Cultural Diversity Conference
May 22, 2008
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Conference Schedule
Opening and Welcome, Hudson Hall
7:00 - 8:00 am registration and breakfast buffet
8:00 - 8:05 am greetings, YWCA Salem
8:05 - 8:10 am welcome
Morning Keynotes, Hudson Hall
8:10 - 8:12 am introduction
8:12 - 8:53 am keynote, Dr. Terryl Ross
8:53 - 8:55 am introduction
8:55 - 9:15 am cultural sharing
Break
9:15 - 9:30 am
Morning Workshops A
9:30 - 11:30 am
Lunch, Goudy Hall
11:30 - 12:45 pm
Afternoon Workshops B
12:45 - 2:45 pm
Break
2:45 - 3:00 pm
Afternoon Workshops C
3:00 - 5:00 pm
*A special note from the task force
Workshops are designed along a spectrum of engagement from an awareness (level 1) moving towards more in-depth discussion, analysis and personal growth (level 3). We encourage you to consider all options and challenge yourself.
-Your 2008 Diversity Task Force Team
Morning Workshops A
9:30 - 11:30 am
A1 The Times They are a Changin’ – The Impact of Generational Differences in the Workplace For years we have analyzed diversity of age, gender, race, ethnicity, even Zodiac signs in an effort to better understand one another. Often we fail to recognize a dimension of difference that affects each of us on a daily basis: generational differences. This very popular and interactive session promises a fun and engaging exploration of the unique perspectives of the four generational groups. Find out how generational clashes can be transformed into inclusivity where all ages can feel valued and respected for their unique contribution. We will explore the differing generational perspectives as a way to improve relationships and increase productivity, thus giving everyone the opportunity to bring their best to work.
April Lewis & Carol French
Level 3 (*see note above)
A2 Why Gang's? - "Because that's what they have left"
Who are they, why are they involved in gangs and what "You" can do to help. During this workshop you will learn of issues and concepts that span across four specific domains, we will provide you with a better understanding to the individual youth attracted to this culture, and give you the tools to effectively work with them in any setting.
John Sena & Eric Moore
Level 2
A3 Let’s Talk about Race, Class, & Culture! The Use of Courageous Conversations as
a Tool to Increase Our Cultural Competence
Culture plays a role not only in how we communicate and receive information, but it also shapes the thinking process of groups and individuals. From the staff
meeting to the boardroom, our ability to understand and bridge cultural differences can increase our effectiveness at work. Through the use of activities and protocols, come engage in a courageous conversation that will
increase your understanding about race, class, and other cultural constructs.
Kiesha Edwards
Level 3
A4 Breaking Through: An Exploration of Diversity in American Cinema
This workshop will examine the way race/ethnicity,sexual orientation and gender have been portrayed in American movies. There will be a specific emphasis on films that broke barriers at the time of their release by portraying issues of diversity in a specific and nuanced manner. Film clips will be shown and discussion from attendees will be encouraged. A recommended list of great films will be provided.
Angela Yeager
Level 1
A5 RELIGION: Walls or Bridges?
Pastor Gail McDougle, Senior Pastor of Salem’s First Congregational United Church of Christ, will explore the religious impulse across faith lines and look for the commonalities that build bridges rather than walls among members of the human family
Pastor Gail McDougle
Level 2
Afternoon Workshops B
12:45 - 2:45 pm
B1 Political Humanity: GLBT Politics in Oregon This workshop will have 3 sections including; the history of GLBT politics in Oregon, humanity as a political football throughout these campaigns, and finally, “Ask a Gay” Q & A regarding any and all of the questions attendees have ever wanted to ask a GLBT person.
Kristen Flickinger
Level 3
B2 CAN WE TALK? Conversations about Racism, Prejudice, and Discrimination
WEB Du Bois said, “The problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the Color Line” (Lewis, 1995, p. 42). Race and the consequences of racism was a problem in America well before this prescient statement and had been a primary catalyst of the greatest internal conflict in the United States. Today, race remains a very sensitive issue for all Americans. The current Presidential election exposes the complexity and the difficulty American have with talking about race and racism in the past and present. Many of us become uncomfortable, afraid, or simply refuse to talk about it. A more modern philosophy of “colorblindness” also makes it seem inappropriate to talk explicitly about race at all, even though race remains like an elephant in the living room of American society. Can we talk honestly and openly about race without hurting each other? Can we express our feelings and thoughts about race without being a racist or an angry person of color? Can talking about race help create a better community? What will equity and justice respecting race and racism in 21st century America look like? Using the provocative film, The Color of Fear, by Lee MunWah, this session will begin an important conversation about race to help us talk in a safe, helpful, and productive way about race, prejudice and discrimination.
Johnny Lake & John Lenson
Level 3
B3 American Muslims: Understanding those within our community
What do Muslims believe? How does Islam view gender? What have been American Muslim's experiences after September 11th? This workshop will provide an overview of the Islamic faith and gender dynamics within Islam. We will also explore the experiences of American Muslims after September 11th, including local examples.
Afifa Ahmed Shafi
Level 2
B4 Diversity 101: Wrestling with an Elephant
This interactive presentation addresses the context of diversity today. Specifically, it discusses global, national, and state trends, demographics, and dealing with change. Also, we will address the history of diversity in America and some different models to address it. Attendees will leave this presentation with a solid understanding of what diversity is and why we should address it.
Terryl Ross
Level 1
B5 Breaking the Technology Barrier with Oral Histories and Family Stories
In today’s society of computers, HDTV, iPods, cell phones, video games, blackberries, and other forms of electronic instant gratification, if you receive 5 minutes a day of true presence and deep connection with another human being, consider yourself lucky! We have replaced conversation with text messaging, emotions with symbols, human warmth with impersonal digits, and have erected electronic barriers to human connection. This workshop is designed to help you break through the barriers and reconnect with other family members through story. You will become more comfortable with telling stories in a family setting and will be able to pass on basic storytelling techniques to others. You will also learn basic interview techniques for collecting family oral histories, as well as how to practice stories and prepare for performances. We will touch upon how to use voice, gestures, and body language to embody and bring characters to life. Telling a family story is not only a gift of yourself, but also of all the generations who have gone before. It is our connection to where we are from, who we are, and how to walk in the world.
Alton Chung
Level 1
Afternoon Workshops C
3:00 - 5:00 pm
C1 Sexism in the Workplace
Sexism is a frightening topic…and yet it can be addressed and dealt with before it gets out of hand. In this workshop we will be discussing what strategies to use and how to recognize and deal with sexism…before it goes to far
Francis Portillo
Level 2
C2 WHY ARE YOU BLACK? And Other Interesting Questions about Race and Culture
We all have questions about race and culture but find few places where we can talk honestly about such sensitive and sometimes explosive issues safely. It seems we only talk about such issues when problems surface. This session offers useful skills and techniques to talk about race and culture. Building on the previous session, CAN WE TALK? Conversations about Racism, Prejudice, and Discrimination, we will engage personal and community perspectives and local background. We will tackle some important questions about equity, social justice, advocacy, co-responsibility, and community. Come prepared to engage in courageous and challenging conversations about race and culture, as well as develop honest working relationships with others to move beyond just talking about the issues to appropriate actions to improve racial and cultural issues in our community. We will focus on ways to support each other and demonstrate skills and strategies to build a stronger and more responsive community.
Johnny Lake & John Lenson
Level 3
C3 Under one roof: the New Faces of our Immigrant Families in Oregon
The average Oregon citizen—and policymaker—might readily believe that the state of Oregon is neatly divided into two kinds of families: those composed of citizens who have strong claims to legal rights and social benefits, and those composed of non-citizens, whose claims to both are more contingent. Oregon immigrant families, however, are far more complex: the number of families that contain a mix of both citizens and non-citizens is surprisingly large. Nearly 1 in 10 U.S. families with children is a mixed-status family, that is to say, a family in which one or more parents is a non-citizen and one or more children is a citizen. Further, mixed-status families are themselves complex: they may be made up of any combination of legal immigrants, undocumented immigrants, and naturalized citizens. Their composition also changes frequently, as undocumented family members legalize their status and legal immigrants naturalize. The number, complexity, and fluidity of these mixed immigration status families complicate the design and implementation of the already complicated arenas of immigration and immigrant policy.
At this workshop we will listen to the stories of the children of immigrants that were born in the US and how the challenges faced by their parents are changing the face of immigrants in the State of Oregon and our country.
Francisco Lopez
Level 2
C4 Are You Playing with Me?
Using improv exercises, games, and silly songs, you'll have an opportunity to try out activities that can help you break through barriers with laughter in your job, your community, and your life. Come prepared to play and have a great time.
Leigh Anne Jasheway-Bryant
Level 1
C5 Basic Mental Illness and Crisis Intervention
Tips In this workshop you will be give information about the three major mental illness (Schizophrenia, Bi-Polar Disorder and Depression). You will participate in an exercise that will give you the experience of hearing voices. Participants will also get tips on how to deal with someone in crisis.
Gary Sjolander
Level 1
Sponsors
PGE
Wal-Mart
Oregon Commission on Children and Families
Willamette University
Statesman Journal
Wachovia
Marion County Commission on Children and Families
YWCA Salem
Partners
CCTV
AARP
Integrated Services Network
Department of Forestry
Willamette University
Catholic Community Services
Wal-Mart
World Beat
Oregon State Hospital
Salem Outreach Shelter
Department of Revenue
Department of Justice
Oregon State Library
Chemeketa Community College
Oregon Commission on Children & Families
Department of Corrections
Society for Human Resource Management
Northwest Human Resources Management
Salem Human Rights & Relations Commission
Salem Housing Authority-City of Salem
Wachovia
Marion County Commission on Children and Families
YWCA Salem
Map
Print a map of Willamette University campuswith directions (80KB-- PDF format, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader )