November 10, 2022: Professional Learning Event: Deepening Capacity as White Change Agents

From Mary Raschko, associate dean for faculty development:

The dynamics of racism and white supremacy continue to deeply impact the students, faculty, staff and administrators of color on college campuses. Too often white people stay silent in the face of racist microaggressions, policies and practices, or react unproductively in ways that do not create greater racial equity and inclusion.

In an effort to make meaningful change, on January 13 and 14, Whitman will host Kathy Obear, Ed.D., founder of the Center for Transformation and Change, for a special professional learning event for faculty and staff. The two-day workshop, “Deepening Capacity as White Change Agents,” will engage participants in the reflective self-work and skill development necessary to shift racist dynamics and create racial equity and inclusion on campus.

The workshop will bring people together in a community of accountability and brave space, developing greater capacity to:

• Learn about racial justice without demanding labor from people of color.
• Reflect on our racialized socialization experiences.
• Discuss the real impact of the current dynamics of racism in departments, the college, and the region/nation.
• Recognize and interrupt the dynamics of white privilege.
• Commit to taking continuous, meaningful action to create and maintain a racially just environment in our areas of responsibility and the college.

Faculty and staff are invited to a virtual event today from 3:30-5 p.m. to learn about the workshop and to begin engaging in this collective work.

Anyone interested in Obear’s work at Whitman is invited to fill out this form so that we can best plan and keep you informed leading up to January.