Groups

Website Mission Membership Benefits

Mission
1. The ASA at SUA will be an organization committed to cultural, intellectual, economic, and political
awareness about the African continent.
2. The organization will create a space for students from Africa, students of African descent
or students interested in matters concerning the continent of Africa to build community

Membership Benefits
1. ASA shall be open to all students who identify as African, as of African descent or students who are
interested in matters affecting the continent of Africa.
2. All members shall contribute to community building activities through participation and through
assistance in organizing.
3. All members shall be placed into leadership groups for community building and organizational
purposes: It is a membership requirement.
4. All members will have a say in all decisions taken by the organization.

Website Mission Membership Benefits

Mission
Mission
The Asian Diasporas Club will provide a safe space for students who self-identify as a part of the Asia diasporas and want to engage with people from other diaspora communities.

Statement of Purpose
Asian Diasporas will be a place for students to engage in dialogue to discuss the immigrant and diaspora experience and our communities around the world. This will be in tandem learning from and supporting other diasporas.. We recognize that the continent of Asia has diverse countries, cultures, religions, and peoples. The grouping of all of these different diasporas is intended to create solidarity between us, not erase our differences. We operate on but are not limited to the following 5 tenants: 1. Foster a Safe Space for Azn Diasporas. Our experiences are validated. We will seek to build resources as needed for one another. We will share time on field trips to our ethnic communities, food bonding, speakers, and teach-ins. 2. Operate in terms of anti-imperialism. The lands we are decent of have been affected by imperialism and colonialism. 3. Activate in engagement with Activists/Activist groups, and learn from Ethnic Studies, Critical Theory, Decolonial pedagogies. 4. Unpack our identities in relation to our other BIPOC Communities and one another. 5. Operate in tandem with third world/transnational feminist principles.

Membership Benefits
Be apart of a welcoming community for the Asian Diasporas! We will have our own events that are only open to members.

Website Mission Membership Benefits

Mission
Soka Black Student Union strives to foster a sense of community and belonging to all underrepresented groups on campus as well as the entire campus community. However, our primary priority is to create a safe space for anyone who identifies as black. Our mission is to provide a space where everyone at Soka University is welcome to learn and celebrate blackness
in all its beauty and struggle. Our open-campus events are one of the opportunities for all Soka students to express their views concerning current events, cultural arts, and campus life.

Statement of Purpose:
Most of us black folks have always been surrounded by people who look like us that teach, nurture, cook, eat, sing, dance and laugh with us. After Black Panther was released, Shantoria Taylor (Class of 2018) invited a few black students to go watch it with her. The conversation that followed led to the recognition that black students at SUA lacked and longed for a space to come together as a community. To remedy this unfortunate situation, we created the Black Student Union -a club where we celebrate all cultures and discuss all struggles in Africa and the African diaspora. ~ Elizabeth Muthoni

Membership Benefits
1) Enjoyment - It’s Plenty ‘O
2) Connection with community
3) Culture exchange

Website Mission Membership Benefits

Mission
The group is meant to provide an affinity for disabled, mad, neurodivergent, and/or chronically ill students within our Soka community. We want this space to exist in order to ensure we are collectively taken care of and supported in our endeavors while here at Soka. Disabled students within academia, especially those who are also BIPOC, Queer, Trans, First-Gen, Low-income, etc... have an especially harder time within the ivory tower at universities and it is our intention to make a space for us a by us.

Statement of Purpose:
The goals of this group are to provide care, aid, and resources to disabled students here at Soka. We want to support all disabled students throughout their time here whether it be with their health, academics, career, study abroad experience, etc... There are many disabled folks that exist globally and disability shouldn't be something that is taboo or hardly discussed. We also want to educate the campus on topics relating to disability and how to best support us. One cannot be a global citizen, or give back to their communities if they do not acknowledge that disability is very real and ableism has to be undone and challenged in order for disabled folks to thrive and succeed like their non-disabled counterparts do.

Membership Benefits
By joining the organization of Disabilities International (formerly known as SWDCC), you can enjoy a
wide range of benefits such as access to exclusive resources, workshops, and events. You'll have an opportunity to connect with other students with similar neurodivergent disabilities or physical
disabilities, build a supportive community, and receive assistance and guidance throughout your
academic journey. Additionally, you can participate in advocacy efforts, contribute to the
organization's mission and goals, and make a positive impact on the lives of students with disabilities.

Website Mission Membership Benefits

Mission
Our mission is to create a safe space and foster connection for those who belong to and associate with Eastern European and Central Asian cultures.

Membership Benefits
A supportive space with peers who share cultural, linguistic, or identity-based experiences.
Opportunities to celebrate traditions, languages, and cultural heritage.
Connections with fellow students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

Website Mission Membership Benefits

Mission
First Gen is a safe space for students who identify as first-generation students, someone whose parents did not complete college. This space recognizes the additional obstacles first-generation students face navigating college without external support networks. First Gen is a student-driven affinity group that will share experiences, learn from others, and grow together. We will provide a space where students can have access to resources, engage in professional development, and mentors.

Statement of Purpose:
The mission of First Gen is to develop a support system for students who identify as first-generation students. We believe that students deserve the right to an equitable education system that values and acknowledges where students come from and their backgrounds.

Membership Benefits
As a member you will gain a community with shared experiences and will receive support from the group as a whole.

Website Mission Membership Benefits

Mission
Jew Crew is an affinity group meant to provide a space for Jewish students and faculty. This includes anyone that identifies as Jewish or has a cultural affiliation to the Jewish community.

Statement of Purpose:
Our goal is to foster a safe and welcoming space for students who identify as Jewish or have ties to the Jewish community. We also wish to create events that welcome students of all backgrounds to learn and celebrate Jewish culture.

Membership Benefits
Membership benefits include having access to events that are created by and for Jewish students to celebrate their culture.

Website Mission Membership Benefits

Group Not Registered Yet

Mission
Latines Unides is an affinity group established to promote diversity on campus, particularly focusing on highlighting, celebrating, and appreciating the various aspects of the Latinx community.

Statement of Purpose:
Latines Unides creates a safe space for SUA members to share their cultures and languages, which helps educate and foster a better understanding of our differences and similarities. Through this, we can celebrate the heritage of Latinx members of the Soka community. We also aim to be informed about issues affecting the Latinx community and to organize around those issues as they arise.

Membership Benefits
Latines Unides offers a space for Latine students to connect, discuss, share, and educate.

Website Mission Membership Benefits

Mission
LGBTeam provides affinity for lesbian, gay, bisexual/romantic, pansexual/romantic, asexual/romantic (and anyone on the asexual/romantic spectrums), transgender, queer, questioning, nonbinary, two-spirit, and intersex students, offers space for such students to build community and share their experiences, and develops programming to spread awareness on the issues these different communities face. We value the rich history and culture of LGBTQ+ communities around the globe and wish to give voice to experiences of sexual and gender identity that break cisnormative, heteronormative, and binary societal norms.

Membership Benefits
1. Access to a safe space at regular meetings
2. Join for field trips and fun activities
3. Learn about queer history and experiences through movies and documentaries

Website Mission Membership Benefits

Group Not Registered Yet

Mission
Muslim Student Association is a space that provides support for Muslim Students on campus, assists Muslim Students, and finds resources needed. We aim to participate in dialogues about Religions and faith and to promote awareness and education about Islamic culture. We also do charity events and aim to engage the SOKA community to be part of it.

Membership Benefits
A supportive community to help members practice their deen and build their imaam. Friday shuttle rides to the mosque for Jumuah

Website Mission Membership Benefits

Mission
The mission of the Southeast Asian Student Association is to foster a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates the rich cultural diversity of Southeast Asia. We aim to promote cultural awareness, understanding, and appreciation through various events, workshops, and initiatives. Our group is dedicated to providing a supportive network for students of Southeast Asian heritage while also welcoming and engaging all individuals interested in learning about the region. We strive to create opportunities for cultural exchange, education, and social connections, ultimately enriching the university experience and contributing to the broader community's multicultural understanding.

Membership Benefits
Membership of SEASA shall be open to students of Soka University of America who are interested in Southeast Asian cultures. The SEASA exists with the purpose to provide a network and community of Southeast Asian students and those with an invested interest in Southeast Asia to promote cultural awareness, increased representation, and visibility on campus.

Website Mission Membership Benefits

Mission
Our mission is to create a safe space to discuss Womxn's issues for those who have experienced or feel personally connected to them. We want our members to feel like their life experiences can be shared, and their voices can be heard. Our overall mission is to make an impact on the community at SUA. We want our affinity group to raise awareness, inspire inclusivity and kindness, and promote activism.

Membership Benefits
Members get to be a part of the supportive Womxn community. They will be able to talk about Womxn's issues that they see or experience in society, hear stories from other members, and brainstorm solutions together. Members will learn how to combat discrimination, speak out about Womxn issues, and be prideful in their identity as Womxn.