Presenters for the D.I.F. - Diversity, Inclusion and Fairness Conference are encouraged to enhance their presentation record by submitting presentation materials to digitalcommons@georgiasouthern.edu.

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2017
Saturday, April 8th
7:00 AM

D.I.F. Conference Program

Georgia Southern University Multicultural Student Center

Russell Union

7:00 AM

The mission of the D.I.F. Conference is to create an opportunity to openly talk, listen and learn about issues related to diversity, inclusion and fairness. Additionally, we have set forth the following goals for DIF: (1) Develop an understanding of diversity, inclusion and fairness (Think). (2) Increase awareness of one’s identities, biases and privileges (Think). (3) Understand the value of inclusivity and how individual actions impact our environments (Create). (4) Engage in Intergroup Dialogue to understand the effects of marginalization in order to create safe and inclusive environments (Create). (5) Identify and develop the necessary skills to create positive and strategic change (Be). (6) Challenge each other to acknowledge and expand the boundaries of our comfort zones To think, create and be DIF, it is necessary for one to show up as their true authentic selves, own their truths and be willing to share that truth with others in attempt to better understand one another and to use this understanding to shape your environments. This is where social justice meets diversity. This is how we impact change.

Presentation Materials Available

10:10 AM

#ALLBlackLivesMatter: Black Politics, Society, and Intersectionality

Suzanne Shurling, Georgia Southern University
Ethan N. Winters, Georgia Southern University

RU 2041

10:10 AM - 11:15 AM

This session will allow students to examine and discuss the portrayal of the LGBT community in society such as through media or politics compared to the real every day LGBT community experiences. In addition, the session will engage students in dialogue on reclaiming their identity and owning who they are through an interactive group activity. This session will provide an opportunity for students to hear the experiences, ideas, and feedback of individuals who have a different sexual identity than their own.

Presentation Materials Available

CREAM – Cash Rules Everything Around Me

Casey Weaver, Georgia Southern University

RU 2084

10:10 AM - 11:15 AM

Diversity and inclusion has to be talked about - but how do we do that, and in a way where all voices are heard? Come participate in a World Cafe dialogue to explore your own thoughts on supporting diversity and inclusion.

Presentation Materials Available

11:20 AM

Check the Rhyme: History of Social Justice in Hip Hop culture

Ronnie Mack Jr., Bethune Cookman University

RU 2044

11:20 AM - 12:25 PM

Hip-Hop has been a vehicle of consciousness, controversy, and change since its birth on August 11, 1973. In a society marred with violence, police brutality, drastic political change, xenophobia, and other societal ills where does Hip Hop stand in this storm of societal unrest? In the past, Hip-Hop was the voice for the young, marginalized, and disenfranchised. Dr. Tricia Rose (author of “Black Noise” and “Hip-Hop Wars”) stated that, “Hip-Hop can be a poetic force for a social movement”. Some skeptics feel Hip-Hop now represents the societal ills that the culture initially fought against. The purpose of this presentation is to examine hip-hop’s culture historical connection to social justice and its impact on the lives of the individuals who listen to it. In addition, connect people with the contemporary artists acting as vanguards of social development and change. Lastly, the presentation will inspire people to be social justice advocate to change their communities.

Presentation Materials Available

“Know Thyself: Taking Ownership of Your Identity”

Paul Bradley Jr., Georgia Southern University

RU 2048

11:20 AM - 12:25 PM

This workshop allows participants to openly examine current stereotypes, concerns, and challenges of LGBTQ communities. In addition, it will provide an opportunity for them to share their experiences with their own identity or gain insight of people who identify differently. The presentation seeks to provide participants with the foundation to reclaim their identities and own who they are in all aspects of life.

This presentation is scheduled for Concurrent Session 1 (11:15 a.m.), Concurrent Session 2 (1:30 p.m.), and Concurrent Session 3 (2:30 p.m.)

Recognizing ourselves and each other through art journaling

Amanda J. Hedrick, Georgia Southern University

RU 2080

11:20 AM - 12:25 PM

One of the best ways to connect with others is to create and share with them. Using art journaling practices, we will reflect on our identities, create art based on those identities, and take a gallery walk to observe and appreciate the diversity of identifications in the room. We’ll then brainstorm ways this kind of activity could be meaningfully used in clubs, classrooms, or other groups to foster empathy, celebrate diversity, and encourage connection.

Presentation Materials Available

1:45 PM

Don’t Judge me bro! How Bias Affects our Interactions

John O. Nwosu Jr., Georgia Southern University

RU 2084

1:45 PM - 4:50 PM

What do your favorite color, type of person to date, restaurant, or sports team have in common? They can all feel like very personal decisions that are actually influenced by our biases. Biases are your tendency; these cognitive shortcuts can help and hurt us.

Rhythm and Poetry: A Conversation for Hip-Hop Enthusiast

Domonick Pitts

RU 2043

1:45 PM - 4:50 PM

Jumping into the puddle of Hip-Hop & Rap knowledge. Speaking about the past, present and future while remembering “The Message” given by Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five. Speeding into a discussion, critique, and dialogue to determine if Rap music a genre that should be taken seriously?

Targeting Ageism and Ableism: A Simulation on Loss and Decline

Jennifer Zorotovich, Georgia Southern University
Nikki DiGregorio, Georgia Southern University

RU 2071

1:45 PM - 4:50 PM

Young individuals commonly experience difficulties in understanding functional loss and sensory decline frequently accompanying normative aging processes (Bodner, 2009; Kusumastuti, vanFenema, Polman-van Stratum, Achterberg, Lindenberg, & Westendorp, 2017). Utilizing the framework of Wood (2003), this workshop will provide attendees with an opportunity to gain first-hand experience regarding common functional loss and sensory decline occurring across the lifespan as well as engage in caregiving tasks. This aging simulation will also be used to investigate ageism and ableism as it relates to the lived experiences of those living with loss and decline and in-depth account of contemporary models of aging as they pertain to Successful Aging and Positive Psychology will also be explored.

Presentation Materials Available

The Basics of Privilege for Those Who Just Don't Quite Get It

Macy J. Reeves, Georgia Southern University

RU 2048

1:45 PM - 2:50 PM

Privilege is a very important aspect of diversity. In spaces for individuals to feel safe and heard, the people in these spaces must self-identify their privileges and the privileges that they do not have. The best ways to talk about privilege are to first discuss the fact that you should never feel guilty for having a privilege, but it is highly important to be aware of the privileges that one has. A visual technique such as reading a list of questions and having the participants step forward if they have what the specific question i­s. By using a visual aid such as this activity, it allows the participants to see the distances in which privileges and the lack there of can separate individuals within today’s society.