Understanding student identities is essential, but applying that knowledge is where the real work begins. As an RA or student staff member, being able to articulate, explore, and reflect on identity isn’t just a training module, it’s a daily practice, showing up in everything from the way you mediate a roommate conflict to how you facilitate a late-night conversation in the lounge.
So how do you take these big concepts such as intersectionality, privilege, cultural identity, gender, and make them tangible for students? It starts by giving you the tools to explore identity in personal, interactive, and meaningful ways. The following are a range of activities and resources that you can use during floor meetings, community gatherings, or even with your staff team.
Reflecting On Your Own Identity
Before you can support your residents, it helps to start with you. What parts of your identity shape how you show up as a leader? What’s visible to others, and what’s not?
The Identiree Activity is one great place to start. You fill out a tree with roots (core parts of your identity), a trunk (your values and beliefs), and branches (identities you’re still growing into or exploring). It’s simple but powerful, and great to do during training, in a one-on-one, or even just for your own reflection.
Another option is Circles of My Multicultural Self, where you write out several aspects of your identity and reflect on which ones feel most central to your life. This can help you notice how those pieces come together, and how they impact your relationships, communication style, and the support you offer others.
Even a quick identity pie chart where you draw a circle and divide it based on what parts of yourself feel most present right now, can spark insight. You don’t need fancy materials, just a pen and a few quiet minutes.
Learning to Talk About the Tough Stuff
Let’s be real: some identity topics can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re not sure how to explain gender identity or how to respond when a resident shares something personal. That’s okay. You’re not alone, and there are resources to help you build confidence and language while supporting your residents.
The Genderbread Person is a visual tool that breaks down gender identity, expression, biological sex, and attraction. It’s approachable, clear, and can help make complicated concepts feel more understandable.
If you’re ready for something deeper, try the Privilege for Sale activity. You’ll imagine you only have a limited budget and need to “buy” basic rights and privileges, like access to healthcare or the ability to be safe in public. It’s a powerful way to think about systems and who gets access to what. It works best in a group discussion, so this one’s perfect for staff meetings or retreats.
Not everything has to be heavy or intense. Identity work can also be curious, creative, and joyful. It’s about learning, not being perfect.
Building Inclusive Communities on Your Floor
As an RA or student staff member, you set the tone for your community. And small, intentional choices can go a long way in making your residents feel seen.
Try creating a bulletin board or interactive element on your floor where residents anonymously share aspects of their identity. You can ask questions like “What’s a language you speak at home?” or “What’s a tradition that’s important to your family?” Over time, you’ll build a visual representation of your community’s diversity, and show your residents that they matter.
Another easy but meaningful idea? A What’s in a Name? program. Invite residents to share the story behind their name, its pronunciation, or what it means to them. This can be part of a community event, a display board, or just a question you ask during your first floor meeting.
If you’re planning a deeper program or workshop, you might use an activity like Common Ground, where residents respond to a series of identity-related prompts, such as: “I’ve been the only person of my identity in a room before,” “I’ve felt unsafe because of how I look”. It builds empathy and connection, but be sure to include a debrief afterwards. This one needs a little more care and setup, but it can be really powerful when done well.
And don’t forget that even hallway chats and roommate mediations are places where identity shows up. Staying curious, listening actively, and making room for different perspectives are all part of the work.
Final Thoughts
Bringing identity into your work isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about trying. It’s about noticing. It’s about asking good questions, listening deeply, and making space for everyone to belong. So use these tools. Ask the hard questions. And don’t forget to reflect on who you are, too. That’s where the real growth starts.
Here are a few simple reflection questions you can ask yourself, or talk through with your supervisor:
- Which parts of your identity do you think about most in your role?
- When have you felt most “seen” on campus? When have you felt invisible?
- How do your identities shape how you build community or handle conflict?
- What are you still learning and what do you want to learn more about?
This content was generated through a collaboration between humans and artificial intelligence.
It was modified and checked for accuracy and proper attributions and citations.
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