Starting in the 2020-2021 school year, a group of students came together to propose a new club at Cherry Hill West. Led by club advisor, Mrs. Langman, the Diversity & Inclusion Council has had a successful two years, despite being one of the newest clubs at West during a pandemic.  

What is their mission?

The Diversity and Inclusion Council work to create a racial, sexual, religious, and gender-inclusive atmosphere for all students at Cherry Hill West. The council has held multiple different donation drives throughout the year, such as food and clothing to give back to the community. 

They meet in D-9, every Day 4 during LB1 to discuss what their next steps will be to influence the West community, and beyond. The Diversity and Inclusion Council are looking for new members to join next year and are excited to keep its momentum going. 

What do they do? What have they done?

Throughout the past two years, students have brainstormed many ideas on how they want to use their voices and energy. Despite the fact that the 2021-2022 school year is the club’s first chance to meet in person and hold in-school events following the pandemic, it has not stopped the club from taking action. Within the past seven months, the council has done three donation drives. They held a clothing drive for Afghan refugees, a menstrual product drive for the company, “Distributing Dignity”, and donation of clothes and blankets for the company “Serenity House”, to give women in need a better future.

They have also teamed up with the middle and elementary schools in the Cherry Hill School District to allow children to express their cultures and allow them to understand their classmate’s cultures as well. 

Check out senior council member, Samara Pritchett’s website, “It Means More Than Just That”. Pritchett explains the differences between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation, and how you can make a difference within your community by educating yourself on different cultures. 

Join the Diversity & Inclusion Council!

To join the Diversity and Inclusion Council, contact Ms. Langman or visit D-9 during LB1 to find out more information for the upcoming school year. You can also visit the club’s Instagram page to learn more @diversity.inclusion.council and @immtjt.