Join us for diversity keynote and workshops with Lee Mun Wah
Feb. 23, 2012
Event schedule
Keynote: "What Stands Between Us"
8-9 a.m.
Plaster Student Union Theater
Open to students, faculty, staff and community
Acclaimed lecturer and master diversity and communications trainer Lee Mun Wah discusses breaking down the walls we have created out of fear and truly desiring to confront what stands between us.
Lee Mun Wah shares his belief that if we are ever going to learn about someone who is different from ourselves, we are going to have to leave the comfort of our familiar world and begin a relationship, not just by talking about ourselves, but by truly wanting to make a connection through honesty, curiosity and our willingness to be open to new ideas and relationships. That kind of relationship will require sharing stories, listening with a desire to learn, being moved and wanting to establish a friendship of mutual understanding and respect. Ultimately, Lee Mun Wah shows us we can never become a community until we have first learned about those who are next to us, our next door neighbors and those we have been taught to be afraid of.
Student dialogue groups: "A Cross Gender/Race Conversation"
9-11 a.m.
Plaster Student Union, West Ballroom
Open to students
Acclaimed lecturer and master diversity and communications trainer Lee Mun Wah leads a seminar focusing on the challenges and opportunities students face when diverse race and gender groups interact with each other.
Though diversity offers tremendous potential for learning and enrichment, moments of conflict and tension also arise over differences in perspectives and approaches. This program offers the skills necessary to develop and support an effective learning environment where everyone feels valued and acknowledged for their uniqueness and their individual and group contributions.
Using a variety of learning tools, this program will make use of films, personal stories, experiential exercises, discussion and lectures. Participants can expect the following:
- Learn how gender and race issues affect one’s perspectives and behavior.
- Gain a deeper understanding of how gender and race can enhance and stimulate a stronger sense of community and cooperation.
- Learn how to work with diverse groups to identify and realize strengths as well as areas needing improvement.
- Understand divergent communication styles, perspectives and expectations.
- Practice effective listening and responsive communication techniques.
- Discover ways to mediate gender and race issues cross-culturally.
- Learn new ways and tools to begin a conversation of gender and race.
Faculty/staff training: "Diversity Conversations in the Classroom"
1-5 p.m.
Kentwood Hall Crystall Ballroom
Acclaimed lecturer and master diversity and communications trainer Lee Mun Wah leads a workshop that will help faculty and staff practice talking to someone different from them in a compassionate and honest way. Participants will learn that they are not alone in their fears and though we all lack a “model” of how to begin this type of conversation and will probably hurt or anger each other, the most important ingredient is our sincerity and our willingness to learn and understand each other.
We will practice, sharing with each other through films, small group interactions, role plays and personal stories. Topics include:
- Noticing the impact and intent of our communications.
- Ways to respond compassionately and openly about diversity issues.
- How to listen mindfully and with awareness.
- Learning how personal stories can affect our perceptions and attitudes.
- Discover ways to create a sense of community through dialogue and stories.
- How to work with conflict and hurt when diversity issues are involved.
Film showing and discussion: "Last Chance for Eden"
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Lay Hall Auditorium on the Drury University Campus, 900 N. Benton Ave., Springfield Mo.
Open to students, faculty, staff and community
"Last Chance for Eden" is about nine women and men who spend two weekends together talking about racism. On camera for 24 hours, they struggle to find a way to understand each other’s differences. In the second half, they ask each other questions they have always wanted answered. Their responses and reactions are compelling and revealing, but also intimate and honest.
Sponsors
Disability accommodations
Missouri State University provides reasonable accommodation with adequate notice. Please contact the office for institutional equity and compliance, Park Central Office Building, Room 111, 901 South National Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65897 or 417-836-4252 at least three business days prior to the program date in order that adequate arrangements may be made.