Workshops, Trainings & Programs
Using Transformative and Social Justice Education models, we aim to develop critical thinking and awareness around the social identity development of all groups. These models focus on the process of learning, including balancing the emotional with the cognitive, acknowledging and supporting the personal while analyzing and intervening in social systems, and developing competencies in education, research, and advocacy.
Current Workshops and Trainings
Social Identity 101:
This DC-led workshop introduces participants to thinking critically about their identities within social categories of race, gender, ethnicity, ability, class, and other social identities. We explore how our intersecting social identities interact with systems of power, privilege, and marginalization, and hence influence our access to resources and socioeconomic and political power, as well as how we interact with the world and with each other. This introductory workshop is especially beneficial for student leaders and all student groups. (60 minutes pre-recorded with follow-up synchronous discussions geared to your specific group and situation)
Group Dynamics:
This DC-led workshop builds on Social Identity 101, briefly reviewing the discussions and definitions of social identities and of power dynamics. This workshop then introduces the concepts of microaggressions and of accountability. Exploring key tenets of a healthy group, we brainstorm ways to achieve this by using scenarios that students may encounter within their groups, as leaders who work together to create a welcoming environment for prospective students and first year students, as well as students in courses that require Teaching Assistants among others. Although this workshop builds on Social Identity 101, it is also available as an independent workshop. (60 minutes pre-recorded with follow-up synchronous discussions)
Facilitating Challenging Discussions:
This DC-led workshop identifies challenges commonly encountered when discussing difficult discussions and outlines strategies to help bring about productive, positive conversations. This workshop can be freely accessed online.
Allyship:
This DC-led training defines the language associated with allys0hip and explores the connections between the terminology, its nuances, and its implications. This training briefly reviews social identity categories from Social Identity 101 in order to understand how power and privilege influence a person’s responsibilities as an ally. Participants will learn the importance, the contradictions, and the risks of being an ally. By outlining historic and modern examples of allyship, we offer ways that participants can practice allyship, especially at Williams by using scenarios they may encounter on campus. Finally, this training encourages participants to brainstorm ways they can use their power and privilege to fight back against systems of oppression and protect those with marginalized identities. (60 Minutes) (available for asynchronous online access)
Intergroup Dialogue and Restorative Practices
The Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion fosters spaces in which people come together in community and supports constituent groups and individuals so that they feel welcome, heard, and respected on and beyond our campus. We integrate restorative practices into our community, facilitate intergroup dialogues, and provide avenues for individuals to share their experiences. We also help resolve conflicts and address harm.
Learn more about Intergroup Dialogue and Restorative Practices on the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion website.