Traditionally, Bengals Dare to Care is a day of service, where 800 members of the Buffalo State community work alongside over 40 community non-profit organizations to impact the community. Since, the pandemic did not permit the college to run Bengals Dare to Care as normal, it was reimagined to fit the current realities of 2020. Several virtual events were hosted over the course of four weeks, which provided an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to participate in open conversations with local activities, engage more deeply in racial justice issues, and to take action for community change and solidarity.
Bengals Dare to Care 2020 featured conversations with local activists from Buffalo State’s community partners, including Open Buffalo, Say Yes Buffalo, MOCHA Center, Kirby’s Korner, FeedMore WNY, and Habitat for Humanity Buffalo. The following issues were explored:
- October 26–November 1: Education and Racial Equity
- November 2–8: Voting, Civil Rights, and Racial Justice
- November 9–15: Diverse Perspectives within Racial Justice: LGBTQ+ and Differently Abled
- November 16–22: Food Security, Housing, and Racial Justice
Reimagining Bengals Dare to Care in this way, allowed the Buffalo State campus and community to pause to learn, reflect, and take action in issues that affect our neighbors, community, and students.
Recordings of each of the conversations with local activists are archived on the Civic and Community Engagement website, in addition to the engagement materials and action resources.
