Attend the webinars live to take part in the conversation.
Recordings will be available for sale after the event
Difficult Conversations Webinar Series
Join us for a 12-part series of discussions on a variety of topics introduced in Drs. Tammy Hodo, Jacques Whitfield, Brian Van Brunt and Poppy Fitch’s book How to Engage in Difficult Conversations on Identity, Race, and Politics in Higher Education. Each of these interactive discussions will provide participants with a personal and engaging opportunity to hear directly from the authors on these crucial, and often difficult to discuss, topics. Written with a higher education perspective for administrators, faculty, student affairs, and equity and inclusion teams, the discussions will be inclusive of those working in high schools and other workplaces.
Each of the programs are available for individual purchase and come with supplemental materials, checklists, case studies, questions, and interactive activities. A recording of each program is provided for one year from the live air date. Group pricing is available for departments and colleges, as is a discount when purchasing the full series. Contact bethany@trainingoutpost.com for more details.
Difficult Conversations Kick Off
Difficult Conversations Kick Off
The Authors' Thoughts on the Book
Meet the Authors: Dr. Tammy Hodo
Meet the Authors: Jacques Whitfield, JD
Meet the Authors - Dr. Brian Van Brunt
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Tammy uses the phrase “meritocracy” related to social place and connection. Brian did not know this word and had to google it. Google the phrase if you don’t know it and think about our discussion and how it relates to our social structure and discussion of race, ethnicity, and politics.
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Some phrases such as “circle the wagons,” “off the reservation,” or “hold down the fort” may bring with them unintentional connections to indigenous peoples. Jacques offers a two-word response when someone offers feedback or correction, “thank you.” Discuss possible responses when being called out for using a phrase that may bring with it unintentional pain.
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What might be the problem with phrases such as:
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“Do you even know what TikTok is?” directed to an older colleague
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“The way you’ve overcome your disability is so inspiring!” to a person with a disability
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“Oh you’re gay? I have a friend who is looking for someone to date!” to a gay colleague
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Review the Stanford Libraries' Say Their Names – No More Names exhibit and read one of the stories found there. Consider committing to reading about a story each week.
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Brian mentions being called out once for using the term microaggression and being asked to use “harmful language” instead. Jacques highlights that while “microaggression” implies problem is small, it may in fact be much larger (e.g., there is nothing micro about it). Discuss this idea.
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Tammy mentions that some cultures and backgrounds are absorbed into the construct of whiteness. What does that mean to you?
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Tammy mentions that Florida has removed race from the Rosa Parks lesson in schools. Google this and share your thoughts.
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Jacques brings up the point that agreement is not required for emotional intelligence. He says, “throw agreement out the window, it’s all about alignment!” What does he mean by this?
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Jacques mentions that the racial purity laws of Nazi Germany were taken from the United States. Read this article and discuss your thoughts.
