Lessons Learned: The RAPP Agreement

In RAPP, we use "The RAPP Agreement" to help our group members communicate their needs to one another. 

The process of building The RAPP Agreement begins with a list of suggestions from current members on ways they can feel heard and respected within the group as well as ways they can stay present and respectful. After vetting these suggestions the group ends up with a nice set of community guidelines (not rules) that will help them communicate throughout our 9-month process. 

I feel this process and its end product are invaluable to the RAPP group and I highly recommend implementation outside of RAPP. This agreement helps the group promote healthy conversation with the group, while avoiding conflict where no learning takes place. Thinking about needs is a good communication skill for leaders.

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

Lesson Learned: Peer Leadership

At this point in the year, I am reminded of how much I rely on the other leaders around me. Though everyone in RAPP is a leader, I am thinking specifically of our peer leaders. RAPP's peer leaders play pivotal roles both as mentors and friends.
This year Jalisa, Nate, and Siva have been amazing! They show up to everything, they contribute real and valuable insights to conversations, and they make me feel comfortable in the work I do with RAPP.

Nate, Siva, & Jalisa on their way to retreat!

There are many things I find inspiring about our peer leaders, but these are just some of the examples. They set their own learning goals, but I have found that they are indispensable at helping me achieve my own. 

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: 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

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

Let's Talk About It! Recommends You Check Out These Events

Along with its own programs, Let's Talk About It! strives to highlight the wealth of programming happening on our campus that engages people in education & dialogue around issues of identity, difference, and oppression.

"Breaking the Polite Silence: A Conversation about Race" with Dr. Michael Eric DysonWednesday, October 167pm-8:30pmTUC Great Hall

Sponsored by President Ono, Provost Davenport, and Interim Chief Diversity Office Marshall

Dr. Bettina Love & ElementzMonday, October 22
5:30pm-8:30pm
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (map) 
50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Sponsored by the UC Center for Hope & Justice

Tim Wise LectureWednesday, October 23
6pm-8:30pm
TUC MainStreet Cinema

Sponsored by Programs & Activities Council

Let's Talk About It! The Writing on the Wall - Tomorrow 12noon-3PM

The somewhat recent incident where a cartoon depicting Arts & Sciences Dean Ronald Jackson and Assistant Dean Carol Tonge Mack briefly circulated has provided our campus an opportunity to engage in dialogue and learning around race and gender, among other issues.

Let’s Talk About It! invites students to explore race, gender, and daily experience here at UC.  Along with supporting campus programs that provide the space for meaningful learning and conversation, it has programs specific to exploring our perspectives on the cartoon.

The Writing on the WallMcMicken Commons (rain location: next to TUC Express Mart)
Wednesday, October 16
12pm-3pm

Stop by any time to share your thoughts in writing and/or in conversation - stay a for a few minutes or as long as you'd like.

Stay connected with the full Let’s Talk About It!  schedule on Campus LINK.