Workshops
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Workshop A: 11:50 am - 1:10 pm
Workshop B: 1:20 - 2:40 pm

Unique to our conference are two workshop sessions which can be selected by every attendee. The subjects of these workshops vary widely from class and poverty issues, to education and school climate, to historical or racial and ethnic topics.

Below is the condensed list of workshops. Click on "more" to see any workshop's description and its presenter(s). For a printer-ready version of this page with all descriptions expanded, visit the expanded list of workshop descriptions.

Class and Poverty

111. The Game of Life more

     Presented by Caroline Schultz, Denver Urban Ministries
     
     The Game of Life is a fun and interactive experience that gives participants the opportunity to adopt the identity of a real family for one month. Each family is living in poverty and on the brink of homelessness. Participants need to make some tough, yet realistic and creative decisions in order to survive. Do we buy diapers or food? What happens if we can’t pay the rent? Where do our children go when we're at work? These are some of the many questions participants must answer as they take on life's unique challenges each day. Can you survive the game of life?

737. The Face of Homelessness more

     Presented by Justine Zollo, The Gathering Place
     
     This workshop will explore popular conceptions of homelessness. A representative from The Gathering Place, the only daytime women's shelter in Denver, will discuss what it means for women and children to be homeless by relating real stories from the shelter and tell us how we can help.

202. Creating a Climate that Values Diversity more

     Presented by Tina Martinez, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver
     
     Join the peer leaders from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver for an interactive session on diversity. Peer leaders will lead the group in activities and discussions about prejudice, discrimination, and differences. Participants will develop skills for creating a climate that appreciates and values diversity.

211. The Guts to Stand Up more

     Presented by Dawn Loge, Adams 14 School District
     
     What is an ally? An ally is someone from a non-target position who advocates for people in target positions. You don't have to know everything about that person's group, but you need to have some conviction and the guts to stand up for others in potentially difficult situations. This workshop will offer some strategies and support for becoming an effective ally to others. We will also discuss how people in target positions might attract more allies to their cause.

303. The Many Hats and Faces of Diversity more

     Presented by David LeNoble, WiseLife Consulting
     
     We all know "those people" that are not diverse or open to the differences of people in our world. How do we react when we come face-to-face with them? Are we as open as we think? In this unique workshop, "those people" speak their truth... and challenge you to look at your truth.

304. How to Become an Ally more

     Presented by Colleen Schmidt and Michele Richey, University of Colorado at Boulder
     
     "Who am I?" Using this personal definition, the presenters will explore our personal identities and determine how they may affect our views and actions regarding privilege and oppression of others. This program will also examine ways to increase awareness and compel us to act.

717. PeaceJam: A Global Call to Action more

     Presented by Jes Ward, PeaceJam Foundation
     
     With the guidance of 10 Nobel Peace Prize Winners, young people all over the globe are taking action on poverty, racism, hate, disease, environmental degradation, violence, human rights abuses and many of the other most pressing issues of our time. In this session, you will learn about how to get involved in the fastest-growing, youth-driven movement for peace in the world. No more sitting around--let's get something done!

734. Building Bridges for Peace: Teens Create Change Worldwide more

     Presented by Katie Campbell, Seeking Common Ground
     
     Join young adults who have participated in Seeking Common Ground's (SCG) peace building and leadership development programs for this interactive session exploring themes of community, identity, perspective and what it means to be "the other." Founded in 1993, SCG is a Denver-based non-profit organization dedicated to building more peaceful communities around the world. Participants of this session will meet local program participants and become inspired to create change.

735. Taking a Stand against Hate (students only) more

     Presented by Paula Brown, Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
     
     Prepare to confront bias! Most people want to interrupt prejudice but often do not know how. This workshop will equip participants with the skills necessary to confront and combat bias behaviors in themselves and others. This workshop is for students only.

736. My Ethics vs. Your Values (students only) more

     Presented by Effley Brooks, TigerBee Consulting
     
     This interactive workshop will challenge the participants to solve ethical dilemmas. We will explore the vast diversity of thinking, values, and principles and how the differences can either make us stronger or break us down. This workshop is for students only.

746. Collective Leadership for Community Change more

     Presented by Cody Buchanan, Mi Casa Resource Center
     
     This interactive and personal workshop will focus on using the principles of collective leadership, safe space, and youth-adult partnerships to make a positive impact on your community and yourself. We will be doing a "world cafe" which will encourage people to discuss issues relating to community, crossing boundaries, and inclusiveness. The workshop will be presented by a fellowship of youths and adults from all backgrounds who work together for community change.

109. Men and Women: Breaking down the Stereotypes (students only) more

     Presented by Joyce Bignell, Colorado Council of Community and Justice
     
     Despite confrontation, gender stereotypes still remain a heavy influence in culture today through politics, media, sports, and daily interactions. In this workshop students will learn how to confront the stereotypes that play an underlying role in male-female relations. They will learn about how gender stereotypes determine respect or disrespect, sometimes even harassment between different genders. This workshop is for students only.

113. Straight but Not Narrow: Being an Ally more

     Presented by Nan Kratohvil, GLSEN Colorado
     
     How can non-gays be supportive of their lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender friends? With presentation, role-play, and discussion, workshop participants will consider finding resources about LGBT issues, risks involved in being supportive, strategies for handling opposition and harassment, and effective forms of activism. All will be encouraged to share experiences, questions, and suggestions for creating a more respectful and tolerant environment for LGBT peers.

207. Transgender 101 more

     Presented by Zia Klamm, Rainbow Alley and Lynnette Schweimler, GLSEN Colorado
     
     How do we talk about gender? It isn't simple when a transgender person expresses their real feelings. This workshop will discuss the gender spectrum through terminology, games, and personal stories. We'll go from blue to pink and girl to boy and back.

300. Challenges and Support for LBTGQ Youth and their Allies (students only) more

     Panel Presentation
     
     This panel of gay and straight students and adults will lead a group discussion on issues of diversity as they apply to LGBTQ students and their families. Panel members will also give suggestions on how we can create a safer atmosphere in our schools and communities for LGBTQ youth. This workshop is for students only.

744. Give Me My Body Back! Reconciling Self Image and the Media (females only) more

     Presented by Sameen DeBard, Smart-Girl, Inc.
     
     Do I look fat in these jeans? Who decides what's fat and what's not? Who decides what's in, what's hip? When did we start letting everybody else decide how we should feel about ourselves? It's time to take the power back. Join us in an interactive workshop to explore the different factors that play into our self image and how to combat negative influences. This workshop is for females only.

200. Teaching the Hard but Important Stuff (adults only) more

     Presented by Jennifer Derosby, P.S.1 Charter School
     
     Teachers, do you feel compelled to find ways to introduce multicultural history and under-recognized voices in your classroom? Do you find that you lack the time and support to do this as intentionally and thoroughly as you'd like to? This workshop will take existing content and use overlapping to increase the visibility of some under-taught yet critical material. We will focus on post slavery/early Civil Rights black history and the Holocaust and look for places where teachers and students might glean important themes and ideas from both periods without minimizing the unique characteristics of either. This workshop session is for adults only.

316. How to Handle Race Discrimination on the Job more

     Panel Presentation
     
     How does the law treat employers and employees? You are the lawyer in two situations. Was your client the victim of illegal discrimination? You will learn about the law from a diverse group of lawyers and decide how to advise your client about his legal options. We will also discuss your rights as an employee when you encounter race discrimination at work.

624. Lest We Forget ... Stories of Wisdom, Stories of Truth more

     Presented by Cassandra Sewell, Storyteller
     
     Join the presenter as she uses storytelling to take the attendees on a journey through American history from the perspective of the African American woman. The journey begins with slavery, and travels into present day America. Racism, hatred, and stereotyping are some of the many topics touched upon in this presentation.

738. Where Diversity and Politics Meet more

     Presented by Corey Jones, Brignac Consulting LLC
     
     This highly interactive workshop will lead participants in identifying their personal and political beliefs, what has shaped those beliefs, and the many ways that we as Americans express those beliefs. Participants will learn to practice the art of "communication" and the tool of "compromise" as a way to understand each other and hopefully move forward politically and socially.

747. A Holocaust Survivor Speaks more

     Eric Cahn
     
     A survivor of the Holocaust will share stories about living through a period of time where diversity and respect for others was at its lowest point in human history. Most importantly, participants will understand why we must never forget about what occurred during the Holocaust.

802. Hate Crimes Mock Trial more

     Panel Presentation
     
     Using a mini-mock trial format, lawyers will lead an interactive program on Colorado's Hate Crime Statute. The lawyers will play the roles of prosecutor, defense attorney, and judge. The students will serve as the jury, listening to the evidence and the law to arrive at verdicts. The group will serve as the jury, listening to the evidence and the law to arrive at verdicts. The group will discuss the students' verdicts in the context of everyday school life.

745. Living with Challenges more

     Panel Presentation
     
     This workshop will discuss what it is like to live with significant disabilities. Participants will learn some of the stereotypes and concerns facing those with physical and mental challenges and how to reach out to these young people.

116. Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes more

     Presented by Shatta Garcia Mejia, Jefferson County Schools
     
     This award winning documentary is filmed from the perspective of a man who realized what hip hop was doing to his psyche and how it relates to manhood and gender issues. Aired on PBS 2 years ago, Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes explores these topics in a way that people both inside and outside the realm of hip hop culture can understand. Join Shatta as we watch the film and discuss the implications of the topics presented. Word.

118. Phoenix Rising: Therapeutic Poetry and Spoken Word (students only) more

     Presented by Catherine O'Neill Thorn, Art from Ashes
     
     Participants in this workshop will learn about the therapeutic benefits of poetry. We will learn about its remarkable ability to build self-confidence among youth who are facing difficult circumstances. Come learn how to promote greater respect using creative writing. This workshop is for students only.

621. The Issue-Driven Play more

     Presented by Mary Williams and Ponderosa High School's Theatre Productions Class
     
     Ponderosa High School's Theatre Productions class will perform an original play on diversity issues of all kinds that are most relevant to society today. After the play, the performers will lead a discussion in how these issues affect every one of us.

642. Zumba more

     Presented by Christina Walker-Potts
     
     Zumba is an internationally inspired dance program that incorporates dance moves from the Meringue, Samba, Salsa, Calypso, Cumbia, and others. The workshop will break down the dances step by step, and then teach you a routine from some of the popular Zumba collections. Learn about Latin American and African cultures through this innovative fitness program.

643. Finding Self through Yoga more

     Presented by Michelle Corriell, Harmony Yoga
     
     In order to make peace with each other, we must first find peace with ourselves. The ancient Indian practice of yoga is designed to help do just that. Participants will learn simple breathing techniques, poses, and relaxation methods to help find their true selves beneath the stress of daily life. Learn yoga and change your life.

107. The Label Factor more

     Presented by Annette Hunter, Career Development Solutions
     
     What's in a name? Strong associations from a label placed upon a person sometimes have unfavorable outcomes leading an individual to feel alone, ashamed or even victimized. This interactive workshop will allow all participants to recognize how labeling an individual can lead to generalizations, racism and stereotyping, especially in school and the workplace. Join us in creating a world of unity and respect among one another.

204. Coming to America more

     Panel Presentation
     
     This panel is composed of immigrants and first generation Americans sharing their observations and experiences adapting to American culture, education, and differences in everyday life. We will also discuss useful ways we can reach out to immigrants when they are adjusting to life in the United States. The workshop features a panel of speakers varied in age and national origin.

302. Combating Latino and African American Stereotypes more

     Presented by Betty Hooks and Victoria Miller, Multicultural Consultants
     
     This interactive workshop will present information about and personal experiences with stereotypes. We will address historical influences and discuss how to develop positive and successful communications with diverse cultures.

306. Living Latino more

     Panel Presentation
     
     Through their stories, participants will discuss their personal experiences living as Latinos in the United States. While some participants are recent arrivals to the US, others have been in this country for generations. The panel will discuss the impact of their heritage upon daily life, school, and the workplace.

640. There is No Racism Problem in America more

     Presented by Joe Chavez, Warrior Poet Presentations
     
     Can you believe that title? Thousands of skeptics have attended this presentation ready to set me straight. By the end, however, I have won them over. Don't take my word for it. Here are a few reactions from my visit last year: "You are freaking amazing." "Changed how I think about living my life." "Doesn't pull punches." ". . . with every word you said I felt like I could live again." Are you up to the challenge?

719. Unmasking Native American Stereotypes more

     Presented by Mark Tafoya, Reclaiming Culture-Diversity Redefined
     
     Reclaiming Culture-Diversity Redefined (RCDR) is a fast-paced, highly visual, and challenging presentation that confronts Native American stereotypes from a Native American lens. We will demonstrate an incredible collection of Native American objects and symbols. We will work to define stereotypes, understand culture trespassing, engage culture rights, and move with the wind and waters to reclaim the culture. The conclusion will present a traditional Buffalo story that incorporates the power of words and sacred knowledge.

740. Does "Race" Still Matter? more

     Presented by Heather Frazier, Facing History and Ourselves
     
     How does our identity impact the choices we make and the way we see ourselves and others? As our nation prepares for the first African American president, how are perspectives on race changing? Join Facing History and Ourselves as we explore the role race has played in American identity and history and ask the question, "does race still matter"?

305. Not-Perfect Relationships: How Judgment Creates Our Communication more

     Presented by Elaine Clark, WiseLife Consulting
     
     Judgment never goes away, no matter how hard we work at being open-minded, fair, accepting or diverse. Our judgment of others and ourselves affect our personal choices and interactions every single moment of our lives. This workshop gives each participant an opportunity to critically look at how easy it is to judge another person and to become more aware of the impact those assessments make on daily choices in public and at home with our families. It's not about expecting to be perfect at living in the world, but about knowing the way you communicate and being aware of how to align with your greatest self.

314. Interreligious and Interracial Relationships more

     Panel Presentation
     
     A panel of married and committed interracial or interreligious couples will share their experiences and reflections with participants about issues of race and religion in their relationships, families and communities.

733. The Realities of Teen Pregnancy (students only) more

     Panel Presentation
     
     We will begin the workshop with a brief overview of teen pregnancy in Colorado and the United States. With the help of a diverse panel from Bridgeway, a local teen pregnancy center, we will explore the challenges and rewards of teen parenting. School challenges, family dynamics, dating, and time management will be addressed as well as creating family and friend support systems. This workshop is for students only.

205. Search for Truth: Exploring Religion more

     Panel Presentation
     
     Panel members discuss why religious communities have more in common than they do differences. Religious leaders representing major faith communities, such as Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Mormonism, participate in this presentation.

312. Understanding Islam more

     Presented by Salwa Ramadan
     
     This workshop will give participants a better understanding of the Muslim religion. It will also assist in breaking down barriers concerning the religion and its followers. This workshop will serve as an open forum for students to ask questions freely and express their opinions.

114. Diversity in the News more

     Panel Presentation
     
     Do the media tell us what to feel about other cultures? Does the need for profit drive which culture the media targets? Does news coverage fairly represent the diversity in the community? Local media representatives examine these important issues in today's world.

209. Keeping Your Club Happy: Tips for Raising a Diversity Club more

     Presented by Douglas County High School's Diversity Club
     
     How do you give birth to a diversity club? Contacting your principal, filling out the right forms, generating diversity club members are all important components of taking care of your diversity baby that will be covered in this workshop. Working with our expertise as an established and functioning club, we'll be able to offer advice on what to do and what not to do when starting your diversity club. What to do when the labor pains are over and you've got your very own diversity club? We will also be discussing ideas for promoting diversity within our schools and communities.

742. Gangs, Violence and its Associated Trauma more

     Presented by Terrance Roberts, The Prodigal Son Initiative, Inc.
     
     If we see a friend or relative influenced by gangs, how can we positively discourage them from entering the destructive cycle? This workshop, led by a former gang member from northeast Denver, will feature a documentary concerning gang violence in Denver and surrounding counties. We will discuss the trauma involved with gangs and why kids join gangs because of it.