2011-2012 Diversity Calendar Notes
National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) 2011-2012 Diversity & Inclusion Series
Learning and Leadership in a Diverse and Polarized Society
The Upstate (Rochester) Chapter of the National Coalition Building Institute has a diverse team with over 25 years of experience in training leaders for a multi-cultural society in institutions of higher education, as well as in the not-for-profit and corporate world.
Options from this acclaimed series give participants awareness and skills to take on leadership roles as a uniting force in the campus community and in the wider world.
Offerings are designed for a three-hour session, but some can be adjusted to accommodate class schedules.
Exploring Immigrant Status Through a Larger Lens
The label “immigrant,” if one traces back far enough, invariably leads to a time when we or our families were seen as “other.” In today’s rapid-paced global society, animosity, exclusion, hatred, and even violence surface as groups from different ethnic, geographic, economic and social backgrounds are set against one another. What are the implications for a campus community? What must individuals and groups give up in order to assimilate into the larger community, and at what cost? This program builds leadership skills to facilitate engagement and dialogue in a society where immigration is seen as a divisive issue.
Beyond Bystanding: Insights and Strategies for Empowering Our Students, Our Clients, and Ourselves
Given the basic moral instinct of humans, recently examined by Harvard’s Steven Pinker, why don't people take action more often to intervene in the face of words or actions they know to be harmful? When do individuals decide it is possible to make a difference, and what motivates them to step in?
The workshop will offer experiential elements of award-winning National Coalition Building Institute programs that provide insights useful for participants into the recordings, internalized oppression, and life experiences that come into play when bystanding is an issue. Participants will examine real-life scenarios and be introduced to specific strategies to become more empowered actors in their own lives, as well as empowering those they will teach or counsel, rather than settle for being passive bystanders.
The Fundamentals of Ally Building: Having the Allies We Need - Being the Allies Others Want
Developing leadership capacity in a global community requires stepping away from isolation and working in partnership with others. What keeps people from claiming their natural leadership potential as allies? How do power and privilege impact how individuals see themselves and those they view as “other”? What does it mean to be an ally and how can allies collaborate in ways which create win/win solutions? This interactive NCBI workshop will enable participants to answer these questions and apply skill-building techniques to the issues on campus and in the wider world. (Especially appropriate to sustained dialogue group. Recommended as a day-long program).
Antidotes to Bullying and Harassment
A bully is a person who tries to control, frighten or intimidate someone seen as vulnerable in some way. Media, entertainment, workplaces and schools are just a few venues where harassment and bullying undermine the social and emotional fabric of society. Understanding the dynamics and how to shift them gives leaders the opportunity to create a safe campus, work or home environment to benefit the individual and the whole group. In this session participants will practice setting a tone that discourages bullying and harassment as well as techniques to interrupt destructive behaviors when they occur.
Gay Marriage - Controversy as Opportunity
The recently passed New York State law allowing two men or two women to marry causes both jubilation and consternation. Given rapidly changing and diverse world views, can such heartfelt and diverse opinions be addressed in a way that acknowledges deeply held convictions on all sides? Using the acclaimed NCBI Controversial Issue process, leaders will learn how to deepen their understanding and reframe the debate in a way that builds bridges.
Facing and Processing the Holocaust
Part I. (Designed as an introduction for those who will visit the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC. However, other classes or students are welcome to attend for extra course or classroom credit as per their individual professors).
Among abundant examples of “man’s” inhumanity to man” in the 20th and 21st centuries, the holocaust stands out as a source of horror, denial, guilt, and fascination. This program will examine the relevance of the holocaust to everyone, regardless of background. It will also help participants begin to find an approach to dealing with the complex issues and feelings the holocaust raises.
Part II. (For those who have visited the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC)
How one integrates this quintessential example of evil into one’s world view and approach to life has occupied philosophers, poets, religious people and politicians for more than 60 years. This session will offer students who attended the Holocaust Museum tools for processing that experience and deepening their quest to find meaning they can integrate into their own lives.
The Gay Alliance 2011-2012 Higher Education Series
LGBT 101: An Introduction to Diversity
PRESENTER: Gay Alliance Speakers Bureau Members
TIME: 1-2 Hours
LEVEL: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
For over 20 years this presentation has been the cornerstone of our education and outreach. The presentation provides participants with a general understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues. Trained Speakers Bureau members will share their personal coming out stories. They will discuss basic terms and vocabulary, including the distinction between sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. The format for this presentation encourages dialogue and provides ample time for participants to ask questions and get honest answers.
Straight Talk: Understanding the Power of the Straight Ally
PRESENTER: Jeanne Gainsburg, Gay Alliance Outreach Coordinator
TIME: 1.5-2 hours
LEVEL: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced
Although the majority of straight people in the U.S. believe in equality for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, most of them remain uninvolved in the civil rights fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. Fears and anxieties associated with becoming active, as well as the belief that a straight ally has little to offer, prevent many people from becoming involved. In this presentation, we will discuss overcoming these concerns. We will study the “coming out” process for the ally. Participants will learn the power that they have to bridge the gap between the straight and the LGBT community. Finally, allies will learn what they can do to work towards decreasing heterosexism, homophobia and transphobia. Straight allies have a unique gift that we can give back to our LGBT friends to thank them for making our world such a wonderful and diverse place.
Safe Zone Training
PRESENTERS: Gay Alliance Staff and/or Speakers Bureau Members
TIME: 1.5 to 3 hours
LEVEL: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced
This fast paced, educational presentation will be tailored to the needs of your organization and can be presented at Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced levels (length of workshop plays a role in determining depth of information, also sessions of different levels can be scheduled individually). The session is perfect for health providers, resident advisors, corporate work teams, student leaders, faculty and staff. Participants will learn: LGBTQIA vocabulary, the difference between sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity, what is myth and what is fact, how to deal with difficult LGBT situations, (teams, housing, client, opposition to inclusion), how to be a supportive straight ally, the Cass developmental model of coming out. At the end of the session, participants who want them are eligible to receive a Gay Alliance “Safe Zone Sticker.”
Anti-Violence Project Safe Zone Training
PRESENTERS: Kelly Clark, Gay Alliance Community Safety Director
TIME: 1.5 to 2 hours
LEVEL: Intermediate or Advanced
PREREQUISITE: Participants must have completed the basic Safe Zone Training before they can attend this workshop.
Safe Zone allies are important resources in schools, colleges and companies. They serve as a friendly face or kind ear for LGBT students and staff around a variety of issues. This workshop is designed to prepare Safe Zone allies to act as resources to people who are experiencing anti-LGBT discrimination, harassment or violence. Participants will explore the continuum of violence from homophobic jokes to hate crimes through various case studies. The workshop will also touch briefly on domestic violence in LGBT relationships and sexual assault in the LGBT community.
LGBT/Queer Youth Issues
PRESENTER: Jessica Cohen, Gay Alliance Youth Program Director
TIME: 1-2 hours
LEVEL: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced
Adolescents are coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning at younger ages than ever before. In this presentation participants will dialogue about the coming out process, issues that young people face when coming out to family and friends, present school climate, and how to make schools and youth services welcoming and safe for all youth regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
The Gender Spectrum
PRESENTERS: Gay Alliance Staff and Speakers Bureau Members
TIME: 1-2 hours
LEVEL: Intermediate or Advanced
The goal of this presentation is to increase participant’s comfort level with gender variant and transgender people, encourage an open discussion of these issues, and teach the importance of inclusive non-discrimination policies, like the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). Trained Speakers Bureau members will share their personal coming out stories and encourage participants to ask questions and dialogue in a safe and respectful environment.
Promoting Safety in the LGBT Community
PRESENTERS: Kelly Clark, Community Safety Director and Anti-Violence Team Members
TIME: 1-3 hours
LEVEL: Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced
This session will focus on the bias, discrimination and violence faced by members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities. The Gay Alliance is the regions’ only participant of the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, and as such is responsible for working with LGBT victims of hate and bias crimes as well as domestic violence and incidents of discrimination. Sessions are designed to provide insight into the root causes of homophobia or anti-LGBT bias, and how this bias, like all biases, actually hurt all of society. Statistics and trends can be addressed as can other aspects of violence prevention.
Designer Panel Presentation
PRESENTER: Gay Alliance Speakers Bureau Members
TIME: 1-2 Hours
LEVEL: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
As with all of our presentations we can tailor this panel presentation to your group's needs. In the past we have run panels made up of LGB and T individuals, some that were just straight allies and several that were exclusively transgender panelists. Panel presentations can include having our trained speakers’ bureau members share their personal coming out stories and then allowing participants to ask questions or it can just be an opportunity to have an open forum for questions and answers. Either way this format encourages dialogue and provides ample time for participants to ask questions and get honest answers.
Lifeguard Training: LGBT Youth and Suicide Prevention
PRESENTERS: Scott Fearing, Gay Alliance Program Director and Jessica Cohen, Gay Alliance Youth Program Director
TIME: 2-3 hours
LEVEL: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced
The Gay Alliance is pleased to be the local provider of the Trevor Project’s Lifeguard Training. This training is geared towards youth service providers, educators and other helping professionals, but will be helpful for any LGBT advocate. The training includes a screening of the Academy Award winning short film TREVOR and a mix of interactive exercise, lecture and small group work. Topics covered include: creating safe and inclusive places, suicide prevention, the impact of language, and useful resources.
Independent Media and Advocacy Journalism: Writing With An Objective
PRESENTERS: Susan Jordan, Editor, Empty Closet Newspaper and Ove Overmyer, Social and Political Activist, Librarian
TIME: 1-2 hours
LEVEL: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced
Under our existing conditions, private enterprise inevitably controls, directly or indirectly, the main sources of media information, including press, radio, and public education. It is extremely difficult, and indeed in most cases quite impossible, for the individual citizen to come to objective conclusions and to make intelligent use of our political and social rights. The role of independent or "alternative media" strikes an important balance in leveling the playing field of independent primary source information. The internet and publications like the Empty Closet Newspaper are distinct alternatives to the business or government-owned mass media sources and are designed to share information, promote individualism and encourage critical thought. This presentation will encourage dialogue and discussion around advocacy journalism and its role as an alternative outlet and a necessary voice for millions of Americans.
LGBT History and Rochester’s Rich History
PRESENTERS: Evelyn Bailey and Shoulders to Stand On Volunteers
TIME: 1-2 hours
LEVEL: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced
This is an examination of the history of the LGBT movement. Points in history that can be examined include: the early Sexuality Liberation movement of the 1930’s in Europe, the early American Homophile movement of the 1950’s, and the beginning of the “modern Gay liberation” movement in 1969. Since the mid 1960’s, Rochester has been at the forefront of many of the important changes that have brought us to where we are today. This presentation will focus on the people and events nationally and locally that changed the face of the gay community and altered the course of history forever.
Examining the Implications and Consequences of "That's So Gay!"
PRESENTER: Kelly Clark, Gay Alliance Community Safety Director
TIME: 1-2 hours
LEVEL: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced
Research shows that when a community does not draw a strong line against stereotyping and biased behaviors, it can lead to more extreme hate crimes like assault, rape, and murder. This workshop examines the continuum of behaviors from biased jokes to murder and explores how ignoring behaviors along the continuum leads to more and more negative behaviors. This workshop is appropriate for grades 6-12, for colleges and universities, and groups and organizations seeking to increase their knowledge of bias related incidents.
Building A Healthy Community
PRESENTERS: Gay Alliance Staff
TIME: 2-3 hours
LEVEL: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced
Intolerance, exclusion, hurtful jokes, bullying and plain old garden variety insensitivity are unacceptable behaviors that break apart community. It is, however, not always easy to muster the permission or courage to speak up against these abuses. This interactive session will create a safe environment for us to examine and talk about the system of oppression and the continuum of violence. Discussion will include giving ourselves permission and the skills we need to interrupt intolerant behaviors and becoming motivated to do so. After working on our strength as individual allies, we will dialogue about how harm reduction and increasing our level of care for one another will help us create a strong, safe, welcoming community.
LGBT Cultural Competency for Professionals
PRESENTERS: Gay Alliance Staff
TIME: 1-3 hours
LEVEL: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced
This professional development workshop is an introduction to LGBT cultural competency. Participants will examine what it means to be culturally competent to work with LGBTQI clients. Workshop content includes review of human sexuality, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexual and gender expression, as well as appropriate use of terms and labels. This workshop is appropriate for victim’s advocates, first responders, medical and mental health providers, or professionals who work in any agency within the criminal justice system.
Marriage Equality: An Exploration of the Progression of Same-Sex Marriage in America
PRESENTERS: Todd Plank, President of Equality Rochester, along with local activists and community leaders
TIME: 1-2 hours
LEVEL: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced
Same-sex couples can now legally marry in New York, but the majority of states continue to define marriage as between a man and a woman. Our country now resembles a patchwork quilt of rights and protections for same-sex couples and their families. This presentation is designed to provide a historical context for understanding the marriage equality movement in the United States, with a focus on the struggle for social and economic justice by and for LGBT individuals. Students will be encouraged to think critically about the arguments made for and against extending marriage rights to same-sex couples. This presentation is designed to be interactive and to foster a honest and respectful discussion. It can be tailored to complement a particular focus of study (religious and/or governmental studies, social movements, gender or queer studies, etc.).