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Hmmmm- When considering the week I spent in Oregon at the Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication where do I begin ...
Do I share about:
- the wine & cheese, every night, not to mention my workshop being housed next to the best coffee house I've been to that also had a "happy hour" (1/2 priced) conveniently timed as my afternoon workshop break?
- Sleeping on a dorm bed, which was so smelly and which served as confirmation that I am definitely a 400+ thread count 100% cotton/down pillow kind of person?
- Karaoking with a wonderfully enthusiastic, though not musically inclined group of folks to "Let's do the time warp, Agaaaaaiiiiin!"
Those things were fun, and while they made the week very enjoyable, they were not the reasons I wanted to attend the Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication. I came to learn more about intercultural communication among a community of scholars and diversity enthusiasts. I was not at all disappointed. In fact, many times I was completely blown away.
I attended workshops from basically 9 am to 9 pm. We had breaks for meals, but the week was filled with a weeklong intensive workshop, and evening presentations by leaders in the field. I often fell into bed after 11 pm, having stayed and visited with new friends and colleagues dialoguing, debating, and processing the events of the day.
My weeklong workshop was entitled, "Interactive Experiential Strategies for Multicultural Training," facilitated by Sivalsilam "Thiagi" Thiagarajan, Ph.D. We were a class that varied in age, ethnicity, origin, and experience. Throughout the whole week, rather than tell us about various techniques and strategies, Thiagi had us constantly doing them. Playing games exploring themes, beliefs, and behaviors. Thiagi questioned our traditional models of diversity teaching/training, and provided support in our introduction and exploration of new ones. So often, I have attended workshops where the "expert" shares her/his expertise on the content, but does not necessarily demonstrate it in such practical application. To learn more about Thiagi and his resources, visit: http://www.thiagi.com/index.html
The evening sessions were amazing as well. One of the most moving experiences for me personally and professionally was Dr. Lee Knefelkamp's presentation of the documentary "What I Want My Words to Do to You." This documentary is about Eve Ensler's writing workshop at a women's high security maximum prison, and was used to facilitate a discussion about restorative justice through the emotional reformation process for several incarcerated women. Dr. Knefelkamp, shared about how she has worked with many of these women in their pursuit of higher education, and the lengths to which these women will go through to attain it. It affirmed for me why I am an educator, and inspired me as an activist to try and make the world a bit better.
I know the latter statement seems awfully lofty for one community college counselor from Avondale, Arizona. But, I believe that's part of what made the Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication such a powerful and moving experience for me. When I was a teenager, I attended Anytown, a weeklong program that brought together teenagers from different cultural, ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds. Anytown was an incredible opportunity, and during that week back in 1982, friendships developed, respect was fostered and a belief immerged that we could change the world. After some 22 years later and more than a few hard knocks, I believe I have always tried to champion the causes of diversity; however, I was not sure how much of a difference I could make. I let a bit of cynicism creep in over time. Yet, during a week in July 2004 in Oregon, I believed as I did (and still chose to now) that it was 1982 again. It is with others and through others, I was and am empowered to believe that we can bring about positive change- that I can make a difference, and the world can change.
Stephanie Fujii, Estrealla Mountain Community College
Sometimes you just need a good break. The Intercultural Summer Institute provided one for me, both a break and a jump start.
Brisk 6:00 a.m. walks in the morning air were uplifting. An upbeat line forty-five minute line-dancing class at 7:00 a.m. followed by a scurry to shower, change, and hit the breakfast buffet by 8:15 a.m. rounded out the start of my day. Does that sound much like a break to you? For me, it was heaven.
Choosing among an array of breakfast options while watching those carbs, I couldn't pass up the daily fresh berry feast. Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries filling the serving bowls- all juicy, sweet, and available for fortifying me each day for the work ahead.
I registered, along with fifteen other participants and four interns for workshop #39, "Interactive Strategies for Multicultural Training." We met just off campus of Oregon's Pacific University at a coffee house called The Milky Way.
In retrospect, the wisdom of Thiagi, (Sivasailam Thiagarajan) our workshop facilitator, is so profoundly simply. In practice, it has required lots of thought and creativity. Thiagi loves games, and so do I. Thiagi teaches with games, and so have I. Learning with games is fun and can be enlightening.
Our workshop began at 9:00 a.m. and lasted until 5:00 p.m.-ish each day. There were a couple of breaks, and an hour for lunch back at the "lots of options" buffet. Wednesday is bread pudding day - if you ever go to the summer institute - you simply "must" try some.
I must say I enjoyed the buffet meals, but most memorable of my dining experiences was a small cafe a few doors down from the coffee house where our workshop participants met. I should probably notify the Food Network's "Food Finds" show. Actually, I think I will! The most delectable fresh baked goods saturating the air with aromas of chocolate, lemon and almond lined the shelves. Muffins so large and yummy, the tops were cut off and sold separately. I had the most marvelous cocoa and white chocolate bar. Not a real sweet treat, but a melt in the mouth scrumptiously delicious one. "Maggie Buns" is the name of this cafe. What a treasure!
The dinner buffet was another big spread of food fare for decision-making. A little while after the dinner buffet, a daily evening program of specialty workshops ran from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Later, between 9:30 and 11:00 p.m. you could find institute participants gathering for fruit, wine, and cheese, sharing our new knowledge and ideas with new colleagues and friends.
But you are probably more interested in what I've learned, aren't you?
I learned when you really listen - accent barriers begin to fade.
I learned when you ask thinking questions - you can get thoughtful answers.
I learned when you share what you know - you can watch it grow and flourish from the creativity of another.
I learned when you work together sharing insights - it is really much more than just fun.
I learned that if you want learning to be internalized you should provide opportunities for actively participating in the learning.
I learned that know matter what learning you think has taken place, the most important step is to Debrief.
I learned when you're not a drinker - a few sips of a good wine can make your face numb.
Thanks MCLI - I'm already using what I've learned to facilitate the learning of others interactively. I'm discovering great resources with lots of "freebie" information. Check out www.thiagi.com and www.bowperson.com to explore these resources yourself.
This was one of my best experiences of the summer! If I have any opportunities for facilitating the expansion of your knowledge, (workshops, presentations, etc.) look for me to brighten your learning experiences!
Debra Glasper, Scottsdale Community College
For more information about the Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication see: http://www.intercultural.org
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