Changing Lenses Introductory Course

  CHANGING                                                                 
                      LENSES

INTRODUCTORY COURSE

A 3-Day Beginning-Level Training
in diversity & cultural competency

Presented by “I AM…” Development
Facilitated by Nikki Thrower (“I AM…” Development) & Hanif Fazal (Inside Out Development LLC)

Through activities and dialogue, this training will offer an introduction to diversity issues and begin to delve into the belief systems, biases, and practices that continue to disadvantage certain populations of youth. Courageous intercultural-conversations about self, others, and our experiences are an essential step towards more culturally connected communities and equitable services to all youth.

We all have the power to create change…
This training will offer support, insight, discussion, and strategies for greater cultural competency, personal and professional growth.
  
  Who Should Attend:
Youth workers and educators interested in a beginning level exploration of diversity issues.  Participants must be able to attend all three days.

       When:   February 24th 2012    3pm-9pm
February 25th 2012  10am-9pm
February 26th 2012  10am-4pm

Where: Open Meadow Alternative Schools
7633 N Wabash Ave
Portland, OR 97217

Cost:   $250.00 (limited number of scholarships available)
  $275.00 for payments received onsite
  Please make checks payable to: “I Am…” Development
(Payment includes training notebook)

P R E S E N T E R S

Nikki Thrower

Nikki Thrower is the principal consultant of “I AM…” Development, a consulting agency committed to creating identity empowerment opportunities for youth and adults. Nikki graduated from the University of Oregon where she received her bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies: Family and Human Services. She also holds a Master’s in Education from Lewis & Clark College and is currently a school counselor at Whitford Middle School. In the Beaverton School District, Nikki serves on the Diversity Committee, Equity Leadership Team, Gang Taskforce, and collaborates with staff to offer workshops on gender and cultural specific issues. She is also firmly dedicated to her work with Open Meadow where she is part of the lead facilitation team for the STEP UP Program. Recently she has joined the Heart of Facilitation Program. She serves as a group facilitator for the program and loves the opportunity to connect and support with other youth workers from the greater NW and Canada.

Hanif Fazal

Hanif Fazal is the founder and current Director of Open Meadow’s nationally recognized Step Up program. Hanif joined Open Meadow in 2002, starting first as a consultant, and later moving into his current role as the Director of Step Up. Hanif has over 17 years of experience working throughout the United States and abroad with high risk youth and the educators and social workers who serve that population.

Prior to Open Meadow, Hanif was the Principal Consultant of Inside Out Development LLC.  Through this agency, Fazal has been able to provide intensive trainings for high risk youth populations.  Additionally, Fazal’s work has included trainings for educators and youth professionals that support their ability to work with youth populations across difference, and engage resistant and high need student populations.

During Hanif’s tenure, Step Up has been instrumental in shaping how 8th-9th grade transition and extended day services are delivered to the highest risk student populations throughout the Portland Public School system. Step Up has been acknowledged both nationally and locally for its work in education. In 2007, Step Up was the recipient of the national Pew Civic Change Award, and in 2008, Step Up was the recipient of the local Hilltop Award.

The innovative programming and remarkable outcomes coming out of the Step Up program, have allowed Fazal to work with schools and school partners locally and nationally. In addition, he has had the opportunity speak on local and national levels about best educational practices in relation to the 8th-9th grade transition, effective approaches to extended day and extended year education programming, and re-engaging resistant students.

Changing Lenses

Application

Name:

Address:

Phone:

Email:

School/Organization:

Position:

Age (optional):

Gender (optional):

Race/Ethnicity (optional):

Please list the top 4 ways you identify:

1)

2)

3)

4)

Why are you interested in this training?

What has been your experience with conversations about diversity issues (i.e. race, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status...)?

What strengths or qualities will you bring to the training?

Please describe on of your most impactful experiences with difference.

Are there any personal or socio-emotional issues that we should know about?

Please tell us how it may or may not affect your participation in this training?

(Information will remain confidential)

To Register

Complete application electronically and return to changinglenses.pdx@gmail.com or send to "I Am..." Development, P.O. Box 19151, Portland, OR 97280

All Applications must received by 1/20/12

>>Spaces Limited<<

For additional information or questions call Stephenie @ (503) - 703 - 3288 or email (above)