SDCN Delivers Workshop for 60 at University of Alabama
Monday, August 30, 2010
(Sustained Dialogue Campus Network)
On the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther
King’s “I have a dream” speech, thousands
of people were gathered on the national mall in
Washington, DC engaging in polemic debate about
the future of the country.
That same day, a
different community was taking a different
approach to creating their dream campus
community. In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 60 students
and faculty from diverse backgrounds and
diverse parts of campus life engaged in an
intensive leadership training. They came
together to learn the value of dialogue versus
debate and discussion; increase awareness of
self-identity among the Big 8 dimensions of
identity; catalyze relationships amongst
students who would not otherwise mix and engage
on campus due to power structures and
traditions; and plan how to sustain the
momentum of the weekend for the entire academic
year.
Thanks to the vision and support
of the Office of Community Affairs and the
Crossroads Center, representatives of Student
Government, sororities and fraternities, Black
Student Union, Latino Student Union,
Association for Independent Thinkers,
evangelicals, non-believers, Christians, Jews,
and Muslims engaged in meaningful activities
and dialogue.
"The Sustained Dialogue
training brought together many organizations
and individuals who share an interest in
Facilitating Intercultural Dialogue,” said
Dr. Beverly Hawk, Director of the Crossroads
Community Center. “The workshops were
engaging and fun. Faculty said they got
creative ideas to apply immediately in their
teaching, and student leaders gained useful
skills to take back to their
organizations. During this intense
weekend, we became a circle of support for one
another and formed friendships that will see us
through the year."
A recent student
study at the University of Alabama surveyed a
sample of undergraduates with the question,
"After a future President of the United States
has had their college experience sabotaged by a
rival university, which
experiences/activities/clubs/courses would you
recommend this person take in order to prepare
this individual for a positive and successful
college experience and a shot at the Oval
Office?" Of 24 organizations, Sustained
Dialogue was ranked number 5!
A student
participant said, “This weekend has changed
my entire perspective of how to communicate and
listen. It will affect my interactions with
people not only in Sustained Dialogue but with
my friends, family, and everywhere.”
A faculty participant shared,
“I realized that I tend to categorize my
students based on their countries of origin.
That does a disservice to their learning and to
their humanity. It will take extra effort and
energy on my part to work with each student as
an individual instead of as part of his or her
group, but it is worth it.”
Amy
Lazarus, Executive Director of SDCN, reflected
on the weekend. “The participation of
students, faculty, and administration from
across the campus is a testament to the
University’s commitment to furthering an
inclusive environment. We are excited by the
potential of these participants to lead
effectively in their contexts and to foster
collaborations that, prior to this weekend,
would have been unlikely.”
Photos used above
were taken by Sian OFaolain, SD alumna from
Princeton '08. Sian can be contacted at
sian.m.s.ofaolain[at]gmail[dot]com.