What's Your Diversity Challenge?

WHAT’S YOUR CHALLENGE? (Diversity Retreats)

I regularly attempt to answer a problem; question or challenge posed by our national network readers and invite you into the conversation. You can comment on my answer or expand on it on my website at:

http://drcharlestaylor.com/whats-your-challenge-diversity-retreats/

I'd also like to invite you to submit a challenge that you're facing at your institution. Collectively we'll find a solution that will hopefully work for you. Don't be shy. We all face challenges and will benefit from our collective experiences.

Nick from our national network posed this challenge:

Dr. Taylor, given your expertise in leading numerous diversity retreats, what are some of your “best practices?” Are there any books or blog posts that you’ve written that surround this topic? Who did you learn from and what obstacles did you have to overcome before you felt comfortable leading such retreats? Knowing that every group is different, do you use the same activities at every retreat, or do the activities vary depending on what kind of personalities are attending the retreat? Ultimately, I’d be really interested in knowing more about the psychology motivating individuals to participate in a potentially uncomfortable conversation. 

Nick thank you for your challenge(s)J. I’ll try not to be too self-serving with my answers but facilitating retreats has been one of the highlights of my professional career. First let me explain what a multicultural retreat is. It is a structured activity that allows white students and students of color an opportunity to learn about ALANA (African, Latino, Asian & Native American) cultures by being immersed in them over a weekend. Because of the time they spend together, students eventually “drop their guard” and allow their true feelings to emerge. When their candor isn’t viewed in a judgmental way, then authentic communication is possible. As a result of this interaction, students are able to connect in ways that they have never done before. Many participants describe the retreat as one of the most transformational events that they have ever experienced.

 I’ve seen firsthand the personal growth that takes place when students allow themselves to open up to this unique experience. I’ve witnessed the formation of new friendships, honest communication and a few moments of pure joy. This is what college should be about, to allow students to take risks and to grow; to challenge them to make a difference and to help make their campuses, institutions that celebrate diversity. It is not uncommon for participants to question why they subjected themselves to this experience at the beginning of the retreat. Nor is it unusual to hear comments like, 'Do we really have to leave?' at the close of the retreat.

The retreats that I’ve hosted have touched me personally and in profound ways. As a result I’ve written two books about this experience. One is fiction Lakeside University Cover Up, and the other is non-fiction. The novel attempts to bring the retreat experience to life for readers in an entertaining but impactful way. More importantly it allows me to communicate with college students through my FREE-Skype the Author program.

-to continue-

http://drcharlestaylor.com/whats-your-challenge-diversity-retreats/