Workshops
Friday, February 25, 2011 10:30 – 12 pm
(Some Friday sessions are offered twice)
Building Bridges: Bringing the Global and Local Diversity Discussion Together
There are many different cross-cultural ministries that can be found in the world of higher and secondary education as well as churches here and abroad: short-term/long-term missions, urban outreach, international student services, multi-ethnic programs. Often a distinction or tension occurs between global and local diversity. Is such a distinction necessary? Do we find ourselves gravitating toward one side over another? Is such a distinction biblical? Do those involved in global outreach neglect ethnic diversity and justice ministry here in the U.S.? Should those involved in ethnic diversity in the U.S. be developing a global conscience? Come and engage in a discussion regarding these concerns, hear from those who are actively engaging in bridging paradigms between local and global diversity, and discuss how we can be effective in building our own bridges.
Ivan Chung Business 109
Facilitating Difficult Dialogues: Identifying Micro-aggressions and Attending to Group Process
This workshop is for the instructor who finds him/herself stuck when it comes to difficult dialogues that arise in the classroom over issues related to multiculturalism and diversity. Led by licensed clinical psychologists who also serve as Biola faculty, the workshop will aim to heighten sensitivity to micro-aggressions which commonly occur during difficult dialogues and equip instructors to attend to group dynamics and process, which can often aid in bringing issues to the surface so that they can be effectively addressed.
Christina Lee Kim, Ph.D., Tamara Anderson, Ph.D. Business 103
Diversity at Christian Colleges: It's About the Mission
Many institutional leaders initiate programs that they believe will assist them in making change in the area of diversity, but never ask themselves why. The focus has historically been on piecemeal efforts as opposed to evaluating an institution’s mission. This presentation presents findings from a qualitative study on four Christian institutions and explores the drivers behind these institutions’ efforts, the role their missions play in influencing their change efforts, and whether tension exists between their missions as faith-based institutions and their desire to become more inclusive.
Joel Perez, Ph.D. Business 220
Film Presentation – Standing in the Gap: Student Voice in Reconciliation
Standing in the Gap: Student Voices in Reconciliation sheds light on the crucial role students play in the process of justice, advocacy and reconciliation. Through student interviews, group dialogue and classroom exercises, Standing in the Gap demonstrates not only the value of student input in the process of attaining reconciliation but the importance of understanding and reflecting on issues related to reconciliation. Session will include discussion of topics raised.
Jon and Leah Huang Business 202
Friday, February 25, 2011 2 – 3:30 pm
Facilitating Difficult Dialogues: Identifying Micro-aggressions and Attending to Group Process
See description above
Christina Lee Kim, Ph.D., Tamara Anderson, Ph.D. Business 103
Diversity at Christian Colleges: It's About the Mission
See description above
Joel Perez, Ph.D. Business 201
Justice, Reconciliation and Christian Colleges/Universities:
Transforming our Institutions
We are accustomed to hearing that Christian colleges/universities are
to provide an education where Christ is honored. Does living a life
that honors God mean separation from the concerns of the world around
us? What is the responsibility of Christian institutions to issues of
justice and racial reconciliation? Should these topics be central to
the message we proclaim? In this session we will take a journey into
the scriptures to explore topics of biblical justice and how it is to
be lived out in our society, the challenges Israel and the church
faced as they encountered diversity around them, and ultimately how do
we live as people who attend and work at Christian institutions. Come
prepared to be challenged and to engage in thought provoking
discussion.
Bryan Loritts Business 220
Saturday, February 26 10:30 am – 12 pm
“I’m Not a Racist, So Why Are You Blaming Me?”
For many people encountering multiculturalism and racial reconciliation, particularly those in the white majority, many troubling questions arise. Why is there so much anger toward white people? Why does it seem OK to criticize white people as a group but it’s seen as racist to criticize other groups? Why should I be criticized for something my ancestors did? Why not focus on the things that unify us, rather than those that divide us? Why can’t we focus on our identity in Christ rather than our racial identity? If you have wondered about these questions or want to know how to respond to these questions when others ask them, this is the session for you. Emphasis will be placed on understanding racism as a systemic problem rather than an individual one.
Brad Christersen Rose Hall room 2
Building a Community
Anyone who’s worked closely with a diverse group of people understands
that community is a complex matter. Most of us, however, see the
matter in simple anecdotal terms. This perspective usually leads to a
search for a quick fix that ignores the multi-dimensional nature of
life together in community. This community construction exercise is a
fun and engaging simulation game which explores the complex factors
influencing how we interact with one another. Come to play as well as
dialogue on the factors which work for, or against us in community and
address issues of justice.
Rodney K. Sisco Business 103
The Way Things Ought to Be: Exploring Shalom Theology
The word “Shalom” is generally understood as peace. In our English vocabulary, peace often represents an absence of war or hostility. The Hebrew word Shalom goes much farther and deeper. Shalom means completeness, wholeness, or the way things ought to be. It encompasses God’s will for humanity. It is where we should be moving towards in our emphasis with reconciliation, justice and the Kingdom of God. Shalom theology is also absent in many Evangelical traditions. In order to build a more holistic paradigm from which we can operate, Shalom in an essential component. Come and explore what Scripture has to say.
Terry McGonigal Business 220
Welcome the Stranger: Pastoral and Prophetic Approaches to Immigrants and Immigration
The Bible’s perspective on immigrants and immigration is vastly different than Lou Dobbs’. Is there an immigration crisis? Is the immigration system broken and in what way? How can and should Christians respond to the immigrant families in our midst? Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) is an economic justice ministry which in recent years has been at the forefront of a faith response to immigrants and immigration, including the coordination of the New Sanctuary Movement. Recent initiatives in the State of Arizona have also thrust the immigration debate into the forefront making this discussing all the more timely. Come prepared to participate in lively discussion.
Alexia Salvatierra Business 102
Building Bridges: Bringing the Global and Local Diversity Discussion Together
There are many different cross-cultural ministries that can be found in the world of higher and secondary education as well as churches here and abroad: short-term/long-term missions, urban outreach, international student services, multi-ethnic programs. Often a distinction or tension occurs between global and local diversity. Is such a distinction necessary? Do we find ourselves gravitating toward one side over another? Is such a distinction biblical? Do those involved in global outreach neglect ethnic diversity and justice ministry here in the U.S.? Should those involved in ethnic diversity in the U.S. be developing a global conscience? Come and engage in a discussion regarding these concerns, hear from those who are actively engaging in bridging paradigms between local and global diversity, and discuss how we can be effective in building our own bridges.
Chiraphone Khamphouvong Business 203
Reconciliation 101
“We are one in Christ, why all this talk about diversity?”...“When I see you, I don’t see color”...“What is the end goal of diversity? How do we know if we are all reconciled?” Statements and questions like these are heard daily in Christian institutions. As the topic of diversity and reconciliation becomes more visible, so does the confusion in our institutions. We often get started in a conversation but lack the proper concepts and terminology to have meaningful dialogue. Building foundational concepts are essential for us to move forward and see progress in relationships as well as institutional change in Christian colleges/universities. This session will seek to expose elements in our current culture that cause confusion and will seek to build on both sociological and biblical concepts and terminology that will assist us in constructing a new paradigm that enhances our understanding and progress in society.
Maria Contto, Donald Gordon Business 206
Saturday, February 26 1:30 – 3 pm
Film Presentation – In Search of Shalom: White People In Reconciliation
What role do White people in America play in racial reconciliation? A question many struggle with. This film seeks to address some of the many issues related to White people and the process of diversity and equality in our society. The documentary film < target="_blank" href="http://studentlife.biola.edu/diversity/mefp/shalom">In Search of Shalom will seek to address issues such as defining White culture, addressing White privilege, and institutional racism. The film will also give voice to White people who have embraced reconciliation as a lifelong journey and their process as they seek to participate in building God’s Kingdom on earth. Come prepared to participate in thought provoking discussion.
Matthew Hooper Business 102
Alumni to Students: What We Wish We Knew When We Were You
Diversity in Christian Higher Education remains as big a challenge as ever. Progress and growth involves the college/university community as a whole. What role do students play in institutional growth and change. What influence and voice so students have? How can student voices be heard? How do students grow and develop in their ethnic identity in and reconciliation? College is a time for students to grow in awareness and identity but it is also a time to develop their voice and find a place in institutional growth and change. Alumni can also play a significant role in institutional change for their alma mater. In this session, several alumni of Christian colleges/universities will share their perspectives as they look back at their time of involvement and seek to share insights and reflections with current students as to how to effectively utilize their voice while in a Christian college/university setting. Come and hear the perspectives of several alumni who have purposed to use their voice in seeking to move their institution forward.
Luis Reyna, Liana Sims Business 203
An Exploration of African Dance Form
This workshop provides a short survey of African dance and it's adaptations (Haitian, Caribbean and South American influences). Participants will learn isolation and full body motion patterns which will then be combined to construct a short dance. A discussion on the derivation of movements and their meanings will be included as part of the exercise. Wear comfortable clothing and come prepared to learn and move in ways that are new and sometimes uncomfortable. Come prepared to learn and explore.
Linda Kazibwe James Sutherland Aud Stage
Case Studies in Shalom Theology: 3 Models of Reconciliation
Although topics such as diversity, justice and reconciliation are truths found throughout the Bible, many Christians today struggle to
articulate a theology of reconciliation in the context of Shalom. These are unfortunately neglected topics in Bible studies and sermons
in the Evangelical community today. In this session will look at three models from scripture: Joseph and his family, James and John with
Samaritans and Paul with Jews and Gentiles in Ephesus as case studies of Shalom. Come take a journey on how Shalom and Reconciliation find
its basis in Scripture.
Terry McGonigal Business 103
Mixed, Hapa, Other: An Exploration of Identity Development for People of Blended Heritage
“Check only one.” “What are you?” “Yeah, but you look white/black/Asian/etc.” Any person of blended heritage – whether ethnically or culturally based, or both – understands that it is a challenge to live in a world obsessed with classification and still remain true to one’s identity. But how do you embark on that intensely personal journey of cultural identity formation when your signposts are in multiple colors, languages, and places? In this workshop, open to people of any background, we’ll discuss the frustrations and joys of having a blended heritage, explore how to begin or continue articulating your unique story, and learn how to support one another as we figure out who and what defines us.
Erika G. Bertling Business 220
Racial Identity Development
As students at Christian colleges begin to engage in conversations of diversity and learn about racial reconciliation, having an understanding of your own racial identity is a valuable part of the learning process. This workshop will introduce students to theoretical frameworks for racial identity models, and allow students to practically engage these models through an interactive class exercise that will help students become familiar with the models.
Tamra Newman, Christina Lee Kim, Ph.D. Business 206
