Diversity Certificate Program 2012

The Diversity & Equity Office is proud to present the 5th Annual Diversity Certificate Program. This 6-workshop program will be offered from February - March 2012.

The Diversity Certificate Program was created to engage, challenge and educate the community on topics related to diversity/human rights/equity.

Each presentation is unique because it was created entirely by the individuals presenting (we believe strongly in the power of peer-peer learning). *Very few guidelines were given; it needed to be informative, engaging, and focus on diversity, human rights & equity.

*you must attend 4 of 6 workshops to receive the Certificate and recognition on the Co-Curricular Record (CCR). 

The workshops for this year’s Diversity Certificate Program:

1.) The Personal is Political: Politics & You *Presented by Setti Kidane*

Wednesday, February 1 @ 7:00pm & Sunday, February 5 @ 7:00pm (SLC)

Inspired by Carol Hanisch’s well known piece, “The Personal is Political”. This workshop aims to mobilize those who are otherewise disconnected from the poltical sphere Participants will discuss the interconnectedness of personal issues and civic engagement and ways to explore making their intersts politically relevant.

2.) The University Experience: The Queer Perspective *Presented by the Rainbow Centre*

Wednesday, February 8 @ 7:00pm & Sunday, February 12 @ 7:00pm (SLC)

The purpose of this workshop is to provide an understanding to the various experiences that LGBTQ* students encounter at post-secondary institutions. The workshop will discuss straight allies, the politics of ‘outing’ people, the problems with making assumptions and why safer spaces need to exist for Queer students.

3.) Diversity: The Challenge of Building Community *Presented by Gillian Autton*

Wednesday, February 29 @ 7:00pm & Sunday, March 4 @ 7:00pm (SLC)

This presentation will work to provide participants with knowledge about Allport’s contact theory and how they can meet the challenge of building a cohesive and diverse community.

4.) The Ripple Effect*Presented by Simon Finn*

Wednesday, March 7 @ 7:00pm & Sunday, March 11 @ 7:00pm (SLC)

This workshop will discuss the relationship between small actions of individuals and their impact on those around us. This presentation will inspire and inform participants about ways that they can change their communities, even with small actions.

5.) From Challenges to Actions *Presented by Torwomenye Kwasi Azalgo*

Wednesday, March 14 @ 7:00pm & Sunday, March 18 @ 7:00pm (SLC)

We all have the potential to make an impact in our own capacities but we sometimes get discouraged by challenges that often become obstacles. How can we channel our experiences into motivations to make a difference? Through this workshop, participants will appreciate the value of their personal experiences as a motivation to make an impact.

6.) Burst Your Bubble *Presented by Meagan Cork, Blair Sherman, Danielle Stewart and Lauren Munro*

Wednesday, March 21 @ 7:00pm & Sunday, March 25 @ 7:00pm (SLC)

This engaging workshop will get you talking ... about Mental Health. Mental Health is extremely prevalent on the Laurier campus - statistics show that 1 in 5 people will be affected by Mental Health issues in their lifetime. So why is it that we never talk about it? Starting with bursting our bubble, let’s shatter the stigmas related to Mental Health and work towards creating a truly accepting community at Laurier.