Compassion: A Key Element of Effective Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Work
May 25, 2022 11:00 AM
to
12:00 PM
Registration Deadline: May 25, 2022 11:00 AM
This session will introduce the construct and practice of compassion into Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) work for students, staff, and faculty interested in EDI at Western University. Participants will be invited to a professional learning community by reading and discussing the book "Deep Diversity: A Compassionate, Scientific Approach to Achieving Racial Justice" by Shakil Choudhury from June-November 2022 (https://www.amazon.ca/Deep-Diversity-Compassionate-Scientific-Achieving/dp/1771649011). Previous knowledge of the book is not mandatory.
In his book, Deep Diversity, Choudhury uses "a trauma-informed approach that removes shame or blame, and offers us the tools to recognize, take authentic responsibility, and enact deep change. Readers will come away from the book with practical tools and an understanding of:
- How to become a systems thinker by developing "racial pattern recognition" skills in order to challenge racism and other forms of systemic discrimination when we encounter them, while minimizing the tendency to shame or blame ourselves or others.
- How to recognize when the unconscious influence of bias, identity, emotions, or power contradicts our beliefs about equality, and how to realign our thoughts/words/actions.
- "How to break the racial "prejudice habits" we have all been socialized into since birth, using research-based strategies."
Facilitated by: Raghad Ebied, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Education Coordinator, Student Experience, Western University and Dr. Jennifer Valtos, Co-Executive Director with the Center for Compassion, Integrity, and Secular Ethics.
Dr. Jennifer Valtos is the Co-Executive Director with the Center for Compassion, Integrity, and Secular Ethics. She has been working in higher education, specifically in the area of student affairs, for more than 25 years. With a broad background in all areas of student affairs, she has facilitated programs and training for students, staff, and faculty including training facilitators for large and small group experiential learning activities. Jennifer holds an EdD in Educational Leadership and Management. Her capstone project was titled "Bridging the Gap: Fostering Collaboration between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs". Jennifer is the proud mother of two daughters and lives in New Jersey with her family.
*Please note: it is not mandatory to join the professional learning community and you are welcome to attend the event on May 25th, and books will be provided for members of the professional learning community.
For interested attendees external to Western, please register using this form.