Our Mission
Founded in 2026 at UCLA, Open Origins is a multicultural student organization dedicated to supporting underrepresented cultural identities and promoting cultural exchange. Our mission is to create a welcoming environment where students can connect across different cultures. Through exploring diverse traditions, engaging with one another through shared experiences, and keeping an open mind to new perspectives, we encourage cultural understanding that carries beyond the club.
Open Origins exists to provide a space where curiosity is encouraged, personal experiences are valued, and cultural learning feels accessible rather than intimidating. We are here to provide an authentic, respectful, and personal highlight of cultures across the globe to prevent misunderstandings, stereotypes, or being overlooked.
Why our purpose matters
Oftentimes, conversations around culture are tied to governments and conflict, blurring the distinction between cultural identity and politics. Open Origins wants to offer something different, as we believe that culture should be shared through tradition, history, and everyday expression.
Our purpose is essential because:
- Multicultural education in classrooms can feel surface-level, often less authentic
- When positive, multicultural discussions provide awareness and respect
- Individuals may have a hard time fitting their personal culture into one title
- Providing a dedicated space to learn about cultural differences distinguishes inquiry from judgement
At Open Origins, we aim to bridge gaps by giving a spotlight to your cultures, stories, and shared experiences.
Who we are for
Open Origins is open to all UCLA undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of background or level of familiarity with any culture.
We strongly encourage:
- International students adjusting to a new cultural environment
- Mixed-heritage students navigating multiple identities
- Multi-generation students who feel disconnected from their roots
- Students seeking either a low-pressure community or to develop their leadership
- Students whose cultural experiences do not fit into a single category
- Any student who is interested in learning about cultures beyond their own
You do not need to know anything or have an expertise in any culture; all we require is curiosity and respect.
What We Aim to Accomplish
Through Open Origins, we hope to:
- Provide cultural awareness and give opportunities to authentically express oneself
- Promote appreciation without appropriation or oversimplification
- Provide leadership opportunities to people of all backgrounds
- Promote hands-on learning through participation
- Provide a space for people to broaden their cultural awareness
- Promote appreciation, support, and respect for international cultures
Our vision of a thriving community is one where our members feel comfortable expressing their voices and connecting with each other.
How we carry out our mission
To fulfill our mission, we will have:
- Give a chance for members to lead presentations and discussions rooted in personal experience
- Provide authentically interactive cultural activities, including art, food, language, fashion, and traditions
- Guest speakers, including professors, who can add personal and professional perspectives and insight
- Collaborative events with other student organizations
- Social gatherings with our community, fostering connection
Every meeting and event is and will be approachable, engaging, and focused on learning together.
Values
At our core, Open Origins closely aligns with:
- Openness | welcome all backgrounds and perspectives
- Respect | honor cultures without judging or imposing hierarchy
- Authenticity | prioritize real experiences over assumptions
- Accessibility | remove barriers to participation
- Community | build connection through shared learning and experiences
We want to foster intercultural connection, appreciation, dialogue, and education. We are a space where students learn from one another without division or an agenda.
