“The notion of Sistahood support is more than a concept; it embodies a tradition of AAFS participating in a community embracement of cultural roots, which promotes positive ethnic identity and self-confidence. In other words, the sense of “us-ness” is born of a caring environment that sustains the individual so that she can make meaning and gain purpose through a collective fellowship and sound ethnic ties (Bourke, 2010; Williams, 2005). This cultural community & support network (aka, Sistahood support) becomes a haven for student participants to help them prevent social marginalization.”
A vital component of the community is for African American female students to embrace their ethnic culture as a means of promoting self-confidence and emotional well-being, with the following purpose:
- Increase peer connections within the CSUN campus community.
- Increase awareness of positive ethnic identity through group bonding.
- Increase self-confidence through group participation.
- Receive validation and grow from the sharing of similar stories.
- Adopt new techniques for coping with life’s challenges in a space to grow.
- Increase retention as an outcome of substantive relationships within the group.
- And, if needed, receive direct referrals to University Counseling Services and other campus resources.