Workshops

RACE WORKSHOPS

What is Race? (TEACHER LED)

Students will investigate the topic of race and skin color. We will look at the biology of how skin color has come to be varied and discuss if race can be biologically defined or if it is simply a social construct. Students will participate in discussion, a simulation and be able to see a teacher-to-teacher discussion with one teacher playing the devil's advocate.

Promoting Racial Justice as a Young Person (STUDENT LED)

“Racism doesn’t exist anymore.” Although many believe in this statement, it isn’t true. In this student-led presentation you will learn about the importance of equity in society, and more importantly, how young people can help promote equity. Through stories, examples, and information you will leave the presentation prepared to contribute and inspire change. This may include the initiation of a student group that will use this process to improve the environment of our school and community.

Understanding Race and Racism (COMMUNITY LED)

Participants will learn the history of race and how race is embedded within the US Constitution. We will evaluate how the United States is a race constructed society by evaluating institutions and systems. Participants will have a better understanding of how people in the United States are divided by their racial classifications and brainstorm next steps. This session is sponsored by the Grand Portage Tribal Council.

What is an American? (TEACHER LED)

This session will examine what it means to be an American. Who exactly are Americans? What does an American look like? What privileges do Americans have? Do we have more things in common with each other or more differences?

Growing Up as a Minority (COMMUNITY LED)

We all look different. We are all different in many other ways. Growing up isn't easy. Now imagine you are the minority. You are the minority as an child and an adult. How does that feel? We will explore some of these ideas and topics.

IDENTITY WORKSHOPS

Gender Expectations: The Unwritten Code & Their Consequences (COMMUNITY LED)

Students will explore gender stereotypes, the pressure to conform and how these pressures influence the daily lives of middle school and high school students. These expectations will be connected to the consequences they create such bullying, sexual harassment and the suppression of individual identity. Students will engage in activities and dialogue that creates awareness around gender expectations (and their consequences) and ways we can encourage respect of an individual's identity. This workshop is sponsored by the Violence Prevention Center.

Looking Closely at Ourselves (TEACHER LED)

Students will explore race and self-identity by creating self-portraits. The lesson aims to help students develop detailed observational skills and use these skills in relation to themselves and others. We will begin constructing a vocabulary that is crucial in helping to build community and discuss aspects of race and racial identity formation.

Disability and Empathy (TEACHER LED)

Students will be actively engaged in learning about several disability areas. Students will learn how different disabilities can impact daily life and put themselves in someone's shoes that lives with these daily challenges. The objective is to teach students about disabilities and increase their empathy and knowledge about people around them.

Outfront Minnesota (COMMUNITY LED)

Outfront Minnesota is leading Minnesota towards LGBT equality through a combination of public policy, legal and individual advocacy and education. Outfront focuses on providing safe and supportive environments for all students.

My Adoption Story (TEACHER LED)

Embracing our differences and understanding the diverse backgrounds in our school is essential to building a healthy school community. Let me share with you my personal story of adoption and how it has shaped my life and identity.

CULTURE WORKSHOPS

Bystander Intervention Training (COMMUNITY LED)

Bystander intervention training will empower students and give them real skills to intervene in situations of injustice.

Cards FOR Humanity: A Game of Discovery (COMMUNITY LED)

This session is focused on communications and connections with the people we meet every day. In this interactive session players will dive into how we connect with people different from one another. As a group we will discuss how to create a more welcoming place for all. This session is sponsored by Education Minnesota.

Cultural Appropriation and Appreciation? (STUDENT LED)

Why do we largely ignore the existence of Native Americans outside of pop culture? Is our portrayal/use of Native American culture offensive?

Unity Sculpture (TEACHER LED)

Kinetic sculpture is an art form made up of parts designed to be set in motion. Students will decorate and fold individual paper globes which will then be hung to create a 3 dimensional sine wave with phase shifts (designed by Algebra students). The sculpture will be displayed in the Cook County Schools building.

Holistic Thinking & Mindfulness (COMMUNITY LED)

How can we stay calm when it seems like everything around us is falling apart? Will it even matter? The answer may be more simple than you think, and the difference it can make is huge. In this session you'll learn about the mind/body connection and some easy ways that you can lower your stress levels. We'll also see how these interventions have helped people in places that are experiencing on-going trauma, and explore how you can apply these skills in your own life. This workshops is sponsored by the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic.

Analyzing Environmental Justice (STUDENT LED)

See how pollution disproportionately affects people who are poor and members of racial and ethnic minorities. Explore reasons why people who are poor members of minority groups are often exposed to more pollution than others. Think about solutions to environmental discrimination.

Redefining Masculinity (TEACHER LED)

This session will explore the stereotypes of masculinity present in popular culture and how the definition of masculinity evolves across a lifetime. Students will reflect on how these stereotypes influence behavior and affect our lives everyday.

1854 Treaty Authority: Treaty Reserved Rights (COMMUNITY LED)

Students will review the history of treaties with the Chippewa in the western Great Lakes that set the stage for subsistence harvest management in northeastern Minnesota. We will learn about the natural resource management initiatives that protect, preserve and enhance the iconic species and "lake-scapes" - a vital piece of the heritage to all that call the Arrowhead region home. Pay attention as we dispel many of the misconceptions surrounding treaty reserved rights "up the shore" and "around the range". This session is sponsored by the 1854 Treaty Authority.

Immigration (COMMUNITY LED)

Immigration is in the media and surrounds us, even in little Cook County. We may have friends or parents of friends that are immigrants or see people from other countries working throughout the area. If you are interested in the questions: why don't they just become citizens? Why do people come to America anyways? Who are some of the people that come to America?, this session is for you. We will explore some of the myths behind immigration.

Student Exchange Experience (STUDENT LED)

Description coming soon!