Nationwide Christian group, Power To Change, holding meetings at St. Clair college
Miranda Cosgrove (left) discussing the Perspective Display with a student during clubs weeks at the University of Windsor
Christian St. Clair College students are meeting on campus weekly as an unratified club, due to St. Clair College Student Council rules.
The group, calling themselves Power to Change, are holding inclusive group meet-ups in hopes to better connect with students and establish an inclusive environment with students of all beliefs.
Power to Change is a nationwide, non-profit organization aiming to educate all students about the Christian faith on a more personal level. They also strive to teach Christian students how to share their faith with others.
Power to Change has been on campuses all over Canada for decades. It was first known as Campus Crusade for Christ until 2007. Its founder, Bill Bright and his wife Vonette started the organization in 1967 to bring the story of Jesus Christ to students from all walks of life.
Miranda Cosgrove, 24, a Power to Change campus staff member, mentors Christian students who want to grow in their faith.
“I teach them how to talk about what they believe in a way that is both comfortable for them and the person they’re talking to,” said Cosgrove.
Cosgrove describes Power to Change as an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively respects the beliefs of others.
“We seek to have spiritual conversations with non-Christian students, and anyone is welcome to join the club,” said Cosgrove. “We value discussion.”
Power to change holds prayer meetings, bible studies and seeks spiritual conversations with students outside the faith.
“We value individuals and seek to help them be the person God created them to be,” said Cosgrove.
“We encourage students to have a healthy view of themselves and be comfortable with who they are and their beliefs.”
“We have had Catholic students, atheists, agnostics and Muslims come and talk with us. I have had many conversations with Sikh and Hindu students as well.” said Cosgrove.
According to Cosgrove, having religious groups on campus has had a positive impact on students lives.
“We also provide a community that seeks to encourage, support, love and empathize with each other,” said Cosgrove.
“I think spiritual health is lacking on University and college campuses, and that is something we can provide as a club.”
“I think it’s important for students to be exposed to various beliefs. We provide a platform for discussions on the meaning and purpose of life which is something not provided in classes.”
Power to Change members discussing the club to attendees of Clubs Week at the University of Windsor
Members can actively gather on campus but they are not recognized by the Student Representative Council as an official club. Ashley Dutot, the SRC Club Liaison, said that although students are allowed to gather on campus, the SRC only ratifies clubs that are academic-based.
The SRC does not ratify any hobby and/or athletic, religious belief, cultural based or any political party based club. They feel that all clubs should be inclusive and be open to all students regardless of race, religion, ability, gender, sexual orientation, social status and/or program of study and, therefore, religious clubs could violate that code.
“It has always been the SRC’s position that clubs should serve as extracurricular adjuncts to academic studies. Multiculturalism, meanwhile, is fostered by various events staged throughout the year by the SRC and other college agencies.”
She also said that there have been no inquiries to open club ratification to religious and cultural based clubs. Therefore, the SRC has seen no need to amend the club policy.
Ho Wai Chan, 21, a second year business and accounting student, is one of the newer members of Power to Change. Chan said he is appreciative of how inclusive and accepting Power to Change has been for him since moving here from Hong Kong last year.
“What I like most about Power to Change is everything we do, we do it together. When we gather together, I feel more confidence as a Christian and feel better about myself in general,” said Chan.
“The group aims to love everyone on campus. No matter who you are.”
The University of Windsor’s Power to Change members posing after an annual meeting (photo courtesy of Miranda Cosgrove)
Power to Change is aiming to connect with everyone at St. Clair College in hopes to show students that being a Christian doesn’t mean rejecting others, it means accepting all people no matter their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or beliefs.
If you would like to learn more about Power to Change, visit their website at www.p2c.com. All meetings are open to everyone who is interested.
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