Authentic Conversations on Privilege and Race

Authentic Conversations on Privilege and Race

As our country moves almost a decade beyond the 50th anniversaries of the signing of the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts, we as a country continue to grapple with the barriers and obstacles that divide us. Despite these divisions, it remains critical for us to look forward toward the vision of equality for all people. In so doing we take a leap of faith and an act of courage to make human connections with others who may be different than ourselves. The vision for creating communities that are inclusive, respectful, equitable, and loving toward ALL, is our north star.

This day-long event is an invitation to begin or continue to examine our professional and personal experiences using a lens of privilege and racism. As a result of engagement, participants will:

• apply the Principles for How We Treat Each Other in reflective dialogue
• examine our privileges
• understand the existence of systems of advantage
• challenge our assumptions about privilege and racism
• identify the difference between being a non-racist and an anti-racist.

In this way, each will be better equipped to learn and work effectively in a pluralistic society, by improving the multicultural experience for ourselves, our families, colleagues, and the people we encounter along the way.

In the morning, participants gain an understanding of what is meant by privilege (unearned advantage) and explore multiple areas of privilege, including white privilege. The scholarship Dr. Peggy McIntosh will inform our understanding of privilege and privilege systems. The workshop teaches that all people experience unearned privileges as well as disadvantages and allows people space and time to share personal stories in a disarming and safe environment. The workshop creates a safe space for participants to risk sharing life experiences that shaped them concerning race and systems of privilege and disadvantage. The telling of personal stories supports an authentic transformation of self and strengthens relationships. Honoring every story and treating each other with dignity and respect are modeled in this safe environment.

After lunch, participants to discuss the topic of race and how it affects each of us in our daily lives as we consider action steps to help us move forward together toward more equitable communities. Issues of implicit bias, stereotypes, microaggressions, and the “isms” frame the learning. Addressing one of the hidden histories in our community, red-lining creates new awareness about systemic racism and helps frame the learning. Experiential exercises reinforce the learning. Self-awareness and awareness of others’ diversity dimensions are a key component.

The day includes coffee, tea, snacks throughout the day, and a catered lunch with vegetarian options.

Facilitators

Dr. Shari Koopmann

Dr. Shari Koopmann has taught English at Valencia College since 2000. She is the recipient of the NISOD Excellence Award in Teaching (2010) and the Faculty Association Award for Excellence in Counseling, Teaching, and Librarianship (2019). In addition to teaching, Shari has spent many years working in faculty development, serving as Activity Coordinator for the Teaching/Learning Academy and facilitator for the Peace and Justice Institute (PJI). As a PJI facilitator, she leads workshops and programs on a variety of social justice topics. Currently, she co-facilitates the year-long program SEED, Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity, based on the work of Peggy McIntosh.Shari holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in literature from the University of New Hampshire, and a doctoral degree in education from the University of Central Florida. Her dissertation focused on the relationship between service-learning and civic engagement in the two-year college. Shari lives in Orlando with her wife and their dog, Desi. She has a passion for plant-based nutrition/cooking, creative writing, true crime, and traveling.

Hank Van Putten

Hank Van Putten is a native of Jamaica, New York, and earned his B.S. in Education from Northeastern University and an M. Ed. from Cambridge College. Hank's career of 35 years in the Newton Public Schools in Massachusetts began as an elementary physical education teacher, continued as a middle school physical education, and concluded with 12 years as an administrator, serving as a Middle School Assistant Principal, then an Elementary Principal and lastly a Middle School Principal, a role he held until his retirement in June 2009.

Hank is an anti-racist educator who has received training from internationally recognized scholars including Dr. Peggy McIntosh, Dr. Beverly Tatum, Dr. Jonanthan Saphier, and renowned diversity trainer Lee Mun Wah. His interests have focused on the impact of race on the academic achievement of African American students. Hank is currently a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Facilitator & Trainer for the Peace and Justice Institute in Orlando. Greatest among Hank’s blessings is his blended family with his wife Gail. Together, they have four children, ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.