Here are a range of networks resources and events which might be of interest for BAME members of the engineering department.
University Resources and Networks
Race Equality Network
The Race Equality Network is a community for staff members who self-identify as being from a racial minority ethnic background and/or who have an interest in the topic of race and would like to contribute to anti-racism initiatives at the University.
Cambridge University Students' Union (CUSU) BME Campaign
CUSU facilitates support and networking for Black and Minority Ethnic students as part of its BME Campaign:
"We work with students and student officers offering support and facilitating networking within the ethnic community and the wider society [...] By creating a single cooperative for all BME Students, we are able to build networks and support each other as a community."
You can also find contact details and a link to a full list of student societies at https://www.race-equality.admin.cam.ac.uk/networks/bame-student-network
University Diversity Fund (UDF)
The UDF provides grants of up to £1500 and is open to applications from students and staff. The UDF aims to support initiatives across the University that contribute to raising awareness of issues related to equality and diversity, challenge discrimination and inequalities, increase the representation of under-represented groups, and facilitate implementation of good practice.
Help and advice
The University of Cambridge does not tolerate racial harassment or racial discrimination in any form and is committed to supporting all members of the University community. This page links to sources of support and advice on reporting for both staff and students.
Students can request a black counsellor at the University Counselling Service by asking for one in the ‘free text’ boxes on the pre-counselling form. [Requires Raven Access]
College Reps
For support outside the department, students can contact their BAME Officer at their college JCR/MCR.
National Resources and Networks
AFBE-UK promotes higher achievements in education and engineering particularly among people from Black and Minority Ethnicity (BME) backgrounds. Their mission is to increase the number of BME Engineers who succeed professionally and support young people to explore a career in engineering.
Black History 365 is a website 'Celebrating Great Black British Achievers'. Here you can find news, listings, features, information about education and training, fostering and adoption and more.
There are many charities and local organisations that focus on BME mental health, such as Inside Out UK; the Black, African and Asian Therapy Network; Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective, a virtual therapist collective; and links to Wales-based mental health support (https://www.diversecymru.org.uk/bme-mental-health/)
The Black Women in Science (BWiS) Network is a community for women of African and Caribbean heritage in various stages of their scientific careers. BWiS Network provides a safe space in which Black women can come to ask/give advice and seek support in their careers.
If you are interested in setting up local events, we would love to hear from you! Please email engineering-diversity@eng.
