About Us
DecolPol is a workshop that fosters and facilitates transformational discussion regarding the expansion of policymaking beyond exclusively US-Centered and Westernized approaches. The inclusion and uplifting of global perspectives and issues is a core value of the organization. DecolPol is a community space to process and air grievances, and discuss what the purpose of an academic institution should be within policymaking. DecolPol recognizes that academic institutions are uniquely positioned to shape the tools of analysis used by future policymakers and is therefore invested in expanding the lens and teachings put forth by these institutions. DecolPol aims to shift the burden away from affected, individual students acting alone to advocate for institutional change by instead forming a collective effort that centers decolonial praxis. Club advocacy and initiatives will be grounded in this practice and driven by the principles of restorative justice. DecolPol aims to promote and help students conduct research with faculty exploring the application of decolonial studies to policy; identify professors who already conducting similar research to support and foster students' interests in decolonization work; make it easier for students to access decolonization literature by advocating for its integration into syllabi and curriculum. DecolPol will attend, partner, and organize events in solidarity with existing campus/Durham organizations that share similar values in the advocacy space. It will also provide decolonization resources to other organizations when requested. DecolPol views community and cultural celebrations as alternative forms of resistance and will foster opportunities for these joyful activities whenever possible.
