WARTBURG TRADITIONS

AgendaAgenda Welcome/Diversity Activity Review Goals of Project RESPECT Ground Rules for Training What is a Safe Space? What is an Ally? / Ally Theory Identity Theory Justice & Equity Guidelines / Sign-up for Project RESPECT

Why are we here?Goals of Project RESPECT:

Create safe spaces within the residence halls for students of all backgrounds, beliefs and cultures.

Help establish venues where, through dialogue, students are free to express their opinions and beliefs in a safe environment.

Educate and empower our students and leaders to not accept mere tolerance.

Encourage students to integrate the knowledge gained from this program into their sense of self.

Prepare students to serve as an advocate and role model for RESPECT within the many communities of which they are a part.

Who are You? We have multiple identities

Some are core, some are changeable

Multiple Identities (cont.) Core Identities

Core Beliefs

Core Values

Multiple Identities (cont.) Since we can’t change core identities, it is very important

that we feel comfortable in expressing our core identities - who we really are in our most important environments family, work, friendships.

Tonight’s program is to help us be better equipped to manage in a diverse environment so that all can feel safe and comfortable to work, study, have fun and fulfill our potential.

Sexual Identity Sexual orientation is a core identity.   It is not a choice – this is supported by current medical

and psychological professionals. Because same sex orientation is less acceptable in our

society, people who are same sex oriented often have more difficulty

Claiming and feeling good about this core piece of their identity – this is also true for others in groups that are

Marginalized – racial, religious differences

WARTBURG TRADITIONSComing Out Process Identity Confusion – Denial of inner feelings Identity Comparison – I’m alone, maybe I’m gay? Identity Tolerance – Accept and seek to find others Identity Pride – “I’m different and proud of it” and adopt

some stereotypical behaviors Identity Synthesis – Integration of new identity and

realization that being gay is only one aspect of themselves

Defining “Safe Space”

Discuss what a safe zone or space  looks like to you.

WARTBURG TRADITIONSWhat is a safe space? There are some under-represented groups on campus

who may not be visible; it is equally difficult to determine who will support them

Safe spaces are designed locations where students can feel safe and supported without fear of judgment.

Supportive faculty, staff, administrators, and students on college campuses and within various communities prominently and non-verbally illustrate that they are a safe contact for all diverse students.

Ally Characteristics

What are important characteristics you want an ally to have?

WARTBURG TRADITIONSWhat is an ally? A safe person to be around Has good intentions that can be seen and felt. Doesn't depend on just one person to represent an entire group. Can hear a variety of opinions within a group or community. Can see the similarities and differences between all people and other

forms of oppression. Is consistently supportive. Is beyond tolerant; s/he is supportive, understanding, and accepting. Celebrates others. Is not expecting rewards or forgiveness. Is not motivated by guilt. Is willing to admit s/he doesn't know everything. Knows when to speak up, and when not to. Is comfortable with people assuming that they identify with a minority

group or have a minority human circumstance.

WARTBURG TRADITIONSAn ally is… Visible Support - Safe Zone - Role Model -

Someone who combats any type of ISM.

An ally can be… Activist - Speaker-Educator

An ally is not… Expert on Issues - Counselor - Spokesperson for

all

WARTBURG TRADITIONSAlly Theory – Levels of Involvement Awareness - aware of who you are and how you are

different from and similar to all people Knowledge/Education - acquire knowledge about

all human characteristics, conditions, and circumstances and what the experience is for all oppressed people in the world

Skills - using the knowledge that you have learned. Attending workshops, developing support connections, etc. help develop skills

Action - most frightening step; there are many challenges and liabilities for privileged groups in taking actions to end oppression of less privileged people. 

Ally Reflection When was a time when you or someone you know

needed an ally? 

4 Other Things to Keep in Mind Have a good understanding of all people’s identities and be

comfortable with your own. Talk with all oppressed people and read about the coming out

process. Be aware that the coming out process is not a one-time event.

Remember that there are many different diverse communities of people. Each community within the larger community has unique needs and goals.

Know at least basic information about phobias, isms, diverse religions, sexual orientation, political affiliations, races, ethnicities, and habits, in order to address myths and misinformation and to be supportive of all people.

WARTBURG TRADITIONSCelebrating Diversity vs. MulticulturalismToo often, multicultural efforts toward inclusion in college and university campuses focus on surface-level programs on celebrating diversity. While these are important and contributive programs, they do not approach the ultimate goal of multiculturalism--to ensure that all members of a community are provided equitable safety, comfort, and voice.

WARTBURG TRADITIONSEquity and Social Justice

Determination to provide a safe, comfortable, equitable experience for ALL people, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic class, (dis)ability, first language, gender, sexual orientation, or any other social or cultural identifier; become proactive instead of reactive

Everyone should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Equity and Justice Reflection What are some ways that race, ethnicity, religion,

socioeconomic class, (dis)ability, first language, gender, sexual orientation, or other identifiers get used to hold people from growing?

If these serve as potential barriers, what can we do to remove these barriers?

Project RESPECT:

Serving as an ALLY is an excellent opportunity for you to have a positive, beneficial, and lasting impact on someone else’s life.

WARTBURG TRADITIONSProject RESPECT guidelines:

Keep confidentiality and let the person with whom you are speaking know that you will keep your conversation confidential. If you need to talk through an issue or get support, contact another Project RESPECT Ally.

Speak up when you are in situations where other people are not being respectful of others.

Remember to actively respect other people's opinions, ideas and cultures, even though they may be quite divergent from your own. Open mindedness, respect, and honoring of others are challenges you can meet.

Always be positive, even when speaking up to defend others. “Did you hear what you just said?” or “Would you want someone to say that about you?” are preferable to accusations or judgments on the person who you feel is crossing the boundaries of respect.

If you are uncomfortable with the information a person who is sharing with you about their life, don’t just walk away (literally or figuratively). Ask questions to clarify what they are sharing with you, inquire about the specific kind of support they want from you, and thank them for trusting you enough to be open with you.

WARTBURG TRADITIONSProject RESPECT Allies:

Understand the goals of Project RESPECT and the reason for an active commitment to those goals

Work to create an open atmosphere on campus and take time to provide a personal and genuine connection with others

Listen and ask questions that allows others to speak their needs and offer help to others as they work to meet their personal goals

Give constructive feedback to others and help them facilitate their own problem-solving process by fostering a sense of competency and independence

Manage their own life responsibly , are aware of their own needs and goals

Know how to actively reach out to support structures for own needs Open to self-reflection, feedback from others and are willing to learn

from their own experiences, other Allies and colleagues on campus.

WARTBURG TRADITIONSCampus ResourcesOrganizations: Alcohol Wisdom and Real Education (AWARE) - Stephanie Newsom, adviser, ext. 8596 Alliance – Cassie Hales, advisor Amnesty International - Dr. Joyce Boss, adviser, ext. 8223 Black Student Union - Krystal Madlock, adviser, ext. 8434 Campus Ministry Board - Pastor Ramona Bouzard, and Pastor Brian Beckstrom International Club – Jenna Rinehart, adviser, ext. 8220 Sexual Misconduct and Assault Resource Team (SMART)

Stephanie Newsom, adviser, ext. 8596 Students for Peace and Justice - Dr. Ed Westin, adviser, ext. 8397  

Mary Dorman, Information Technology ServicesChris Knudson, Marketing and CommunicationKrystal Madlock, Student LifeStephanie Newsom, Counseling

Project RESPECT Committee:Dr. Deb Loers, Student LifeRev. Ramona Bouzard, Campus MinistryDr. Penni Pier, Communication ArtsDr. Susan Vallem, Social Work