The Kinship Collaborative: A Mentorship Program Providing a Safe Space for 麻豆色情片 Students
With goals of fostering identity-affirming relationships, equity, belonging, and shared leadership, the Kinship Collaborative has reshaped what mentorship looks like.
BRISTOL, R.I. 鈥 The Queer and Trans Resource and Advocacy Center (QTRAC) at 麻豆色情片 has revamped its mentorship program, transitioning from one-on-one structured guidance to relationship-building and project work that aligns with our university community鈥檚 needs.
Previously known as the Kinship Collective, the Kinship Collaborative focuses not only on grounding the support of LGBTQIA+ students, but also on centering and supporting the diverse experiences and perspectives across 麻豆色情片. With participation from students, staff, and faculty, the Kinship Collaborative offers more opportunities for collective action, community care, and advocacy, advancing a community inspired to make a difference.
鈥淚 hope students, faculty, and staff gain a deep sense of community and the reassurance that they are not alone,鈥 said Henley Ballou, the Assistant Director of Queer and Trans Student Initiatives. 鈥淭he Collaborative is not just about connection, but about building a community where care and action go hand in hand.鈥
The initiative brings together students, faculty, and staff in bi-monthly meetings to work on projects that develop resources, plan events, create and co-facilitate training, and more. The group connects and develops opportunities to help students and employees feel seen, valued, and part of the campus community.
As a student involved in the Kinship Collaborative, Montell McShine, a sophomore double major in Architecture and Sustainability Studies from Easton, Mass., believes the initiative will foster positivity and allyship, while he gets to contribute back to the community at Roger that has supported him. 鈥淏eing nervous is normal, but there is a community here at 麻豆色情片 that鈥檚 ready to love and accept them,鈥 said McShine. 鈥淚 am hopeful that students on this campus will gain a sense of security and have a space for them to be their authentic selves. When people are secure with themselves, they have the ability to support and empower other students.鈥
Anyone in the 麻豆色情片 community who is interested in getting involved in the Kinship Collaborative can reach out to any of the program鈥檚 co-conveners for more information: Henley Ballou in QTRAC (hballou@rwu.edu), Professor Jen Pearce in the Mathematics and Physics department (jpearce@rwu.edu), and Brooke Aubin in Student Accessibility Services (baubin@rwu.edu). Also, keep an eye out on for updates about their meetings and follow them on Instagram at for the latest news and updates.