting with different clubs, student groups and individuals on campus.
Social media presence for the chats has also stepped up. Sophomore Lauren Novsak, who runs the Facebook page for D.O.P.E. Chats, has listed weekly events on the page, including Motivational Mondays, where an inspirational quote is posted at the start of each week, and SuperStang Tuesdays, which spotlight students on campus for their contributions and involvement.
Morgan Somerville, the director of student engagement and founder of D.O.P.E. Chats, explained that the program would like to host one event per month. The ultimate goal is to encourage the Stevenson community to feel safe to share, ask questions and learn more on topics that do not just touch the superficial surface.
“D.O.P.E Chats is a good resource for students who may not understand different cultures or topics and are looking to understand and also a great way to meet people you may have common interests with.” said Novsak.
D.O.P.E. Chats’ first event this year, Start Something That Matters, will take place on Oct. 28. The chat is based on the work of Blake Mycoskie, the creator of TOMS shoes, and his book, “Start Something That Matters.”
In it, Mycoskie explains his business model and highlights seven other individuals who started something that matters, both for-profit and nonprofit.
The chat will include activities to help students find their own passion and discover what their causes, commitments or goals might be. The chat will also include guest speakers and members from the community who will share their own stories about starting something that matters.
Somerville said this event will include networking opportunities while showing that no matter what a student’s major or career goals are they “can always be doing something that matters and helping out other people.”
For more information and registration for the upcoming events, search the SU Now Portal or the Facebook page. Those who have ideas about future topics can connect with Somerville at [email protected].
