Diversity Workshop (Advanced)

Beyond the Illusion of Inclusion: Creating the Space for Real Engagement Across Difference

Course Description:

“I have been to diversity workshops before, I feel that all we do is state the obvious, when are we going to deal with the real issues”? “I don’t know how to talk to be from other religious backgrounds, I feel shut down because I’m proud to be a Christian”. “I never know when it’s safe to say that I have gay children, I’m not sure how people are going to respond”. “If one more person ask me is it fun to ride in this chair, I’m going to scream”. Do these comments sound familiar? Have you heard, said, or thought about these types of things in your community or organization? Have you been sitting at the dinner table or a meeting and heard something that sounds racist, sexist or homophobic and not known what to say? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this workshop is for you.

This in-depth, day-long, interactive training aims to provide participants space for self reflection and practice to use “self as instrument” and to help participants:

• Understand the impact of the cycle of oppression
• Recognize dominant/subordinate dynamics
• Begin to explore issues of power, privilege, and internalized oppression and dominance.
• Identify intersecting and invisible identities
• Consider how to move forward on the path to more competent engagement.
• Consider next steps for growth, development and action.

As a participant in this training, you will benefit from:

• Identifying your dominant and subordinated group membership
• Engaging in real conversations about how your identities matter in your work and community life.
• Developing to tools and skills to effectively engage beyond your comfort zone in conversations about and across difference.