Programs
The following are descriptions of some of my program offerings. Please bear in mind that many sessions are customized for your specific needs and outcomes. We will work together to ensure that your event accomplishes all of your goals in a most successful and enjoyable manner.
Diversity Workshops
Taking Adversity Out Of Diversity
This honest and engaging program will inspire people to create more inclusive communities. Our biggest challenge in achieving this goal is our fear of being judged and misunderstood. This fear prevents good people from taking meaningful action. At times we are so afraid of saying the 'wrong' thing that we make the biggest mistake of all which is to say nothing. Our patterns of communication are vital to our success when exploring such explosive issues as race, gender, sexual orientation, class, disabilities, age and religion. This award winning session gets beyond our fear of saying the 'wrong' thing and teaches more effective and compassionate ways to connect.
Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say
Even well-intended people cause harm. Have you ever found yourself saying "Some of my best friends are..." or "I don't think of you as..."? People often make statements which they intend to be supportive or complimentary, but end up being problematic. Meant as joining statements, these remarks often have the opposite effect and end up creating a larger divide and at times even anger. Many of us are not aware that we have done anything wrong. Our ability to communicate across difference becomes a critical weapon in dismantling escalating tensions. Participants will gain knowledge of communication traps, how to avoid them and what tools to use in their place.
Mr. Fix-It & Friends Go To Diversity Training
Mr. Fix-It, Gag-Man, Colorblind Lady, Invisible Person, and Quiz-Quiz, demonstrate the many layers that can complicate our interactions around diversity. In five short but engaging minutes, participants will be able to identify with the characters frustration and conflict as they are required to attend a diversity training program. This session will identify non-productive behaviors which diminish the group's effectiveness and offer alternatives that will dramatically transform the group's dynamics.
It's a 'White' Thing
How many white people actually think about being white? What is white culture and how does it impact us? This program is designed by a white facilitator in an effort to help other white people focus on our own issues of racism. We will review white identity development theories and the process of understanding our own white culture. Discussions about our challenges of being allies, attitudes and behaviors about race will be explored.
How Sexism Impacts Women & Men
Confusion about the roles and expectations between the sexes continues to create havoc, especially as we try to communicate. Simple tasks such as opening a door or paying the restaurant bill become forums for debate and are often stress producing. How then are we to effectively join forces to deal with more serious and higher risk issues? This program examines how men and women relate and process differently so that we can empathize, not blame one another. We will discuss real life frustrations and insights in an effort to move us closer to understanding each other.
The In's and Out's of Sexual Orientation
As discussions of sexual orientation permeate our politics and workplace, many questions need to be addressed. Should gays and lesbians be allowed to legally marry? Should they have the same basic civil rights as heterosexuals? These are just a few of the issues forcing society to take a stand. This engaging and lively format will examine the practical challenges facing us at home and work. You will leave with a better understanding of some of the daily challenges our gay, lesbian and bisexual colleagues and friends face and get insight as to how to be a stronger ally.
Leadership Programs
Games Played Lessons Learned
Remember being 'It' in the game tag? Games we played as children provided us with afternoons of fun and laughter. For some of us, these were our first life lessons in life about sharing and playing by the rules. A deeper look reveals that the strategies of scapegoating, cut throat competition, exclusion, and a win-lose mentality employed to win these games, are similar to the strategies we employ in the adult playgrounds of leadership and community development. This presentation takes a unique look at leadership and its impact on the development of community.
Mr. Fix-It Goes To Work
Mr. Fix-It & Friends play out all the common destructive behaviors found in a low performing group meeting. Non-verbal behaviors, sabotaging the leader, inadequate communication skills and the all too common water cooler gatherings before and after the actual meeting, are some of the issues raised in this four minute play. This session will address what is not working and offer alternatives that will transform your meetings into a higher performing and engaging gathering.
It's Not About the Board
What are the challenges that prevent you from attaining the personal and professional success you seek? Where we focus our energy and self-talk have a profound effect on our motivation level and ability to achieve. This session will provide you with the opportunity to explore these barriers and break the biggest obstacle - fear. You will learn to break an actual board as a symbol of the barriers you must break before reaching your desired outcomes. The truth is that change happens in an instant, in a moment of decision and commitment. Shatter fear now!
From Fear To Firewalker: Creating Effective Change.
If there is something in your life that you do not like, CHANGE IT OR CHANGE YOUR RESPONSE TO IT! Your attitude determines your altitude and how empowered you feel to make effective changes to enhance your life.
This program will focus on two questions:
1. How does fear impact your life? Fear is one of the most debilitating emotions we possess. It prevents us from challenging colleagues on tough issues, from seeking that job change we want and ultimately achieving our dreams.
2. Where do you place most of your focus, on the past, present or future? People who spend more time in the past experience higher rates of depression, while people who focus too much in the future experience anxiety. Being able to stay focused on the present is an ongoing challenge. As professionals, sometimes we do not let go of past experiences, either institutionally or personally, which fosters a negative work environment. Participants will learn to reflect on the past while having an eye towards the future, for the most effective way to manage the present.
