What's an Equity & Justice Workshop and, Should U Go???

Equity differs from equality in that equality is all about fairness. For instance, let's make sure every kid has a desk and a chair. Regardless if that child cannot sit for long periods of time or requires a wheelchair. Equality is bedeviled with the history of, "separate but equal" and we know there was nothing equal about schools for "colored" students when compared to the schools which serviced white students. Equality is a nice thought but it doesn't do much when we are educators or employers because it ignores the fact they many of us are starting from different places. If you are starving and your friend is a little hungry and, all things being equal I give you both a cracker, will you and your friend both be satiated or is your friend full and you are still starving but now you also have cracker crumbs on your shirt? Also when we approach issues of inequality this way, giving someone the same thing as everyone else puts the burden of injustice on the victim. It makes it easier for perpetrators to say, "what do you mean you're still hungry, I just gave you a cracker?" Who wants to speak up for their equal rights when the system has already "taken care of them?"

This is why when naming this upcoming workshop I chose the word equity. Justice stands in place of diversity, multicultural, intersectional, inclusion, or feminism because justice means that we deserve to have the systemic barriers to success removed from every stratus of society. We are not asking for anything extra. We demand basic human rights, and we are not being greedy or impatient because we deserve it. It is owed to us, just as it is written in the Bill of Rights, so it is not a request, it is justice.

Should you attend this workshop?

1. Are you a marginalized group member? Yes you should, because it will be a safe space for you to vent,  it is also a place to be uplifted and reminded that even if you are an "only" in your classroom or workspace, you are far from alone. Come get recharged and build a support group.

2. Are you a teacher? Yes please come. I know as educators we get bogged down with professional development but the sessions in these workshops are literally life or death. Calling a student who identifies as transgender by their name reduces their chance of suicide. Recognizing our implicit biases and implementing classroom policies that do not stigmatize students with disabilities, or students of color can increase graduation rates, enrollment numbers and student success, even after they have completed school.

3. Are you a business professional? Yes absolutely come. Whether you train other employees or are entry level, in 2018 we are experiencing a very complex time. With the Me Too Movement, Black Lives Matter, and Abolish ICE there are clearly practices, policies and beliefs that are being challenged on a large scale. How do you interact with coworkers and employees who are also trying to understand these changing times? What can you say at work and why does it even matter? It matters because how successful your business is, depends on how you navigate these uncomfortable topics. No business owner wants to wake up with their name in the paper like Starbucks.

4. Are you none of the above? It doesn't matter what you do, this workshop is for anyone who wants to be more supportive of marginalized group members. Anyone who wants to learn about how to adopt inclusive practices in their conversations and interactions.

This workshop will not be lip service, it will be gritty, uncomfortable and real. It will be helpful, empowering, engaging and transformative. Whether you are an ally or historically marginalized you will be heard and listened to and treated with respect.  Bring your friends and let's change the world together.

December 15
National Hispanic Cultural Center
Register here