Virtual Workshop Series

Workshop 1

Friday, January 8, 2027

1pm - 2:30pm EST

Inclusion in the Early Years: Why, What, and How

Folk wisdom tells us young children don't notice differences or have any biases, yet research is telling us otherwise.  Learn the developmental stages when children notice differences, develop biases, and internalize stereotypes.   Discover age appropriate ways (conversational, environmental, and curricular) to develop intentionally inclusive and identity conscious children.

Workshop 2

Friday, January 29, 2027

1pm - 2:30pm EST

Beyond the Why and Into the How: Practical Steps Toward Inclusive Classrooms

We know the startling opportunity gap in education and society.  We've learned about identity, culture, communication, and power and how they privilege some and disenfranchise others.  We are convinced as to why diversity and inclusion are important, but we are unsure or unclear as to how this intention becomes positive impact on student lives.  How do we turn commitment into action, and what are some strategies and best practices to become the educator with whom all children thrive?

Workshop 3

Friday, February 12, 2027

1pm - 2:30pm EST

Affinity Groups PART ONE: Launching Affinity Groups

Many organizations utilize affinity groups to support members of the community, to increase sense of belonging for members of historically marginalized groups, and to improve overall inclusivity.  And yet, affinity groups are often misunderstood and objections can arise.  This session is for those wanting to know more about affinity groups and/or launch them at their schools.  What are affinity groups, what do they do, and how do they support people and communities?  How do we communicate what affinity groups are (and what they are not) and support them, whether we are members of affinity groups or not?  

Workshop 4

Friday, February 26, 2027

1pm - 2:30pm EST

Affinity Groups PART TWO: Running Effective Affinity Groups

Many organizations utilize affinity groups to support members of the community, to increase sense of belonging for members of historically marginalized groups, and to improve overall inclusivity.  And yet, affinity groups are often misunderstood and objections can arise.  This session is for organizations which already have affinity groups and want to know how to run them more effectively.  Learn a 4 Pillar Model for facilitating affinity groups, identify best practices, and avoid common pitfalls.

Workshop 5

Friday, March 12, 2027

1pm - 2:30pm EST

Beyond Sticks and Stones: Helping Youth Navigate Conflict and Bullying

With the heightened awareness of bullying in today's world, it's hard to know how to support our children.  What is the difference between everyday conflict and bullying?  How do boys and girls experience aggression differently?  How do identifiers like sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, ability, and socioeconomic status affect aggression?  Learn about different types of aggression and practical tools in responding to conflicts and bullying. 

Workshop 6

Friday, March 26, 2027

1pm - 2:30pm EST

What Boys and Girls Are Made Of: Gender and Sexuality Diversity

Gone are days when boys are made of "snips and snails and puppy dog tails" and girls are made of "sugar and spice and everything nice"... or are they? Children are barraged with messages about gender and heterosexual norms everywhere they go - their homes, their schools, the media, and more. Do you know what hidden lessons they are learning? How do gender and sexuality affect everything from boys struggling in school to girls dropping out of the STEM pipeline, from sexual harassment to anti-gay bullying, from eating disorders to plastic surgery? How do parents, guardians, teachers, and schools provide safe environments for positive self esteem, healthy identity development, and acceptance of differences?

Workshop 7

Friday, April 9, 2027

1pm - 2:30pm EST

What I Said and What I Meant: Improving Cross Cultural Communication

Humans communicate on many levels: spoken language, tone, body language, style and personality. The fact that we have complex cultural identities and a host of differing past experiences increases the probability of cross-cultural miscommunications. This workshop presents major cross-cultural communication theories, ways that cultural values, power, privilege and differences affect the way we communicate, tools for questioning assumptions, and ways to improve cross-cultural communications skills.

Workshop 8

Friday, April 23, 2027

1pm - 2:30pm EST

Calling in with Care: Navigating Identity Based Harm

For Middle School and High School Youth and for Adult Audiences, 75 min to 2 hours

How do you interrupt microaggressions and other identity based harm, especially when that harm may be unintended? Learn some of the obstacles of authentic conversations, as well as practical strategies for calling in privately, calling out privately, and receiving interventions with grace.  Whether you are the target of, witness to, and agents of microaggressions, you can interrupt harm while maintaining respectful and caring relationships.

Workshop 9

Friday, May 7, 2027

1pm - 2:30pm EST

Implicit and Unconscious Bias: Bridging the Distance Between Professed Values and Daily Behaviors

We see ourselves as open and inclusive people, accepting of differences and treating all people with dignity, kindness, and respect.  We want to create and be part of communities that are inclusive and culturally competent toward all people of all backgrounds.  Yet, there are implicit and unconscious biases that get in the way of our best selves, and intentions aren't enough to guide our behaviors. Learn the science of cognitive biases we all have and what we can do to mitigate them within ourselves and our organizations.

Workshop 10

Friday, May 21, 2027

1pm - 2:30pm EST

Who We Are: Identity Development for Educators and Youth

How do we learn about our various group identities like female, African American, Buddhist, gay, middle class, etc.? Why do some people develop proud and healthy self identity and others experience own-group shame and hatred? How do identity dynamics show up in the classroom?  Learn how we can, in age appropriate ways, support positive self identity in our students and teach them to be positive influences on others' identities.  Together, we can co-create inclusive communities that work toward success for all.

BEYOND THE SERIES - WORKSHOPS FOR VETERANS AND LEADERS

WORKSHOP A

Friday, June 4, 2027

1pm - 3pm EST

Train the Trainer: Facilitating Courageous Conversations

As leaders in DEI work, we are often asked to lead courageous conversations among peers and/or students.   What are best practices for creating safe spaces for authentic dialogue?  Gain practical skills and discuss pitfalls in this capacity building workshop for leaders.

WORKSHOP B

Friday, June 25, 2027

1pm - 3pm EST

Cultural Competency in Independent Schools: What Leaders Need to Know

As leaders of our institutions, we need to have strategic vision and global understanding to manage meaningful change.   What demographic and philosophical changes make diversity and inclusion an imperative rather than just value added?  What factors help us understand where the school is on the spectrum of exclusive clubs to inclusive organizations?  How do we move our communities strategically at the pace that is right for the school?  What are some best practices for getting the right people to the school and leveraging their talents?  How do we sustain our positive growth over time?  Discuss these questions and gather tools to help our schools become the leading edge of cultural competency, inclusion, and equity.