Last Film of Courageous People Series

In Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation, we talked about the nonviolence movement in the United States and the teachings of Martin Luther King.

Those who participated in KNCR as well as the SALD Community are all invited to join us as we look at nonviolent movements from across the globe. This series is titled, "Courageous People".

We will now look at the nonviolent movement and resistance that fought segregation in Nashville.


Feel free to bring lunch! This is open to all UC students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders!

                                                  Tuesday, August 5th, 12pm- 1:30pm
                                                       6th Floor Steger Student Life

RAPP Leaders Go On To Be... National Frame-changers

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.

Un and her child Anouk at the RAPP XXIV Fall Retreats

Un Kyong Ho was facilitator & graduate assistant with RAPPs XXI & XXII before becoming the Program Coordinator of Diversity Education, coordinating & facilitating RAPP XXIII and coordinating the grant proposal that led to RAPP's restructuring in 2008. She also led the re-development of and facilitated RAPPORT.

Un Kyong is associate producer on the recent documentary Private Violence, which offers a harrowing account of domestic violence from the perspective of two survivors which works to disrupt the oft-asked question "why doesn't she just leave?"  She is also a producer on (and blogger for) the series A Chef's Life, which explores food issues through sharing the story of a family-owned farm-to-table restaurant in eastern North Carolina.

Private Violence Trailer (3 minutes) from Cynthia Hill on Vimeo.

A Chef's Life teaser from A Chef's Life on Vimeo.

RAPP Outreach in Fall Semester

As a programming area in Student Activities & Leadership Development, RAPP works in three main ways:  Intensives, RAPPORT, and Outreach.  Outreach is where we have a great opportunity for broad impact and is where we engage the most Bearcats.

So far this semester, we have done six programs on campus and connected with around 150 people.  Appropriate for midterms, we have another six scheduled.  Here are some snapshots of what we've done this fall:

• We explored the Just Community Principles and how they relate with our community & student success with the AACRC Habari Gani Ambassadors.
• We explored communication about race, daily experiences of race, and positive racial identity development with the students of Psych 2042, Psychology of Interpersonal Relations.
• We discussed ourselves in the context of multiple identities and explored how that impacts our lives and community with members of the UC chapter of Future Educators of America.
• We explored our connections with the Prison Industrial Complex (PIC), its history in America, and the history of resistance & change in the Introduction to the PIC Workshop with Jefferson Complex RA Brendon Richey.
• We identified demographics and resources around race, gender, sexuality, and ability and explored how complex these identities are in university life with McMicken Ambassadors.
• Rebecca shared her journey into Social Justice Education and her perspectives on/experiences in the field, as well as led an activity on multiple identity self-awareness, with the students of Careers in Communication.

Still ahead are the showing of The Line in Stratford Heights, the faculty & staff focused Creating a Gender-Inlcusive Campus, inclusive leadership with the Student Government First-Year Leadership Program, and workshops with first-year learning communities.

RAPP Office Updates - Check Us Out!

RAPP's on-campus home for the past half-dozen years has been in 669 Steger Student Life Center. 

The office was originally Diversity Education's.  When RAPP became its own independent functional area in Student Activities & Leadership Development (SALD) in 2008 with the financial support of the Diversity Council, we began sharing the office.  Beginning in 2010, Diversity Education was no longer a coordinated area of SALD with a dedicated Program Coordinator - instead the concept of it was shared under several programs coordinated throughout SALD.

With that change, the office became solely RAPP's.  It also began to be open much more throughout the week since our RAPP Public Ally and interns worked primarily out of the space.  It is now kept open nearly all day Monday through Thursday and Friday afternoons by our great team of Public Ally and interns.

We took a lot of things down for last spring's 25 Year Reunion and have been slowly reorganizing the office since then.  I'm happy to say that we've got some great things finally finished that I encourage everyone to come check out!

New RAPP Sign

Our previous Public Ally Kinsey started a project involving several RAPPers to create some art for our office.  Our current Public Ally Marjorie finished the main painting over the break and we hung it for all to see! Check it out below (my camera-phone doesn't do it justice).

Re-Hanging of RAPP Photos

One of my favorite parts of the RAPP Office has always been the display of photos of all the groups.   In 2008, the Diversity Education Program Coordinator and I rehung all the photos around the top of the room because the wall they were on ran out of space for the new photos.  I loved that we were encircled by our history!

When we hung them in 2008, we knew we'd run out of space for photos in 2011.  I already had hopes for the reunion to be that year, so it was an accepted issue.  We took all the photos down for the reunion and they have been stored in the office since waiting for us to find a new way to hang them all.

Over the break, Marjorie laid out a design and she and I put some hanging tools to use!  The photos now encompass the entire east wall of the office and we've made room for them to be hung in this way through RAPP XXXI (which is hopefully when the 30 Year Reunion will be held!).

Though you can see all the photos on our history site, it's amazing to come and see photos of all 26 groups and three reunions in one space.

RAPP XXVII Photo Rosters

I don't know whether this was done in the past, but since RAPP XXIV I've enjoyed putting up photo rosters of the RAPP groups in our office.  My hopes are it helps people learn names, it highlights who is going through the process, and it previews who will be added to the photo wall above.


Marjorie prepped the posters and we got them back over the break.  They're on display in the RAPP Office now so that RAPPers current, former, and future can stop by and see who is doing the great work that is participating in the RAPP process.  Check out our 66 current members and eight leaders below!

Still Ahead

Nothing is ever really finished - there are still different projects ahead in the office.  Keep an eye out the rest of the academic year for:

• An award display that highlights the many ways RAPP has been recognized since 1986.
• A RAPPORT photo section.
• A framed RAPP I sweatshirt, thanks to a generous donation of his sweatshirt by RAPP I member Reed Adler.
• More homemade artwork highlighting RAPP's mission & mottos and possibly more!

This office hopes to continue striving to be small but mighty!  Thanks to the amazing folks over the years that have made it what it is!

-Rebecca

Two Films Remain in Human Rights Watch Film Fest - Nov 18-19!

From Student Activities & Leadership Development:


Two films remain in the 2011 Human Rights Watch Film Festival at UC!


You Don’t Like the Truth: 4 Days inside Guantanamo
Friday, November 18, 2011
2pm-4pm
TUC Cinema


You Don’t Like the Truth – 4 Days Inside Guantanamo is a stunning documentary based on security camera footage from an encounter in Guantanamo Bay between a team of Canadian intelligence agents and Canadian citizen Omar Khadr, then a 16-year-old detainee. 


Based on seven hours of video footage recently declassified by the Canadian courts, this documentary delves into the unfolding high-stakes game of cat and mouse between captor and captive over a four-day period. Maintaining a surveillance-camera style, the film analyses the political, legal, and psychological aspects of the interrogation through interviews with Khadr’s lawyers, a psychiatrist, an investigative journalist, former Guantanamo detainees, and a former US interrogator. 


This unique depiction of Omar Khadr’s interrogation offers an unusual insight into a world where “the truth” itself is often negotiated.

Better this World 
Saturday, November 19, 2011
12pm-2pm
AACRC


**Light lunch will be provided**


Community service hours for attending this film! Please conatct Nicole Ausmer at 556-6115 for more details!


When David McKay and Bradley Crowder, two boyhood friends from Midland, Texas, visit an Austin bookstore to hear a talk on upcoming protests at the 2008 Republican National Convention, they are approached by a charismatic local activist 10 years their senior, who quickly becomes their mentor. 


Six months later at the volatile 2008 Convention, McKay and Crowder cross a line that radically changes their lives. The result: eight Molotov cocktails, multiple domestic terrorism charges, and a high-stakes entrapment defense.


 A dramatic story of idealism, loyalty, crime, and betrayal, BETTER THIS WORLD goes to the heart of the “war on terror” and its impact on civil liberties and political dissent in the United States after 9/11.

Watch Suspenseful Story of Justice System and Friendship in on PBS. See more from PBS NEWSHOUR.

Equality Ohio offers LGBT Trainings and Presentations

From Equality Ohio:

Bring Equality Ohio to Your University or Workplace

Equality Ohio offers a broad range of presentations, some for continuing education credit, that you can bring to your workplace or university. Equality Ohio’s Director of Programs and Outreach, Kim Welter, consistently travels throughout Ohio to present LGBT-related training to direct care providers, schools, businesses, and other organizations. The presentations include:

• Straight Talk About LGBT Issues: General issues effecting the LGBT community
• Safe Places Safe Spaces: Creating welcoming and inclusive environments for LGBT individuals
• The State of the State: The status of state policies and how they effect the LGBT community
• Marriage: How state marriage policies effect the LGBT community
• Local/State Dynamics: How to work on local ordinances

Contact Kim Welter today to schedule a presentation. 

New Presentation on Islam Available from Interfaith Speakers

Via the Center for Community Engagement listserv:

New Educational Presentations by Interfaith Speakers in Cincinnati
On Islam and the Rise in Anti-Muslim Sentiments
Call to set up a presentation for your class or staff
 

Background
In recent times, violence & terrorism has unfortunately become associated with Islam and Muslims. According to a newly released Poll by Gallup, Americans are more than twice as likely to express prejudice against Muslims as they are against Christians, Jews, or Buddhists. Although nearly two-thirds of Americans say they have little or no knowledge of Islam, a majority have an unfavorable opinion of Islam. Such findings underscore the need for education and discussions about Islam and Muslims.

A Newly Created Interfaith Educational Committee
In an effort to reduce the rise in Anti-Muslim sentiments, an interfaith educational effort was initiated in Cincinnati through the co-operative effort of Bridges for a Just Community, The UC Peace Village, Muslim Mothers Against Violence (An initiative of the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati), and The Council on American Islamic Relations. The goal of this Interfaith Educational Committee is to promote mutual respect through on-site presentations on Islam from a Muslim and a non-Muslim perspective.

Our Presentation
Our presentation consists of a quick overview of Muslim traditions and practices, followed by an interactive conversation with the students about common misconceptions about Islam and Muslims and a message of tolerance from a non-Muslim presenter. Educators and administrators will have a better understanding of how to interact with Muslim students or Muslim coworkers in a post 9/11 environment while ensuring an inclusive and safe learning environment for all students where they can fulfill their potential and perform their best.
 

The interactive presentation increases knowledge of Islam focusing on similarities between faiths to foster respect of students of all backgrounds. The resources and information will help educators promote diversity and teach students about the harmful effects of bias, prejudice, and hate.

How to Book Speakers
We welcome and encourage you to set up an on-site presentation with us for your staff and students by calling Dr. Steve Sunderland at 513-919-2538 or send an email to stephen.c.sunderland@uc.edu.
 
Sincerely,
Chip Harrod (BRIDGES for a Just Community)
Dr. Steve Sunderland (University of Cincinnati’s Peace Village)
Zeinab Schwen (Council on American Islamic Relations)
Homa Yavar (Muslim Mothers Against Violence)

College of Law's Diversity Day

UC College of Law is having Diversity Day Friday Feb. 25 from 12 - 4:30pm. It is geared towards prospective students, or students who are just curious. Many students have never really thought about law school being in their plans but the College of Law is trying to show students that there is more to law school than one usually thinks.


Come and get an "inside look" at law school and the legal profession from attorneys, judges, professors, and law students. Get information on UC Law and the many opportunities that it offers as a premier legal institution. 

• You will sit in on a mock class and discover what a law school class looks like
• Get honest feedback on what it takes to get into law school and excel
• And network with area professionals and hear first hand what it is like to be a minority in the legal profession

If you are interested in going, please RSVP to admissions@law.uc.edu. For answers to any questions you may have please call 513-556-0078. Within your RSVP email please include:

• Your name
• Phone number
• Email address
• High school/college/post graduate student status (including year in school)
• The number attending (if group)

This event is presented by the UC Black Law Students Association,  UC Asian Pacific Law Students Association, UC Latino Law Students Association, and UC College of Law Office of Admission. It is also funded in part by the Law School Admission Council as part of DiscoverLaw.org month.

A Short but Busy Week

I wanted to tell you a little about this shortened week because I think it highlights some of the things we've got cooking for the RAPP XXVI year! Along with our usual outreach to incoming students at the Bearcat Bound Orientation, there are three interesting things on the calendar:

• Thursday morning I'll be attending an orientation session for Potential Partner Organizations with Public Allies Cincinnati. This means RAPP has been selected as a potential partner organization! We'll be continuing to work through August to try to find a match to work with us in the 2010-2011 school year. If we find a match, we'll employ a Public Ally to work with RAPP XXVI and RAPPORT 10-11. We'll also be connected with the many amazing organizations in the Public Allies Cincinnati network.
• Thursday evening I'll be back out with the Upward Bound students at the College of Mt. St. Joseph. This, to me, represents our increasing outreach to the Cincinnati community. One of the great benefits we'll get if we're able to have a Public Ally is increased staff time to do outreach. I'd love for us to continue the work we've started with other colleges and university (Cincinnati State, Thomas Moore, now Mt. St. Joe's) and community organizations (Leadership Scholars). If you would like free outreach workshops for your program or organization, contact me any time at lehmanrl@uc.edu.
• Saturday afternoon I'll be in Columbus for an Ohio chapter meeting of the National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME). I joined NAME this year to get connected with the great resources and people involved in the field. Increased participation within NAME is a goal for me this year.

President Williams' Book Talk

UC President Dr. Williams spoke yesterday as a part of the Center for Access and Transition author series. The event was co-sponsored by CAT, SALD, and Diversity Education and had 150 or more people at it.
The News Record covers the event far better than I could in this article.

(pic - President Williams signed a book and spoke with SALD Administrative Coordinator Patty Speed)

Human Rights Watch Film Festival

Diversity Education is organizing local participation in the International Human Rights Watch Film Festival. This event is co-sponsored by UC|Sustainability.

Come enjoy a free film showing every night Monday, February 22nd through Friday, February 26th. Films start at 7PM and are shown in the MainStreet Cinema in Tangeman University Center. This festival is free and open to the public.

Feb. 22 at 7pm: Afghan Star
After 30 years of war and the Taliban’s repression, Afghan Pop Idol is taking the nation by storm. But this is more than just a TV show. In Afghanistan you risk your life to sing.

at 9pm: Naqoyqatsi
A visual journey through life as war.
(presented by UC|Sustainability)

Feb. 23 at 7pm: Crude
The inside story of the “Amazon Chernobyl” case in the rainforest of Ecuador, the largest oil-related environmental lawsuit in the world.

Feb. 24 at 7pm: Burma VJ - Reporting from a Closed Country
Armed with video-cameras, a tenacious band of Burmese reporters face down death to expose the repressive regime controlling their country.

at 9pm: Manufactured Landscapes
Capturing the intentional in the death of the natural, the photography of Edward Burtynsky.
(presented by UC|Sustainability)

Feb. 25 at 7pm: The Reckoning: The Battle for the International Criminal Court
An insightful documentary that follows two riveting dramas—the prosecution of unspeakable crimes and the International Criminal Court’s fight for justice.

Feb. 26 at 7pm: My Neighbor, My Killer
When peace comes, how do you make it right again? An epic emotional journey in search of coexistence in Rwanda.

Goodbye to Another RAPP Leader

This January, Student Activities and Leadership Development will be saying goodbye to another person who's been key to RAPP's success.
Un Kyong Ho began working with RAPP as a Diversity Education graduate assistant with RAPP XXI. She was a busy and involved GA despite the demanding academic program she was in - the joint JD and MA in Women's Studies program. She facilitated her first year with Matt McCaren (group pictured below).
Un led the facilitation team from there out. She facilitated with Steve Succop for RAPP XXII - fully planning the curriculum and leading all sessions. This year she had another challenge along with her studies - bringing into the world a "RAPP baby." She managed to balance her duties as a parent, student, and worker with amazing success.
Un took the position as Program Coordinator of Diversity Education and fully coordinated RAPP XXIII, working with the facilitators Steve Succop and Rebecca Lehman. She also took Worldfest to a whole new level that year by pushing into social justice exploration with "Worldfest Goes Green!" She also advised students from previous RAPPs in their efforts to bring back RAPPORT.
During this year, Un also coordinated the successful push for University re-investment in RAPP. She supervised the writing of a proposal for Diversity Council support of RAPP - and garnered us the funds that has paid for a full-time RAPP program coordinator.
In the last and this years' RAPPs, Un has remained strongly connected in an advisorial role and continued offering training to our campus and community as well as co-coordinating RAPPORT and continuing to offer thought-provoking programming.
On top of all of that, Un has continued being an amazing parent, an active community advocate on several political issues/campaigns, and continued her studies.
Un will be greatly missed in SALD and RAPP! She's pictured above with her "traditional" SALD parting gift - an inscribed crystal canister.

Please join us in our goodbye party on Un's last day:
Monday, January 4th
3-5PM
6th Floor Open Space
Steger Student Life Center

Teaching Ones Outside of RAPP

I feel like the summer is wrapping up because RAPP is getting back into the swing of things with facilitating workshops! RAPP and Diversity Education offer a wide variety of workshops and trainings on many topics to the University and local community. I'm always excited to take on a new topic and give it our social justice and experiential learning spin.

Last Thursday, Un and I spent the day with student leaders at Thomas More College in Crestview Hills, Kentucky. We worked with students from residence life, the Student Activities Board, hall government, student government, and the National Residence Hall Honorary. They were a great group and we enjoyed exploring with them ideas of leadership, communication styles, and the importance of a diverse team.

Today I'll be back in my old stomping grounds of UC's Resident Education and Development. I'll be working with their residence coordinators and graduate students on hall government issues. This team is one I greatly appreciate being connected with because of their diligence in demonstrating their core values, including multiculturalism and communication.

RAPP and Diversity Education have been working the past year developing peer education programs with RAPPORT. We're available to facilitate workshops with student groups, offices, community groups, and more. To schedule a workshop, simply contact me.

(pic - taken from the Thomas More homepage)
-Rebecca