Become a Rainbow Educator

Who are the Rainbow Educators?

They are a group of no less than 12 and no more than 18 undergraduate students, graduate students, staff, faculty, administrators and alumni/ae who give presentations and workshops on sexual orientation and other diversity issues.  Some of the RE’s identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT); most do not.  The most important qualification for an RE is a desire to promote awareness, openness, and sensitivity to multiculturalism at USD.

Roles and Responsibilities of Rainbow Educators:

First-year RE’s are required to attend a weekend training session in the Fall, a one-day training session in February, a focus-group session in April, and at least two LGBT community events per semester.  They are to give at least three presentations throughout the year.  With the approval of a faculty member, undergraduate RE’s may be eligible to earn 1-3 independent study (IS) units in departments such as Sociology, Gender Studies, Communication Studies, or Leadership.  Likewise, with approval, graduate students may earn IS units in the School of Law or Education.  After their first year, returning RE’s become the primary facilitators for the presentations.  Returning undergraduate and graduate RE’s are also eligible for IS units.

Time Commitment:

RE’s receive 20 hours of training their first year. Each year thereafter, training consists of 13-17 hours.  Other time commitments depend on the number and length of presentations given per year.  Each RE is required to give at least three presentations per year.  Members of the Management Team meet at least monthly.

Meeting/Training Policy:

RE’s are expected to make a commitment to attend all training sessions and presentations for which they sign up.  However, if an emergency arises and an RE is unable to attend a training session or presentation, they are required to notify the Program Coordinator of their absence and the reasons.  RE’s who miss one training session or presentation for any reason will be placed on probation and notified that continuing status as an RE is in jeopardy.  RE’s who miss two trainings or presentations for any reason will meet with the Program Coordinator and Management Team to discuss whether or not the RE will remain with the program. 

Training Information:

The RE Fall weekend training session focuses on three areas: 1) LGBT history, culture, and contemporary issues; 2) skill-building in interpersonal communication, public speaking, and group dynamics; and 3) team-building within the group. Each RE receives a comprehensive binder of information on these three areas.  Since USD is a Catholic university, training places a special emphasis on religious issues related to sexual orientation.  The aim of the training session is to be interactive, thought provoking, and fun, along with building trust and effective communication among team members.

The one day RE training (February) focuses on practicing potential presentations, debriefing past ones, planning future ones, and addressing questions and/or conflicts as they arise.  

Social events are held at the end of each semester; training "graduation" is held in December, and an end-of-year party and welcome to newly selected RE’s occurs in May.

Application Process:

The application and selection process for new team members begins in April for training in the following fall semester.  Nominations are solicited from current RE’s, and nominees are then sent personal invitations to apply.  Application invitations are also sent to the United Front, PRIDE, PRIDELAW list serves and other USD Student Organizations.  Applications are made electronically (application form available on next page) and applicants are asked to review this Rainbow Educators website, confirm their availability for the mandatory training sessions, and provide basic contact information.  Applicants are also requested to select a date and time slot for an informal interview from the available times given.  Allow yourself 30 minutes for the interview.  The interview is an informal session that gives us an opportunity to learn more about you: what interests you about Rainbow Educators; what your experience is; and what concerns you may have.

After the First Year:

RE’s make a one-year commitment to the program with the option to continue.  Current RE’s decide in April if they will return the following academic year.  RE’s who decide not to continue with the program do not attend training sessions and do not give presentations except as a last resort.  They may be invited as guest speakers for training sessions and receive invitations to RE social events and general RE information. They are considered allies and part of the larger RE family.