ESC Clubs
What is an ESC Club?
An ESC club is a cultural/ethnic student group that is committed to upholding the ESC mission statement. Clubs meet regularly in the ESC and other places throughout campus. These meetings are great opportunities to meet new people, learn more about different cultures, and have fun! Clubs offer various activities for all students to get involved in, ranging from traditional and modern dance groups to volunteer opportunities within the community. Larger cultural events are also hosted by these clubs throughout the year. Anyone may join or be involved with the ESC and its clubs.
How can I get Involved?
There are several ways to get involved with the ESC. Our clubs offer a wide range of opportunities for involvement from volunteering and social justice, to performing arts and discussion groups. Alongside the ESC clubs, the office itself offers larger events such as:
Lobby Day: an opportunity that allows students to advocate for bills and priorities that may affect them, their families, and/or larger communities. Students have lobbied for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Health Equity, Disability access and rights, and much more.
Brunch & Learns : Multiple times a quarter the ESC hosts educational events centered around our marginalized identities in VU 735. These events are free to attend, and food is offered. For information on upcoming Brunch & Learns, check out the ESC Instagram!
Start or Restart a Club : If none of the ESC clubs align with your identity, there is always space for a new club that desires to uphold the ESC's mission statement. There are also multiple inactive ESC clubs that could be restarted with new leadership!
For more information on how to connect with clubs or get involved with the ESC in general, please contact the ESC Club Advisor & Program Manager, Chelsea Joefield at joefiec@wwu.edu.
Why get involved?
- To meet new people and have fun.
- To be part of a respectful, safe, sharing community.
- To learn and share knowledge.
- An opportunity for positive social change.
- To develop personal & career skills.
- To develop leadership skills.
African Caribbean Club
The African Caribbean club is a place where anyone is welcome. We celebrate, appreciate, and love to share our culture.
Arab Student Association
The Arab Student Association at Western Washington University supports the Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African communities through education and advocacy. They aim to promote inclusivity and personal growth within the community while providing resources.
Black Student Union
The Black Student Union aims to promote positive change, social consciousness, and provide a safe space for marginalized identities within the diaspora. They facilitate meaningful conversations, exposure to new perspectives, and support Black students in achieving personal and academic goals.
Blue Group
Blue Group supports undocumented, mixed-status identifying students and allies at WWU by offering resources, events, DACA information, and a safe, confidential space. Weekly meetings, collaborations with ESC clubs, and a commitment to creating a welcoming environment are key features of Blue Group.
Chinese Student Association
Chinese Student Association is a club dedicated to sharing with Western Washington University our heritage by meeting with others of a similar or different background and learning about the Chinese culture through fun activities and events.
Educators of Color
The organization's mission is to create an inclusive community in education by providing support, professional development, resources, and opportunities. They emphasize building connections, collaboration, and equity. The club aims to empower diverse educators and advocate for inclusivity and excellence in education.
Filipino-American Student Association
The Filipino-American Student Association aims to unify students interested in Filipino heritage, promote growth and achievement, raise awareness of Filipino culture and history, and engage in political activism concerning ethnic and civil rights issues in the Philippines and the United States.
Iranian Student Community
To create a supportive community for Iranian/Persian students and promote cultural awareness at WWU. Emphasis on providing a "home away from home" and supporting social justice, including the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement for equal rights.
Japanese Student Association
The Japanese Student Association (JSA) at Western Washington University promotes Japanese culture, fosters connections among students, and offers benefits like career seminars, language practice, and insights into Japanese customs and arts. Collaboration with international and exchange students enhances learning and friendships.
Jewish Student Union
The Jewish Student Union promotes Jewish culture, supports Jewish students in exploring their heritage, and enriches the Jewish community on and off campus. JSU values cultural connection, social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, promoting these through student-led events, community outreach, and advocacy.
Latinx Men in Higher Education
We hold social/educational events, networking and community service opportunities, and visit other BIPOC mens group conferences or meetings. Check us out @lmhewwu on instagram!
Mixed Student Organization
We seek to form an alliance of students who desire ownership over their identities while functioning as a social support resource to promote identity exploration and cross-cultural understanding. MSO strives to provide an environment for mixed students to connect with their community.
National Society of Black Engineers
The National Society of Black Engineers aims to increase the number of successful Black engineers who positively impact the community. At Western, the focus is on promoting a diverse network of students in STEM fields, creating a positive environment for minorities to explore engineering disciplines, raising public awareness about engineering opportunities for minorities, and increasing the number of minority students in engineering.
Native American Student Union
We aim to make Western an institution that welcomes and retains Native students while providing education around decolonization and Native empowerment. We also focus on the important indigenous justice work, while simultaneously having fun!
Pacific Islander Student Association
Our purpose is to share, preserve and enjoy the various Pacific Islander cultures. We bring everyone together for fun, food and games while also learning and bringing awareness to WWU and the surrounding community.
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science
SACNAS is an inclusive organization supporting STEM students to integrate on campus, access resources, find research opportunities, network, and promote diversity within STEM through events and collaborations.
South Asian Student Association
The South Asian Student Association (SASA) at WWU, formerly "India Mystica," promotes South Asian culture since 1994. Renamed for inclusivity, SASA aims to create a welcoming environment, celebrate diversity, and educate about South Asian cultures within the WWU and Bellingham communities.
Vietnamese Student Association
Our mission is to strengthen the awareness of the Vietnamese culture and support fellow students of color at Western Washington University as well as the Bellingham community. Our mission is not only to promote academic achievement and success for the members of WWU VSA, but we also strive to play an active part in both communities with social activism and inclusivity.
Latine Student Union
Latine Student Union promotes unity, education, diversity, and inclusivity within the Latine community at WWU! We strive to promote awareness of historical narratives, culture, and identity issues faced by members of the community in the US and in Latin America. LSU also seeks to create a safe and accessible space for Latine students, and to cultivate connections with outside surrounding communities.
Baile Folklorico
We are the Mexican branch of Baile Folklorico de WWU. We are student run and taught through generations. Our club is devoted to showcasing various dances from regions of Mexico. We are always accepting members regardless of experience, passing our knowledge and culture to future generations.
Queer and Transgender People of Color
This is a drop-in space for queer and trans students of color to find support through social connection, co-hosted by LGBTQ+ Western and the Counseling and Wellness Center.