Lessons Learned: Questions about Social Justice Education Career Paths

I am occasionally asked about how one gets involved in Social Justice Education as a career path. Let me say that I love being asked this question because I feel that I have positively impacted someone's potential career choice.

Though I am grateful, I struggle because I often don't have an answer. Personally, I stayed involved with organizations that supported social justice values. This helped me better understand the field of Social Justice Education. Through participating in conferences like the Social Justice Training Institute or Tristate Diversity Conference and programs like RAPP here at UC I feel I have a better understanding of where my career path lies.

I resolve that I will have a better answer the next time I am asked this question through reflection and I hope that it happens again and again!

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

Nominate an Outstanding Person for the Marian Spencer Diversity Ambassador Award - Deadline Jan 31st!

From UC Diversity:


Marian Spencer Diversity Ambassador Award
Please consider nominating someone for the Marian Spencer Diversity Ambassador Award to showcase current campus affiliated individuals and groups whose diversity initiatives have positively impacted the university.

Eligibility requirements, procedures and the nomination form are now available.  Nomination deadline is January 31, 2013.

Marian Spencer

Register Now and/or Submit Proposals for 5th Annual UC Diversity Conference!

From the UC Diversity Conference:

You are invited to join us by participating as a conference presenter or participant in the 5^th Annual University of Cincinnati Diversity Conference on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 from 8 AM - 5 PM. Last year’s conference brought almost 400 participants and included presentations by noted Cincinnati Leaders and faculty.

 

This conference is designed to highlight pedagogy, experiential knowledge and innovative practices that encourage individuals and organizations to build vibrant, diverse and inclusive environments.  To make this event great community collaboration, we are seeking thought-provoking interactive workshop presentations and stimulating panel discussions. We welcome proposals from all interested faculty, students, staff, administrators and area professionals who practice and value being a diversity LEADER.

 

Conference Session Topics

Your program proposal should emphasize being a LEADER in one of the following topic areas:

·         Class and Poverty:  This topic deals with socio-economic diversity and challenges, including debt and homelessness.

·         Conflict Resolution and Leadership:  Focus on resolving conflict and providing participants with opportunities for leadership within their communities.

·         Sexuality & Gender: Topics relating to sexuality and gender identities/expression are featured in this category.

·         History, Politics and Law: The intersection of government and politics with diversity provides many interesting topics for discussion.

·         Media, Music, Art and Well-Being: Cultural diversity, including social media use, music, art, and health consciousness.

·         Mental and Physical Challenges: These workshops focus on topics affecting those with physical challenges (including deafness, blindness, and mobility impairments) as well as mental challenges, learning disabilities and other handicaps.

·         Race, Ethnicity and Nationality: One of the more common topics thought of in relation to our conference is race, but we expand this category to include both ethnicity and nationality.

·         Religion: Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and more: Religious diversity makes up a significant topic among our workshops.

·         Work, School, Family and Community: Topics pertain to how to improve work, family, and/or school environment or work toward tolerance and acceptance within their community.

 

 

Nominate Bearcats for the Marian Spencer Diversity Ambassador Award - Deadline Jan 31st!

Marian Spencer Diversity Ambassador Award

Please consider nominating someone for the Marian Spencer Diversity Ambassador Award to showcase current campus affiliated individuals and groups whose diversity initiatives have positively impacted the university.

Eligibility requirements, procedures and the nomination form are now available. 

Nomination deadline is January 31, 2013.

Tad Miller won the first student Marian Spencer Diversity Ambassador Award for, among other things, his leadership in RAPP!  Rachel Berman and Rebecca Lehman have also been recognized with this award for their service with RAPP.

Proposals Sought for Annual UC Diversity Conference - Due Jan 11th!

From UC News:

Diversity Topics Now Accepted for March Conference

The 2013 UC Diversity Conference seeks thought-provoking programs. Early registration has begun.

Date: 10/8/2012 12:00:00 AM
By: Greg Hand
Phone: (513) 556-1822

   Planners for the University of Cincinnati Diversity Conference are looking for though-provoking presentations for the March 27 event.

"To make this event great community collaboration, we are seeking thought-provoking interactive workshop presentations and stimulating panel discussions," said Mitchel D. Livingston, UC's Chief Diversity Officer. "We welcome proposals from all interested faculty, students, staff, administrators and area professionals who practice and value being a diversity leader."

The 5th Annual University of Cincinnati Diversity Conference will be held March 27, 2013. 

"This conference is designed to highlight pedagogy, experiential knowledge and innovative practices that encourage individuals and organizations to build vibrant, diverse and inclusive environments," said conference Co-Chair Lisa H. Newman.

Newman said there organizers are planning for four concurrent sessions with eight to 10 presentations with flexible formats that may include more than one presenter.  Each session will be one hour and fifteen minutes in length.

Further details are available at the conference web site.

Early registration for the Diversity Conference at reduced rates is also available though the conference web site.

http://www.uc.edu/diversity/Conference/_jcr_content/MainContent/image/image.img.jpg/1349360349245.jpg

Dean Jackson to Headline Diversity Conference

From UC News:

Dean Jackson To Headline Diversity Conference

With the keynote speaker scheduled, organizers of the 5th annual UC Diversity Conference now seek presenters and attendance.

Date: 11/5/2012 12:00:00 AM
By: Greg Hand
Phone: (513) 556-1822

   Ronald L. Jackson II, dean of UC's McMicken College of Arts & Sciences will be the keynote speakerfor the 5th Annual University of Cincinnati Diversity Conference on March 27, 2013. Jackson's topic will be "What it means and when we all matter: A mandate for diversity excellence." 

Ronald L. Jackson II

Author of ten books and dozens of other academic publications, Jackson is one of the leading communication and identity scholars in the nation. His research examines how theories of identity relate to intercultural and gender communication. In his teaching and research, he explores how and why people negotiate and define themselves as they do. Additionally, Jackson's research includes empirical, conceptual, and critical approaches to the study of masculinity, identity negotiation, Whiteness, and Afrocentricity. He is nationally recognized for having developed a model known as the Black Masculine Identity Theory.   

"Once an aspiring Darwin T. Turner Scholar Dean Jackson has become a true leader and is now championing diversity as a strategic priority in his first year," said Conference Co-Chair Lisa Newman. "It is wonderful to have a scholar of Dr. Jackson's stature on our campus willing to share his research and promote excellence in diversity understanding at our  5th Annual Diversity Conference."

The UC community is invited to participate as a conference presenter or participant in the5th Annual University of Cincinnati Diversity Conference on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The conference is designed to highlight pedagogy, experiential knowledge and innovative practices that encourage individuals and organizations to build vibrant, diverse and inclusive environments.  To make this event a great community collaboration, organizers are seeking thought-provoking interactive workshop presentations and stimulating panel discussions. Proposals are sought from all interested faculty, students, staff, administrators and area professionals who practice and value being a diversity leader.

"Our new on-line system shows that registrations and proposals are coming in steadily," Newman said. "Faculty, students and staff are invited to join us by participating as a conference presenter or participant in the 5th Annual University of Cincinnati Diversity Conference on Wednesday, March 27."

Call for Proposals & Open Registration for UC Diversity Conference!

From UC Diversity:

CALL FOR PROPOSALS & OPEN REGISTRATION

5^th Annual UC Diversity Conference, March 27, 2013

Be a Diversity Leader!

Learn Educate Advocate Develop Empower Research

Dear 2012 Diversity conference participant,

You are invited to join us by participating as a conference presenter or participant in the 5^th Annual University of Cincinnati Diversity Conference on Wednesday, March 27, 2013

from 8 AM - 5 PM. Last year’s conference brought almost 400 participants and included presentations by noted Cincinnati Leaders and faculty.

This conference is designed to highlight pedagogy, experiential knowledge and innovative practices that encourage individuals and organizations to build vibrant, diverse and inclusive environments.  To make this event great community collaboration, we are seeking thought-provoking interactive workshop presentations and stimulating panel discussions. We welcome proposals from all interested faculty, students, staff, administrators and area professionals who practice and value being a diversity LEADER.

Conference Session Topics

Your program proposal should emphasize being a LEADER in one of the following topic areas:

·         Class and Poverty:  This topic deals with socio-economic diversity and challenges, including debt and homelessness.

·         Conflict Resolution and Leadership:  Focus on resolving conflict and providing participants with opportunities for leadership within their communities.

·         Gender and GLBTQ:  Topics relating to males and females, as well as sexual orientation and identity, are featured in this category.

·         History, Politics and Law: The intersection of government and politics with diversity provides many interesting topics for discussion.

·         Media, Music, Art and Well-Being: Cultural diversity, including social media use, music, art, and health consciousness.

·         Mental and Physical Challenges: These workshops focus on topics affecting those with physical challenges (including deafness, blindness, and mobility impairments) as well as mental challenges, learning disabilities and other handicaps.

·         Race, Ethnicity and Nationality: One of the more common topics thought of in relation to our conference is race, but we expand this category to include both ethnicity and nationality.

·         Religion: Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and more: Religious diversity makes up a significant topic among our workshops.

·         Work, School, Family and Community: Topics pertain to how to improve work, family, and/or school environment or work toward tolerance and acceptance within their community.

Program Format

·         There will be an opening ceremony, keynote and four (4) concurrent sessions with 8 to 10 presentation choices. Audiences will range from 25 to 65 people. The format is flexible and may include more than one presenter.  Sessions will be one hour and fifteen minutes in length. All participants will enjoy networking opportunities during breakfast, the Marian Spencer Ambassador Diversity Awards Luncheon and our closing reception.

Proposal Submission

http://cincinnatiuniv-web.ungerboeck.com/spa/spa_p1_authors.aspx?oc=10&cc=112092603651

·         We are pleased to utilize a new conference management system where abstract proposals, bios and pictures are submitted on-line. Open an account now, you may continue to use the site to edit and build content up until the *January 11, 2013 DEADLINE.

·         Proposals will be evaluated by a committee and presenters will be notified by February 1, 2013.

·         Conference presenters will receive complimentary registration with meals, a personalized Diversity Leader Certificate and a Diversity Leader T-shirt.

Registration

http://cincinnatiuniv-web.ungerboeck.com/coe/coe_p2_details.aspx?oc=10&cc=COE&eventid=5140

·         The early bird registration rate of $25 Students, $50 Faculty & Staff and $75 for community and non-UC faculty is available until January 11, 2013.

·         Rates after January 11, 2013, $30 Students, $55 Faculty & Staff and $100 community and non-UC faculty.

·         All registrants will receive meals and a personalized Diversity Leader Certificate.

We invite organizations, departments and individuals to join us in presenting this year's conference.  The sponsorship levels and corresponding benefits are:

SPONSOR LEVELS & BENEFITS:

• Champion - $500; admit 2; quarter page and name listing as sponsor
• Change Agent - $1,000; admit 4; half page and name listing as sponsor
• Leader - $2,500; admit 8; full page and name listing as sponsor

For more information visit:  http://www.uc.edu/diversity/Conference.html

Diversity Topics Now Accepted for March Conference

From UC News:

Diversity Topics Now Accepted for March Conference

The 2013 UC Diversity Conference seeks thought-provoking programs. Early registration has begun.

Date: 10/8/2012 12:00:00 AM
By: Greg Hand
Phone: (513) 556-1822

   Planners for the University of Cincinnati Diversity Conference are looking for though-provoking presentations for the March 27 event.

"To make this event great community collaboration, we are seeking thought-provoking interactive workshop presentations and stimulating panel discussions," said Mitchel D. Livingston, UC's Chief Diversity Officer. "We welcome proposals from all interested faculty, students, staff, administrators and area professionals who practice and value being a diversity leader."

The 5th Annual University of Cincinnati Diversity Conference will be held March 27, 2013. 

"This conference is designed to highlight pedagogy, experiential knowledge and innovative practices that encourage individuals and organizations to build vibrant, diverse and inclusive environments," said conference Co-Chair Lisa H. Newman.

Newman said there organizers are planning for four concurrent sessions with eight to 10 presentations with flexible formats that may include more than one presenter.  Each session will be one hour and fifteen minutes in length.

Further details are available at the conference web site.

Early registration for the Diversity Conference at reduced rates is also available though the conference web site.

Registration Open for April 18 Diversity Conference

From UC News:

Registration Open for April 18 Diversity Conference

A full program with four concurrent sessions displaying the breadth of diversity issues has been assembled for the 4th Annual UC Diversity conference on April 18. Registration is now open.

Date: 3/28/2012 12:00:00 AM
By: Greg Hand
Phone: (513) 556-1822

   Participants in the 4th Annual UC Diversity conference on April 18 with the theme "I am a Diversity Leader" will have a wide array of session choices, covering pedagogy, experiential knowledge and innovative practices to encourage faculty, students, staff and community members to build vibrant, diverse and inclusive environments.

A full program schedule, and a link to the registration process, is posted to the Diversity Conference website.

“The Conference Program contains an impressive competitively selected 37 presentations from academic, service and community leaders,” said conference co-chair Lisa H. Newman. “Submissions were up by over 50% this year and proposals from Ball State, Miami, and Xavier as well as many from a wide variety of UC departments were selected.”

Keynote speaker for the conference will be Helen Neville, University of Illinois.

Keynote speaker for the conference will be Helen Neville, University of Illinois (Champaign) Provost Fellow and Chair of the Counseling Psychology Program.  Professor of Educational Psychology and African American Studies, Dr. Neville is known for her ground breaking research on racism.

Continental breakfast, lunch and a closing reception are included with registration.   Participants who attend the entire conference will receive a certificate verifying their Diversity Leadership achievement.

To register, visit the Diversity Conference website at http://www.uc.edu/diversity/Conference.html

Participants Needed for Online Survey on Cross-Generational Communication - Please Complete by Apr 9th!

From a UC colleague:

I am planning a presentation on cross-generation communication and work for this year’s diversity conference.  I have created a brief survey in the hopes that I can gather responses from as many students, staff members and faculty as possible.  Feel free to forward the survey to colleagues and students who may be interested in giving feedback. 

I am interested in getting information from people of all ages.  The only stipulation I have is that responders should be students, staff or faculty at a college or university.  

I would like to get responses by Sunday, April 9^th so I can begin review of the data on Monday, April 10^th.  All information received is anonymous. 

Here is the survey link:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/crossgeneration. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.  Thanks in advance for your help.

Maggy Fogler, Assistant Director of Resident Education and Development

Central State University 9th Annual National Urban Education Conference - Jan 18th!

From Central State University's Institute of Urban Education:

Please be our guest at the 9th Annual National Urban Education Conference at Central StateUniversity on January 18, 2012! 

In light of the impressive speakers (e.g., Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Center) and diverse range of presentation topics (e.g., Cradle to Prison Pipeline Crisis, Advocacy, & YOU) attending the conference is sure to be an excellent opportunity. 

This year’s theme is “Multicultural Education – Teaching and Believing.”  Please watch this YouTube video, to learn more:  

UC Diversity Conference Keynote: Dr. Helen Neville - April 18th!

From the UC Diversity Conference:

Diversity Conference Keynote is LEADER in Racism Research

The keynote speaker for the 4^th Annual UC Diversity conference on April 18 will be Helen Neville, University of Illinois (Champaign) Provost Fellow and Chair of the Counseling Psychology Program.  Professor of Educational Psychology and African American Studies, Dr. Neville is known for her ground breaking research on racism. 

Dr. Neville will share her research and validated scale to assess color-blind racial attitudes or the denial, distortion, and minimization of the existence of racism. Findings in this new line of research are providing support for emerging theoretical articulations, such that greater denial of the existence of racism on a structural level have been related to: (a) greater levels of racial and gender intolerance among students and community members and (b) lower levels of self-reported and observed multicultural therapy competencies among counselors. For White college students, adopting a color-blind racial perspective also has been related to greater racial prejudice against Blacks and increased fear and distrust of racial and ethnic minorities. For Blacks, ignoring the influence of racism in the lives of people of color have been related to increased levels of internalized oppression and victim-blaming ideology.

Historically, Dr. Neville’s research interests have focused on three interrelated areas: general and cultural factors influencing stress and coping processes, evaluation of the effectiveness of diversity-related programs, and multicultural education. Her research in the first area has centered on examining general and cultural factors influencing rape survivors, post-assault recovery process and African American students' psychosocial and educational adjustment to predominantly white universities. She is particularly interested in understanding common experiences that transcend race, ethnicity, and class background in adjusting to stressful events, as well as teasing out the more culture-specific factors related to this adjustment.

More information on our keynote. 

Deadline Extended for UC Diversity Conference - Due Jan 16th!

From the UC Diversity Conference:

The theme of this year's conference is
"I am a Diversity Leader"

The 4th Annual University of Cincinnati Diversity Conference will be held on Wednesday April 18, 2012.  The conference is designed to highlight pedagogy, experiential knowledge and innovative practices that encourage faculty, students, staff and Cincinnati community members to build vibrant, diverse and inclusive environments.

Learn     Educate     Advocate     Develop      Empower    Research

DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR CONFERENCE PROPOSALS

Join us by participating as a conference presenter.  The format and conference plan are described in the 2012 Call for Proposals.   Please submit proposals on the Presentation Proposal submission form (Word format).  The proposal deadline is Monday Jan. 16, 2011.

Registration Open for April Diversity Conference

From UC News:

Registration Open For April Diversity Conference

Registration for the third annual University of Cincinnati Diversity Conference on April 20 is now possible.

Date: 3/17/2011 12:00:00 AM
By: Greg Hand
Phone: (513) 556-1822

   Registration for the University of Cincinnati’s third annual Diversity Conference is now open. The conference will be held Wednesday, April 20, 2011.

"With the theme 'Diversity & Inclusion: Accelerating the Transformation,' the conference will highlight pedagogy, experiential knowledge and innovative practices that encourage individuals and organizations to build vibrant, diverse and inclusive environments," said Stacy L. Downing, conference co-chair.
Brenda J. Allen, Ph.D., Associate Dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and a Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Colorado Denver (UCD) will open the conference with a thought-provoking morning presentation followed by 30 exceptional concurrent sessions from faculty, staff, students and community partners.

Three outstanding individuals will receive the Marian Spencer Diversity Ambassador Award during the lunch session and attendees will have the opportunity to participate in fireside chats with Provost Santa Ono, Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer Mitchel Livingston and Dean & Chair of the Diversity Council Louis Bilionis.

"The conference will conclude with a reception allowing attendees to network and debrief from a fantastic day of conversations," Downing said.

To review the agenda, or to register, visit the President's Diversity Council website at www.uc.edu/diversity.

UC Diversity Conference Call for Proposals - Due Jan 17th!

On Wednesday, April 20, 2011, UC will host its 3rd Annual Diversity Conference. 

The theme for this year's conference is Diversity & Inclusion: Accelerating the Transformation. 

The conference is designed to highlight pedagogy, experiential knowledge and innovative practices that encourage individuals and organizations to build vibrant, diverse and inclusive environments. 

In order to make this event a great community collaboration, we are seeking thought-provoking workshop presentations.  The deadline for proposal submissions is Monday, January 17, 2011.  Click here to download a PDF proposal form.

Jamie R presented with Rebecca L as a student at the 1st Annual Diversity Conference.

Linda Bates Parker, Tad Miller Recognized

During yesterday's 2nd annual UC Diversity Conference, RAPP founder Linda Bates Parker and RAPP XXIV member & RAPP XXV Peer Leader Tad Miller were recognized with the Marian Spencer Diversity Ambassador Award.

From the conference program:
In recognition of the longstanding contributions by UC alumna and activist, Marian Spencer, the UC Diversity Council sponsores the Marian Spencer Diversity Ambassador Award to showcase current campus affiliated individuals and groups whose diversity initiatives have positively impacted the university. Students, faculty, and staff can nominate individuals & groups for this award if they meet one or more of the following criteria: shows an awareness for diversity, exhibits sensitivity to people of various cultures, evidence of helping colleagues/peers grow in the area of diversity (race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability status, socioeconomic level, etc.), and prepares others to thrive in a diverse global workforce.

Linda Bates Parker
Former Director, Career Development Center
Nominated by Velta Kelly-Foster, EdD

Linda Bates Parker's husband and daughter accept the award on her behalf from Dean Bilionis.

Linda was dedicated to the field of diversity for many years. She led the early pioneering of diversity initiatives for the University of Cincinnati. She served on numerous diversity panels to discuss diversity issues, both community and statewide. Her expertise in diversity teaching and training cannot be overestimated. The development of her "Managing Diversity in the Workplace" course, reflected her skills and years of experience in addressing diverse learning styles through excellent classroom teaching and experiential learning activities.
In 2007 Linda created and designed the first region-wide Diversity Recruiting Training Institute. The institute focused on the development of skills, insights, and strategies for hiring and retaining a productive multi-ethnic/multi-racial/multi-cultural/multi-generational, and differently-abled workforce. This Institute was just one of many projectst that supported students, by educating our employers on the "best practices" to recruit and retain our talented and diverse UC students. In the community, her leadership of Black Career Women, addressing issues of women in the workforce, attracted women both locally and nationally.
Linda's effective and inclusive leadership style and her passion and spirit for the field of diversity earned her great respect in a profession where she continued to make remarkable and original contributions. Pothumously, we are proud to award the Diversity Ambassador Award to the life and legacy of Linda Bates Parker.

Tad Miller
Senior majoring in Communication
Tad with his award after the conference.

Tad Miller, a senior within the College of McMicken Arts and Sciences' Communication program, is currently an RA in the Office of Resident Education and Development and also serves as a Peer Leader in hte Racial Awareness Program (RAPP). While serving in these capacities, he has demonstrated an awareness of and commitment to multiculturalism, creating an inclusive and supportive environment for a diverse group of students. Despite his busy schedule as an RA, he serves as a mentor to current members [of RAPP] and develops facilitation skills in social justice education. He is know as the "go-to-guy" for many residents on campus and members of RAPP. These students know that Tad will listen to them with an open mind and try to help thme find their own solutions to problems, rather than telling them what to do. While serving as an RA, a peer leader, and outstanding UC student, Tad has not only personally committed himself to being a better leader, but committed himself to helping others become dedicated players in the creation of a just and caring community.

Marvin Lewis Speaks Wednesday @ 3PM

From the Diversity Conference organizers:
Marvin Lewis will be delivering the closing keynote presentation at the 2nd Annual Diversity Conference on Wednesday, April 14.
For those of you who could not attend the entire conference, you will be able to come to the closing session beginning at 3:00PM in the Great Hall [of Tangeman University Center].
In addition to Marvin Lewis, we will present the Marian Spencer Diversity Ambassador Awards and hear the delightful sounds of MUSE Cincinnati's Women's Choir.
This event is open to the entire University community.

Rapping at the Diversity Conference

If you have the good fortune of attending the UC Diversity Conference this Wednesday, be sure to check out all the RAPP in action!
This year's conference's theme is "Diversity & Inclusion: Leadership Imperatives for Excellence" and will feature Marvin Lewis and Dr. Lee Gardenswartz as keynote speakers.
There are several RAPP folk leading concurrent sessions:
Kim McGinnis & Valerie Lewis will present "Inclusion: Integrating Privilege Awareness into Personal and Institutional Spheres" 9:45-11:00AM
Rebecca Lehman will co-present with "Friend of RAPP" Maggy Fogler "Socioeconomic Class & Higher Education: Issues and Engagement" 9:45-11:00AM
Kim & Valerie will present "Emotional Inclusion: Integrating Privilege Awareness" 11:15-12:30AM
Rebecca will present "Personalizing Social Justice through Experiential Learning" 1:45-3:00

Word on the street is that some RAPP folk may be up for some awards during the 3:00 award ceremony. You should come just to find out if they're successful!