THE MRULE MISSION

The Multi-Racial Unity Living Experience (MRULE) offers students in Residence Halls opportunities to increase knowledge and understanding of what they can do to contribute to positive race relations in their lives and on campus. It provides students from all backgrounds a unique forum to come together. Through open and frank discussions on controversial issues, informative presentations, interactive exercises and a variety of experiences that encourage the development of genuine friendships, students create and cultivate the experience of multiracial unity. They learn through action the concept of unity and diversity, while developing leadership skills that give them an edge on working and thriving in diverse environments.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MRULE FOUNDERS

DR. JEANNE GAZEL

 

Dr. Jeanne Gazel is the director of the MRULE program. She holds a Ph. D. in American Studies with specialties in Race Relations, Women's Studies, and Race/Class/Gender Intersectionality. She is a Fulbright recipient who spent two years in South Africa researching community arts and race relations. With Richard Thomas, she co-founded the Multi-Racial Unity Project (1995); out of this she created the Multi-Racial Unity Living Experience (1996) and became director in 1998. Based on the following three pillars: social justice, human agency, and action research, the MRULE program educated over three hundred students in a five year period. Using Action Research methodology, problems were identified together and steps were taken towards solutions, continually shaping and reshaping both theory and practice as the learning community evolved. Additionally, Gazel and Thomas designed the signature history course (HST 480) for the MRULE program: "The Formation of a Multi-Racial Society: Bringing the Traditionally Marginalized to the Center." Authorship includes:

Gazel, J. In press. Walking the talk: Multiracial Discourses, Realities, and Pedagogy. American Behavioral Scientist.

Gazel, J. and Pat Naidoo April 2004. Striking the Rock with Impunity: The Consequences of Gendered Practices in 21st Century Sub-Saharan Africa Michigan State University: Women & International Development Working Paper Series.

Gazel J. Sept. 1999. Reflections on Women, Strength, Power, and Spirituality. Common Journeys: Bahá'í Women on Gender Equality. Office of Women's Affairs National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'í's.

Gazel, J. May 1999. Building Community Through Diversity on a College Campus: The Interdependent Theory and Practice of the Multi-Racial Unity Living Experience. Building Community Across Racialized Lines: The Mulit-Racial Unity Project at Michigan State University. East Lansing: Michigan State University.

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION

Round table discussions are the "backbone" of the MRULE program.Once a week, each of the MRULE groups meet for one hour to discuss, learn, debate, racial issues. Some example topics include: 1) White privilege and the social construction of race; 2) residential segregation, on and off campus; 3) the global AIDS pandemic; and 4) affirmative action and the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative.

Participant quote: "Round table discussions have allowed me to hear other opinions. It is the base from which I expand my horizons."

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Each MRULE group participates in at least one community service project each semester. This allows the members a chance to "give back" to the community around us. It is also helps to provide a place and time for additional bonding within the group. Examples of community service projects are: 1) community clean-up and development in Reo Town; 2) volunteering at the Impressions Five Science Center in downtown Lansing; and 3) Into the Streets, both fall and spring events.

Participant quote: "I had the best feeling after doing the community services. Seeing all those people so happy totally made the experience worth while."

COMMUNITY BUILDING TRIPS

Each semester MRULE participants have the opportunity to take part in a trip that blends education, entertainment, excitement, enthusiasm, and community building into one. The Fall trip is a day trip, while the Spring trip is a weekend experience. Examples of trips include: 1) meeting with the coordinators of the 2006 International AIDS Conference in Toronto, Canada; and 2) interactive learning with the Jimmy and Grace Lee Boggs Center for Community Development in Detroit, Michigan.

Participant quote: "I'll be active in whatever community I'm in. I think the biggest thing I got from MRULE is a sense of personal responsibility... that if I am not helping, I should be doing something somewhere - whether that place is at home, on campus, in another state, or even a different country."

MONTHLY SOCIALS

Each month, the MRULE groups have a social. This gives the members a chance to spend time together, with the whole group, in a setting outside of the round table discussions. This is a major contributor to the community building aspect of MRULE. Examples of socials inlcude: 1) Friday night film series; 2) coffee talk at Barista Cafe; 3) fall bowling event; 4) spring talent show and karaoke night; and 5) weekly dinners.

Participant quote: "My MSU experience was MRULE. I joined MRULE in the first few weeks of college, and I take from it of knowledge and SO many friendships."