Indigenous 
Written by Krista Stephenson, Pride Committee member
Strong social networks are an important part of a healthy life and for students, it can be crucial to connect with peers and build meaningful friendships. Enter SLC’s THRIVE community, offering students a safe place to learn and grow authentically without judgement. THRIVE consists of one-on-one support, community events, student leadership, and Huddles.
THRIVE Huddle groups are small student-led groups that meet regularly to chat about their thoughts and concerns and connect in a confidential, non-judgemental, and respectful environment. Kathy Doering, Spiritual Care Facilitator, says that “the Huddles are a really powerful resource. We come together as humans to express ourselves and support each other.”
Students can join the general Huddle, as well as themed Huddles such as Faith-Based, ADHD, Freedom (for those impacted by addiction), and Queer. The Huddle model has worked well for all groups tri-campus, but the Queer Huddle has particularly thrived on the Kingston campus in recent years.
In a world that can at times feel unsafe and unwelcoming to those in the 2SLGBTQ+ community, safe and authentic relationships with other members of the community are vital. “These are real relationships that the students need,” Kathy said. “For this community, the Queer Huddle has been so precious.”
Angie Veloz Rodriguez, an international student from Mexico, agrees. “I thought this could be a good opportunity to learn about the experiences of other queer people,” they shared. “It scared me a bit, but I found a group where I feel accepted.”
Angel Alves dos Santos, who will be taking Graphic Design in the fall, has taken on the student leadership position of the Kingston campus Queer Huddle since the Fall of 2023. Kathy said that generally, Huddles have a more formal structure to help students know what to expect. This structure includes a different topic each week chosen by the group, and a prescribed format for checking in. Last year, under Angel’s leadership, the Queer Huddles were sometimes more casual.
“We do arts and crafts, sewing, video games…lots of hands-on activities, so you can choose to interact or just be present and do your own thing with other people around,” Angel said, noting that sometimes 15-20 people would gather for an activity.
Huddles also have a volunteer staff member helping facilitate the sessions. Scott Bahm, Academic Planning Assistant, volunteers on the Kingston campus. “I enjoy providing a safe space for students,” he said. “And I enjoy the conversations that we’re able to have with each other.”
Soon, the Huddle model will look a little different as in-person Huddles in Brockville and Cornwall are shifting to be offered as hybrid options with Kingston. But when Kathy sends the THRIVE invites to students in September, she hopes she’ll continue to see emphatic uptake.
For her part, Angel says she’d love to continue her work with the Huddle when she returns in the fall. “What started as just something to join has developed into actual friendship outside of school,” she shared. “These are connections that last.”