Customized Education and Professional Development
Customized Education Offerings
CENTER FOR CONTINUING STUDIES | ST . CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY
INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP FOR LIFELONG LEARNING
Understanding and Dismantling Racism
Saturday, February 23 rd , 2008
Stearns History Museum, St. Cloud, Minnesota
You are invited to join the SCSU Center for Continuing Studies, the Community Anti-Racism Education Initiative (CARE) and the Minnesota Collaborative Anti-Racism Initiative (MCARI) for a one day workshop on dismantlingracism in Central Minnesota .
Work with experienced facilitators, explore a common definition of racism, and examine the practical implications of change for individuals, institutions, organizations and our larger community.
Who Should Attend?
Would you like to see changes in your institution around the question of racism but don't know where to start? Then you and others in your organization will benefit from this workshop.
This workshop has been designed for public officials, government workers, educators, faith community leadership, business leaders, staff and board members of non-profit organizations, and community members who want to be involved in a process of long-term community transformation.
Overview
If we want to work on solutions to racism, we need to work from a common definition and understanding of racism. Racism is not just individual race prejudice, bias or bigotry. It is more than individual attitudes and actions. Race prejudice becomes racism when one group's racial prejudices are enforced by the systems and institutions of the society.
Understanding and Dismantling Racism will provide a framework for individuals to explore anti-racism and to enhance their capacity to participate in multi-cultural collaborations that combat systemic racism. Workshop activities will provide a context for institutional accountability to oppressed communities and offers participants the opportunity to become allies in the struggle for racial justice.
Expectations
Participants will:
• Engage in an exploration and analysis of racism with a focus on racial dynamics and systemic power.
• Learn a functional definition of systemic racism.
• Explore the implications of racism for individuals, institutions and the community.
• Learn how to initiate a process of systemic change and institutional transformation.
Meet Your Presenters
Professor Debra Leigh has been on the faculty at St. Cloud State University as the Director of the Dance program for the past 17 years. Leigh is the founder and artistic director for the SCSU Repertory Dance Theater and the Summer Dance Institute. As a Fulbright Scholar, Professor Leigh worked in the community, choreographed, taught and presented dance performances in Indonesia . In South Africa she worked as both a teacher and artist-in-resident, conducting research in Human Rights, reconciliation, dance and HIV/Aides health issues. Prof. Leigh has been involved in community and institutional transformation in Minnesota since 1990. Leigh has served on various art boards, taskforces and organizations including the Council on Black Minnesotans, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, the NAACP, the Minnesota Minority Education Partnership, Central Minnesota Human Rights Regional Taskforce, Create Community, Multicultural Children's Art Connection, and the Higher Education Anti-Racism Team. She is one of the co-founders of the Community Anti-Racism Education Initiative (CARE) at St. Cloud State University . Professor Leigh will join the MCARI staff as a trainer for this event.
Mr. James Addington is co-director of the Tri-Council Coordinating Commission. The Commission is a collaborative effort among the Minnesota , Greater Minneapolis, and Saint Paul Area Councils of Churches. The Commission has program oversight of the Minnesota Collaborative Anti-Racism Initiative (MCARI). MCARI provides substantial anti-racism consultation and training for faith-based organizations, non-profit institutions, government agencies and institutions of higher education. Mr. Addington has 30 years experience in local community development, leadership training, organizational development and strategic planning. He spent 10 years in a variety of local and regional development projects in Jamaica , Venezuela , India , the Philippines , and Nigeria . He served for nine years as the director of the Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy in Minnesota . He has also served as adjunct faculty at Luther Seminary. Mr. Addington currently serves on the Board of Directors of Crossroads Interfaith Ministry in Chicago and is a training consultant for Crossroads.
Workshop Details
Date& Locations
Saturday, February 23 rd , 2008 - Stearns History Museum,235 33 rd Avenue South, St. Cloud, Minnesota
10 :30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Check in: 30 minutes prior to program
Fees
The registration fee is $79.00 per person and includes refreshments, lunch and workshop materials. A $10.00 early registration discount will apply for all registrations received 10 working days prior to the program date. Other discounts are also available! Please call for more information.
Registration Procedure
Please register on the attached form. All registrations are due by one week prior to workshop to allow for an accurate food count. Early registration is encouraged.
Please download your registration form here (Word Format): Understanding and Dismantling Racism Registration
To register by phone, please call: 320-308-3081. For additional information, contact Gail Ruhland at: Gmruhland@stcloudstate.edu.
Note: A confirmation letter, map and workshop preparation materials will be mailed to all registered participants.
Special Accommodations
To ensure full participation in this workshop, please inform us about any dietary requirements or physical challenges which should be addressed prior to your arrival.
Please call if you would like more information or have questions. Contact Gail Ruhland at (320) 308-3081.
Customized Corporate Education
The Center for Continuing Studies invites inquiries from businesses and organizations throughout the State of Minnesota regarding targeted programs specific to individual needs.
If you or your business is interested in having a training package designed for your needs, contact:
Gail Ruhland
Director of Training Program Development
Center for Continuing Studies
St. Cloud State University
320-308-3081 or
Gmruhland@stcloudstate.edu.
