In an era where face-to-face communication and interpersonal skills are often overshadowed by digital interactions, Diplomacy 101 is stepping in to fill the gap. The new student organization aims to equip Grand Valley State University students with the skills necessary to navigate complex social and professional situations, ensuring they grow into confident and effective communicators.
Diplomacy 101 is built on the principle of handling interactions with sensitivity and effectiveness, creating a foundation for students to refine their skills in negotiation, communication and networking. The club aims to provide a supportive environment where members can grow as confident communicators while engaging with a diverse and like-minded community.
The organization recognizes a growing need for soft skills in the modern world, particularly as many young people navigate a culture increasingly dominated by digital communication. Employers across industries consistently highlight the importance of interpersonal skills and, in turn, the club aims to prepare students to meet these expectations.
The club welcomes students of all majors and backgrounds, valuing a variety of perspectives. Diplomacy 101’s inclusive approach ensures that all students, regardless of experience or confidence level, can find value in the club’s offerings. From those who thrive in social settings to those who find mingling intimidating, every member is encouraged to learn, grow and contribute.
“If you’re socially adept and want to refine your skills, this is the right place for you,” said Lincoln White-Day, the club’s president. “If you’re socially anxious and find this (communicating with new people) intimidating, this is still the right place for you. We grow by learning from each other.”
The group’s first meeting, titled Networking 101, took place on Jan. 18. Designed to address the anxiety many feel in social situations, the session taught attendees how to approach a room full of strangers, initiate meaningful conversation and build connections.
“Have you ever found yourself in a room full of intimidating strangers?” the event’s description. “Did you want to make new friends but didn’t know what to say or how to say it? Diplomacy 101 offers a solution.”
During the meeting, the group also held practical discussions on how to introduce oneself, “read a room” and make lasting impressions in both professional and personal contexts. With a focus on active participation, the meeting aimed to provide a supportive space for students to practice such skills and invest in personal growth.
Diplomacy 101 plans to host weekly meetings throughout the semester, each with a unique theme. The itinerary typically includes an icebreaker activity to encourage camaraderie, followed by a presentation led by White Day. These presentations will tackle topics such as negotiation, compromise, free speech and conflict resolution, incorporating case studies and practical exercises for real-world application.
After the presentations, members will participate in workshops where they can practice their newly acquired skills in a collaborative setting. The club emphasizes experiential learning, allowing members to gain confidence in a hands-on, growth-oriented environment.
“Diplomacy 101 arms our members with a social arsenal of applicable skills and communicative tools to navigate complex situations, gain confidence in themselves and their abilities and expand their network with a cohort of like-minded, growth-oriented peers,” White-Day said.
As the club launches its inaugural semester, the club’s leadership remains committed to its mission of creating a community where students can thrive, both personally and professionally. By providing tools, strategies and a supportive network, Diplomacy 101 hopes to make a lasting impact on its members and the broader campus community.
