In early August, 23 Act Six scholars and two staff members from North Central University attended the Act Six Midwest Convention, held at Loyola University in Chicago. The three-day event welcomed scholars and staff members from eight colleges and universities from throughout the Midwest, as well as representatives from the Act Six founding organization Degrees of Change and the local partner agencies that facilitate the program.
“Lead here, lead now” was the theme for the conference, which was positioned this way in the conference brochure: “Now in its 17th year, Act Six continues to be driven by the premise that our communities are stronger when everyone has an equal opportunity to receive an education and a seat at the table. The Act Six program proves that when young, diverse leaders are empowered with education, relationships, and resources, they persist and transform.
“In 2019, having selected more than 1,000 scholars across the network, we are asking the question: How do our Act Six scholars lead here and now? How do we push each other to be the leaders we have been called to be?”
A better place for everyone
North Central has participated in the Act Six program since 2016, with four classes or “cadres” of student scholars studying and growing as leaders through the program. The Chicago convention united and energized the North Central scholars and they have returned to campus eager to continue as leaders and change agents.
Kevin Escandon-Tellez, a member of Cadre 3, said, “A highlight of mine [at the convention] was asking myself, ‘How can my community and I make the world a better place for everyone?’ At times, we tend to be selfish when we cast vision or lead people. We always want others to accommodate to US and our needs or wants, completely disregarding the people around us. A leader is selfless, one that is driven to make a change for the betterment of people in their communities, not just their own life.”
The convention made a significant impact on a member of North Central’s newest Act Six cadre (Cadre 4) Zochitl Contreras, who said, “The atmosphere of being around people who have a heart for improving their community is such a positive experience. There’s something about realizing that you are a part of something so much larger than you—it’s a humbling and inspiring moment. I hope to let this drive my passions on campus.”
Aligned with the mission
Bill Green, North Central University’s Director of Multicultural Engagement and Support, has coordinated the Act Six program at North Central since the beginning. Green emphasizes that the Act Six scholarship contributes to diversity on campus but is by no means a “diversity scholarship.” Students from all backgrounds qualify to apply for the scholarship, with the emphasis in selection always on an individual student’s leadership potential, along with other academic criteria. He believes Act Six is well aligned with North Central University’s mission, with the key goal of “helping to prepare them to develop and navigate their commitment to be the best biblical models of servant/leaders in the world.”
For Gabrielle Knight, a member of Cadre 2, her role as a leader includes building bridges between cultures. “Being an Act Six scholar at North Central means I have to find ways to connect with the dominant culture while educating others on my own culture. It’s important that students who look like me feel welcome on campus.”
Refreshment and responsibility
The convention served as a time of renewal for Cadre 2 member Celeste Hofstede. “Going into the convention I was not looking forward to going back to school, but the convention gave me different reminders … that showed me the value Act Six members can bring to our campus.” Hofstede was particularly encouraged after a breakout session with all North Central University cadres, during which they reviewed goals identified at the last convention in 2017. “It was really interesting to reflect on the goals North Central University Act Six members had set for our campus two years ago and see that we have already begun to change campus for the better.”
The Act Six scholars from North Central University show great appreciation for the opportunity they have been given through the scholarship and take seriously their responsibility to be difference-makers. An area of passion for all the Act Six scholars is making a positive contribution toward being a diverse and inclusive campus.
Helen Diaz-Vellegas, a first-year Act Six scholar in Cadre 4, noted that the convention reminded her that Act Six has gifted the scholars with a platform for their voices to be heard to make impacting change on their campuses and communities. She said, “Meeting leaders who look like me, from all types of different cities, and recognizing that we all have similar goals has filled me with the confidence and excitement to attend NCU this fall.”
Escandon-Tellez gained insight at the convention he hopes will propel him and his fellow scholars to be leaders in creating a positive culture at North Central University. The lessons he learned and hopes to bring to campus include, “Creating an environment where people can ask questions and make mistakes. We forget to extend grace and mercy to people when they say something that offends us. We have to remind ourselves that everyone … comes from different backgrounds and has a limited perspective. We all have a story. The only way to teach others and learn a new perspective is by having those conversations and telling our stories. I believe that our mutual brokenness can help us to learn, love, and walk with each other in this journey.”
Demonstrated leadership
North Central University Act Six scholars are serving with distinction as leaders across campus. Since the program start just three years ago, they have served in many formal and informal leadership roles, including:
- Student body president
- Intern at the Minnesota State Legislature
- Key roles in the Social Work Club and outreach to serve the homeless in Minneapolis
- All-American recognition for men’s soccer
- Top sprinter and NCU 1st Team at UMAC track championship event
- Campus leaders for Asian Student Alliance, Latinos Unidos, and Black Student Union.
The Midwest Convention happens every other year and the next one will be in Minneapolis in 2021. The Minnesota partner organization for Act Six is Urban Ventures, based in Minneapolis. Parent organization Degrees of Change is located in Tacoma, Washington.
