The Collegiate Ambassador Program (CAP) bridges the gap between agriculture and the LGBT community by providing professional development resources and creating career pipelines. We strive to connect LGBTQ+ agriculture students to agriculture companies leading efforts in workplace equality.
Want to start a chapter at your college/university?
CAP Chapters are founded on four important relationships:
1.) Chapter to Members/Student Body
Creating events and programming that support LGBT agriculture students at your institution and in your community. This can be LGBT focused workshops, panels of queer professionals, hosting information sessions with sponsors, fun socials, and much more.
2.) Chapter to the Community
Volunteering in the community with K-12 programs and collaborating with other student organizations focused on the LGBT and agriculture communities.
3.) Chapter to other Chapters
Participating in the online chapter network by posting and helping to answer questions, collaborating on regional events like pride parades or conferences, and representing your chapter in your regional council.
4.) Chapter to CAP Executive Committee
Attending the annual Cultivating Change Summit and participating in workshops, panels, poster presentations, chapter-focused events, affinity groups, and opportunities to speak directly with companies and organizations that are interested in LGBT agricuture students and professionals.
Checklist for Starting a Chapter:
Recruit at least three officers and one faculty/staff advisor from the college of agriculture.
Register as an official student organization at your college or university.
Establish an email listserv/distribution list for your chapter.
Join a social media site and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or Google+. There you can meet and see what other chapters have done in terms of events, planning, and more.
Fill out the New Chapter Application, which will require info from the officers, advisors, etc. After the Membership Team processes your application you will receive the personalized logos for your chapter and your chapter will be added to the chapters page on our website. New chapter applications are typically only processed during the end of a semester, but temporary logos and letters of support can be provided on request.
Review and follow all organizational guidelines for use of the new chapter logo. This is in the handbook, but more information will be provided. Please note: The Cultivating Change name/logo may not be used without official affiliation and acknowledgement by the Board of the Cultivating Change Foundation.
You can also check out our CAP Chapter Handbook for additional information!
In 2016 we launched our first Collegiate Affiliate Program at Penn State University.
Penn State university
The Students for Cultivating Change provides a safe, inclusive network for students interested in agricultural sciences who are in the LGBTQ community. Focusing our efforts in education, community, and increasing awareness, we also strive to promote inclusion and visibility for LGBTQ individuals within the College of Agricultural Sciences and larger Penn State community.
In 2017 we launched our Collegiate Affiliate Program at Virginia Tech.
Virginia Tech
The Students for Cultivating Change welcomes all who wish to advance LGBTQ+ issues in agriculture and natural resources and beyond. Our club meets once a month to plan events and advocate for issues of relevance. All are welcome to join, and hope to see you at an upcoming event!
In 2020 we launched our Collegiate Affiliate Program at Oregon State University.
Oregon State university
Oregon State University’s chapter of Students for Cultivating Change exists to build a community for LGBTQ+ folk and allies within our College of Agricultural Sciences. Our community will serve as a visible, safe space for members to congregate in order to connect, network, and celebrate LGBTQ+ pride within Oregon’s agricultural industry.
In 2020 we launched our Collegiate Affiliate Program at Louisiana State University.
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Tigers for Cultivating Change (TCC) was created to build a community for LGBTQ+ students and allies within the LSU College of Agriculture. This organization serves as a safe space for members to come together, network and increase LGBTQ+ visibility within the LSU Agricultural community.
In 2022 we launched our Collegiate Affiliate Program at Murray State University.
Murray State University
Students for Cultivating Change provides a safe, inclusive network for all who wish to advance issues for those who are in the LGBTQ+ community or are an ally. Focusing our efforts on education, community, and increasing awareness, we also strive to promote inclusion and visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals within the College of Agriculture, the greater Murray State community, and Kentucky’s agricultural community.
We are currently looking for university partners with agriculture programs to help us build our growing network. Let's have a conversation if you feel your university could be a potential thought partner!