Lessons Learned: Commitment is...

As a facilitator, as a recruiter, as a leader one thing harsh lesson I learned was: not EVERYONE can do what they signed up for. I used to take low turnout/feedback/membership personally. I thought, somewhere in the process, I aspired too much or recruited too many folks. However, I'm learning that just because people sign up for things doesn't mean people will follow through with that.

It's not always people forgetting they signed up to commit to something. It's not just people wearing themselves too thin and not being able to commit. Sometimes folks have emergencies or an illness that prevents them to keeping commitments they made months in advance. Other times, people just drop the ball. Smile, discuss and converse away! Those who came were eager to learn and make sure to keep spirits high and work with those stayed committed.

Lessons Learned is a RAPP Blog initiative intended for folks who hold formal leadership positions in RAPP programs to share what they're learning through their process

Lessons Learned: Support Each Other

One thing I noticed was the huge support and visibility RAPP gets when we partner up with other organizations. The past year, our Program Coordinator has worked with Residence Halls (and put on an amazing Sizism meeting). We also worked with RAs and TAs for multiple workshops entitled, "Let's Talk About It". We took members of RAPP to get Safe Zone Training and this summer will have some RAPPmates going to Secular Zone Training.

                                                              ARJ Leadership Dinner!

These opportunities allow us to work with other groups at UC campus and will not only gain exposure for RAPP but also get folks from RAPP involved in other opportunities. I think it's good to have leaders diversify their portfolios (I learned that in LCoB) as far as what they attend. It builds awareness on organizations and drums up interest!

Lessons Learned is a RAPP Blog initiative intended for folks who hold formal leadership positions in RAPP programs to share what they're learning through their process

2014-15 Facilitation Teams Announced

One of the difficult behind-the-scenes parts of RAPP is selecting the which students will be on the facilitation teams for RAPP's programs.  Each year now we receive far more applications from students with great skills and desire for ongoing learning than we have spots that we can effectively support.

This year, we had 22 applicants for only 11 spots.  The candidates brought a wide range of experiences, wisdom, and desired learning.  Through many hours of work individually reading applications and conversing about the teams, our selection team built the teams below.  Please join me in appreciating the folks who did this work: Brice Mickey, Jojo Azevedo, Marquez White, Sam Foltz, Sid Thatham, and Tianshu Lu.

Accelerating Racial Justice 2014 Team
Eric Muenchen, Peer Leader
Diamond Penn, Peer Leader
Meg Groat, Student Worker/Facilitator
Mia Lawrie, Student Facilitator
Siva Nagi Reddy Inturi, Peer Leader

RAPP XXX Team
Bridge Parham, Peer Leader
Jacob Harnist, Peer Leader
Shawnee Haslon, Peer Leader
Tristen Hall, Student Worker/Facilitator

RAPPORT
Ali Davis, Student Worker/Facilitator
Julie Nemitz, Student Worker/Facilitator

Accelerating Racial Justice 2015
Daycia Harley, Student Worker/Facilitator

RAPP Leaders Go On To Be... AmeriCorps Volunteers!

A couple of years back, we made a couple videos called "RAPPers Go On To Be..." to highlight how involvement in RAPP makes sense for all Bearcats regardless what career you might be headed toward.

In reflecting on encouraging people to apply for formal leadership positions in RAPP, we thought it could be similarly useful to highlight how people have contributed to RAPP and gone on to apply the knowledge they learned in a variety of impactful professions.

Many RAPPers go on to serve in AmeriCorps, a program of the US federal government that engages adults in intensive community service work (including Public Allies).  Here are two recent RAPP leaders who served:

Maika (left) with Steve at the RAPP XXIII Banquet

Maika Arnold (RAPP XXII) was a Peer Leader and Student Worker for RAPP XXIII.  2009-2010, Maika served in AmeriCorps with HomePort in Columbus, OH.

Kevin (right) receives his 2012-13 Social Justice League certificate from Jojo.

Kevin Weber (RAPP XXVI) was a Process Observer with Accelerating Racial Justice 2013. He is currently serving with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps.

RAPP Leaders Go On To Be... Public Allies!

A couple of years back, we made a couple videos called "RAPPers Go On To Be..." to highlight how involvement in RAPP makes sense for all Bearcats regardless what career you might be headed toward.

In reflecting on encouraging people to apply for formal leadership positions in RAPP, we thought it could be similarly useful to highlight how people have contributed to RAPP and gone on to apply the knowledge they learned in a variety of impactful professions.

RAPP & Public Allies have long had a strong overlap in people given our shared work toward a just society and honoring that everyone leads!

Ashley shows off her artwork at the RAPPORT 2009 Retreat.

Ashley Bennet Gray (RAPP XXII) was a graduate assistant and student worker with RAPP XXIII and RAPPORT.  Ashley served in Public Allies in 2009-2010.

Kinsey (2nd from right) leads a group of volunteers in a joint role for Public Allies & RAPP.

Kinsey Brown (RAPP XXIII) was a Peer Leader with RAPP XXIV Sunday.  Kinsey served in Public Allies in 2010-2011 with RAPP.

Marjorie (far left) reps RAPP with several other RAPP alumni who served in Public Allies.

Marjorie Bledsoe (RAPP XXV) was a Peer Leader with RAPP XXVI Wednesday.  Marjorie served in Public Allies in 2011-2012 with RAPP.

Jojo smiles for the camera at Accelerating Racial Justice 2013.

Jojo Azevedo (RAPP XXIV) was a Peer Leader with RAPP XXVI Wednesday, facilitator for RAPP XXVII and Accelerating Racial Justice (ARJ) 2012, and process observer for ARJ 2013.  He is currently serving in Public Allies 2013-2014 with the Academy of World Languages.

Lessons Learned: Take Care of Yourself!

Sometimes, I'm thinking of what to do next. What's going to be the most impactful? How can I contribute to certain activities. During this same time, I'm learning really oppressive things that happen around the country in which some of these acts, I'm the target of. However, I never realized that self care was such an important thing. So much information especially around discrimination and oppression can take a mental toll on both leaders and participants and it's good to infuse lighter activities and mental breaks that can bring your mood back to a better place.

Lessons Learned is a RAPP Blog initiative intended for folks who hold formal leadership positions in RAPP programs to share what they're learning through their process

Lessons Learned: Learn Outside the Circle

During ARJ 2013, I learned how good it can be to learn once the sessions are over. The "parking lot" is a section of ARJ in which participants write down topics they want to discuss or learn more about. After session one night, I decided to lead a discussion from the parking lot and majority chose to discuss Trayvon Martin and the US Judicial System. I was shocked that 15+ people stayed to have this conversation outside of the session activities when they could have been sleep or exploring Grailville. I think it goes to show that when people are eager to learn and dialogue, we should all actively listen and participate in each other's growth!

Lessons Learned is a RAPP Blog initiative intended for folks who hold formal leadership positions in RAPP programs to share what they're learning through their process

Lessons Learned: Change Isn't Instant

Going into ARJ 2013, I knew that through facilitation and awareness of new topics that challenge the way the participants think would produce a quick change in thought processes. However, my mind was looking at the finish line (which is on-going because we're forever learning), instead of this being the starting point. ARJ 2013 is a week long intensive, and even with my year in RAPP, I realized that not all of my conflicting or oppressive views had "taken drastic changes" during my intensive. Social Justice is an ongoing process and a goal in which the speed will vary from participant to participant.

Lessons Learned is a RAPP Blog initiative intended for folks who hold formal leadership positions in RAPP programs to share what they're learning through their process

Summer Time is Meeting Time!

Around the RAPP Office, summer is a time for many projects.  Training, long-range planning, analyzing the previous year's programs' impact, Accelerating Racial Justice updates & preps, grappling with big questions, and more is tackled by all the great people who make RAPP happen - student staff, volunteers, and the Steering Committee.

Here are some of the big projects we've been working on lately:

• Working through how to effectively implement "year one" of Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation training through SALD.  With the support of the Diversity Council, RAPP Program Coordinator Rebecca Lehman was able to become a Level I certified trainer in this.  How do we make sure they made an excellent investment?
• "Refreshing" the curriculum, session plans, and materials of Accelerating Racial Justice.  Refreshing is what I call the process of reviewing and applying all of the feedback we gathered throughout the pilot week and during two-week, two-month, and eight-month follow-up surveys.
• Exploring whether and how we could further integrate faculty and staff into the RAPP's current programming.  There is an imperative to connect more with these groups, but RAPP lacks the resources to establish any new programming.

Much gratitude to the following people for all their work with these major projects!
Becca Hammond (Resident Education & Development)
Brice Mickey (XXV)
Corinne Patterson (Women in Leadership & Learning)
Ericka Duckworth Harrison (University Judicial Affairs)
Gregory Gamble (ARJ 2012)
Jamieson Williams (XXVII)
Kim Fulbright (Ombuds)
Lauren Clark (UC Learning Assistance Center)
Megan Kreaps (XXVII)
Nicole Mayo (Director, SALD)
Shyamal Ruparel (XXVI)
Susie Mahoney (SALD)
Terri Hurdle (SALD

Notes from the latest Kingian Nonviolence training planning meeting.

Reflect Along with ARJ! Prompt 5: Taking Care of Ourselves

In the weeks leading up to the five-day Accelerating Racial Justice experience, participants are encourage to reflect on a series of prompts.  Each Thursday and Monday leading up to the experience, a new prompt is shared with the group.

Join them in these reflections!  Here's the fifth prompt they received (prompts one, two, three, & four):

The Accelerating Racial Justice process involves a lot of dynamics.  Here are just a few of them:

• Dialogue based learning (a la Each One Teach One) with a new-to-you group
• Staying overnight multiple nights with a new-to-you group and in an unfamiliar bed
• Being in structured sessions many hours a day and having a roommate overnight
• Sharing personal experiences, individual opinions and questions, and individual values as a part of the learning process
• Talking through difference – differing experiences, differing values
• Talking about how oppression hurts people – both how it hurts us individually and how we are a part of this system of hurting other people

Knowing a bit about where we’re headed as a group, what do you personally need to make sure that this is a space that not only challenges you but also supports you?  What do you need to feel heard?  Respected?  Appreciated?  Confident in your ability to survive uncomfortable situations?

Knowing a little about the structure, what do you personally need to make sure that you get rest?  Time alone?  Take care of your health?

How will you express these needs?

Sometimes we find balance through connection and mutual support. :)

Accelerating Racial Justice & UC - Aligned Missions for Justice

Students who hold formal leadership roles in RAPP are selected for, among other things, the knowledge and skills they bring to the program.  Since we're a program committed to continual learning, not only do they learn through their participation as a leader in the program they're selected for but they also learn through pre-service training.  We're currently in the midst of pre-service training for ARJ 2013 leaders!

One thing I value working with leaders on in preparation for their roles is exploring where RAPP's programs fit into the university mission and vision.  My premise is that in working on our mission of fighting oppression through individual awareness and collective action we are supporting every mission above us.

As a part of this activity, we also explore the complex, tangled tree that is UC's organizational chart.  While this can be overwhelming and demoralizing, my hope is that in highlighting how many people all throughout the chart are working on building diversity and creating inclusion we feel less small and lonely.

A faked Tumblr image showing several (though not all) of the mission statements above RAPP (the Provost's Office could go between Student Affairs & Services & the university overall).

A few initial notes on how our mission connects with the ones above it.

Reflect Along with ARJ 2013! Prompt 4: When Things Get Challenging, Part Two

In the weeks leading up to the five-day Accelerating Racial Justice experience, participants are encourage to reflect on a series of prompts.  Each Thursday and Monday leading up to the experience, a new prompt is shared with the group.

Join them in these reflections!  Here's the fourth prompt they received (prompts one, two, & three):

Again, we will be working to have conversations about race, difference, and other potentially “loaded” topics.  When these conversations are personal, meaningful, and authentic they can result in folks experiencing a wide variety of feelings, including feeling upset, triggered, offended, confused, anxious, and uncertain.

Our last prompt asked you to reflect on when we ourselves have these feelings ourselves.  Let’s reflect on when we make others feel that way, accidentally or otherwise.

How will I handle when I realize I’ve contributed to someone else feeling this way?  How will I stay engaged in the conversation when I know I have upset, offended, or angered someone else?  

How might these experiences and working through them with the group contribute to communal learning?

Countless RAPP dialogues, discussions, debates, and more have happened in this room!  Here's ARJ 2012 in Hodie's basement, home to RAPP retreats since 1986!

Reflect Along with ARJ 2013! Prompt 3: When Things Get Challenging, Part One

In the weeks leading up to the five-day Accelerating Racial Justice experience, participants are encourage to reflect on a series of prompts.  Each Thursday and Monday leading up to the experience, a new prompt is shared with the group.

Join them in these reflections!  Here's the third prompt they received (prompts one & two):

We will be working to have conversations about race, difference, and other potentially “loaded” topics.  When these conversations are personal, meaningful, and authentic they can result in folks experiencing a wide variety of feelings, including feeling upset, triggered, offended, confused, anxious, and uncertain.

How do I handle feeling like that?  How do I express that I’m feeling upset when I am feeling it?

How will I manage to stay engaged or re-engage in the conversation?  How might these feelings and working through them with the group contribute to the process of communal learning?

Only the people in the picture know whether this conversation at ARJ 2012 was a "deep" one or not. ;)

Reflect Along with ARJ 2013! Prompt 2: Authenticity, Accountability, and Self-Awareness

In the weeks leading up to the weeklong Accelerating Racial Justice experience, participants are encourage to reflect on a series of prompts.  Each Thursday and Monday leading up to the experience, a new prompt is shared with the group.

Join them in these reflections!  Here's the second prompt they received:

Authenticity.

Accountability.

Self-Awareness.

What do these mean to me?  In what ways, if any, do these three connect?

Shyamal & Rebecca check their perspective at ARJ 2012

Bearcats at Student Social Justice Training Institute

RAPP was able to sponsor three UC students to participate in the 2013 Student Social Justice Training Institute (Student SJTI):  RAPP XXIX Facilitator Brice Mickey, ARJ 2013 Facilitator Jamieson Williams, and ARJ 2014 Facilitator Meg Groat.

The Student SJTI is a national program for college/university students who've done a fairly significant amount of work on social justice issues.  From Wednesday, July 17th through Saturday, July 20th, our three Bearcats will join dozens from around the country in developing their skills around dialogue and connectedness.

It's "an intensive developmental opportunity for students to examine the complex dynamics of oppression and to develop strategies to foster positive change on their campuses and in their communities."

Check back to the blog over the next few weeks as Brice, Jamieson, and Meg share about their experience!

Accelerating Racial Justice 2013 - Curriculum Refresh Underway

One of the ways RAPP programs keep their curricula up-to-date in terms of content and process is annual reviews & "refreshes" of our curricula.  Though it means an on-going time investment, it also means new people are able to participate in the curricular process each year, sharing their learning and insight.

Accelerating Racial Justice is currently undergoing its "curriculum refresh."  People from the RAPP Steering Committee and student staff of ARJ 2013 are reviewing the content, poring through a wealth of feedback from the pilot group, and identify then making needed changes.

ARJ's curriculum was initially developed by members of the RAPP Working Group using the Understanding by Design curriculum and assessment method throughout the summer of 2012.

We have three remaining meetings in the process - contact RAPP Program Coordinator Rebecca Lehman (rebecca.lehman@uc.edu) if you're interested in joining us!

Notes on ARJ's Enduring Understanding from the first curriculum refresh meeting.

Reflect Along with ARJ 2013! Prompt 1: Bringing It All Back

In the weeks leading up to the weeklong Accelerating Racial Justice experience, participants are encourage to reflect on a series of prompts.  Each Thursday and Monday leading up to the experience, a new prompt is shared with the group.

Join them in these reflections!  Here's the first prompt they received:

Thursday, July 18: Bringing It All Back

I am a member of at least one community, likely a member of many communities.  I’m about to go on a five-day “learning vacation” all about racial justice and inclusive leadership.

In what ways am I involved in my community?  What am I hoping to bring back from this experience?

ARJ 2012 participants (pictured above) brought their learnings back to a wide variety of campus groups and community organizations.

Get to Know Accelerating Racial Justice 2013!

The final deadline for Accelerating Racial Justice 2013 passed and we've got our group together!  Thirty-four Bearcats are scheduled to head to Grailville for a week on racial justice and inclusive leadership in August.

Twenty-six of these are participants, the second class of ARJ ever!  Eight are serving in formal leadership roles.

Here's a little insight into our group:

Our group is academically strong, reporting an average GPA of 3.3.

The group comes from seven UC's colleges and represents a balance of class standings.

A&S= McMicken College of Arts & Sciences; CAHS = College of Allied Health Sciences; CBA = Lindner College of Business Administration; CCM = College Conservatory of Music; CEAS = College of Engineering & Applied Science; CECH = College of Education, Criminal Justice, & Human Services; DAAP = College of Design, Art, Architecture, & Planning

In the application process, the group was given the chance to share their racial identity and all chose to answer.  Here is the group's make-up by reported racial identity:

Get LINKed with RAPP: UC Campus LINK

People have been able to link up with RAPP through our LinkedIn group for several years.  UC students will now have another way to link up with us online.

Student Activities & Leadership Development is launching a new student engagement portal this summer: UC Campus Link

It's building over the summer through Bearcats Bound Orientation and goes large this fall with Welcome Weekend, but certain student leaders and university staff are being early adopters over the summer to help prepare and build the site.  Many RAPPers are among them!

The site is being built for a variety of reasons, improved events calendar, development of a leadership transcript, and improved student organization registration and connections among them.

RAPP's page was among the first set up.  ARJ 2013, RAPP XXIX, and RAPPORT already have private pages set up for participants.  If you're a UC community member with a UC email address, check out the site and join RAPP on it!

This screencap highlights how UC Campus LINK brings together  much of our social media in a convenient location for students.

Final Chance: Apply for Accelerating Racial Justice 2013 by This Friday!

We're currently in the confirmation process for the people who were selected for Accelerating Racial Justice 2013 and a few spots for students have opened up.

With that in mind, ARJ Student Worker Jamieson and I (Rebecca) have decided to accept applications until Friday, June 28th.

If you wanted to apply and missed the earlier deadline, here's your final chance to get in to ARJ 2013!

Accelerating Racial Justice is RAPP's newest intensive, having premiered summer 2012!  Developed collaboratively by students and staff from throughout UC, this leadership program is an excellent option for Bearcats interested in social justice who can't do the year-long commitment RAPP requires.

Program OverviewMonday, August 12 to Friday, August 16, 2013Grailville Retreat Center (transportation provided)FREE to UC students!
Through full participation in the 5-day program, participants:

• Develop relationships with 30+ other Bearcats from all over the university

• Enhance their understanding of racial justice and inclusive leadership

• Build a personal foundation and a supportive community to continue building racial justice and an inclusive leadership community at UC

There are two steps to apply for this life-changing program:

1. Read the Information for Potential Applicants.  This piece is designed to cover the common questions people may have about Accelerating Racial Justice to help you decide if it's what you're looking for.

1. 
   

1. Complete a written application.  This application gathers basic information from candidates.  Information on how to access the application is available in the Information for Potential Applicants, which you are expected to read before completing a written application.

Please contact Rebecca Lehman at lehmanrl@uc.edu or 513.556.6119 with any questions you may have.

The Office of Student Activities & Leadership Development will offer the five-day Accelerating Racial Justice intensive for students to build their awareness, knowledge, and skills related to racial justice and inclusive leadership. 

Accelerating Racial Justice’s curriculum is based in best practices in the realms of social justice education, intergroup dialogue, and inclusive leadership development.  

After the intensive is completed, participants will be welcomed into the RAPPORT community and will be eligible for the RAPP Social Justice Peer Educator Certificate.

How to Apply