Social Justice, Civility and Dialogue

A 3-session workshop with Deb Daniels LCSW, David Parker,  PhD, and Dave Derezotes, PhD

ATTENDANCE IS LIMITED TO 30 PARTICIPANTS, SO SIGN UP EARLY!

Introduction

Is it possible to have the challenging social justice dialogues we need to have today with both civility and honest boldness?

We say YES; it is not only possible but necessary for us to both bridge the differences that divide us and form the kinds of cooperative relationships necessary to deal with the social justice challenges that now confront us all.

Dialogue is communication approach that promotes a “confirmation of otherness” as Martin Buber and M. Friedman proposed. Dialogue enables people with different viewpoints to form relationships across the differences that divide us. Dialogue requires speaking with respect and listening for understanding. Dialogue is always nonviolent; violence and threat of violence creates a monologue because it silences the other.

Related to dialogue is the concept of civility. Civility is arguably the foundation of civilization. According to The Institute for Civility in Government, "Civility is about more than just politeness, although politeness is a necessary first step. It is about disagreeing without disrespect, seeking common ground as a starting point for dialogue about differences, listening past one's preconceptions, and teaching others to do the same."

Today, mental health providers arguably need training in dialogue participation, dialogue facilitation, and civility more than ever before. Our local communities and nation are currently challenged by such issues as systemic racism, political polarization, pandemic, climate change, and inequality.

In this largely experiential workshop, participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice knowledge, skills, and values in civility and dialogue that they can use in their own practice, on the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. We will participate together in three dialogues, one during each meeting, during which we gradually build an inclusive community together and start to address issues of race, gender, and other identities.

https://www.abebooks.com/9780829806519/Confirmation-Otherness-Family-Community-Society-0829806512/plp https://www.instituteforcivility.org/who-we-are/what-is-civility/

Session dates and information

We will ask participants to commit to taking all three sessions, which are described briefly below. Registration is capped at 30. Those attending all of the sessions earn 6 CEU hours.

Wednesday January 12 10:00 AM to 12 Noon

Wednesday February 16 10:00 AM to 12 Noon

Wednesday March 16 10:00 AM to 12 Noon

• Introductions
• Check in
• Presentations on the use of dialogue in psychotherapy and community mental health
• Third dialogue
• Check out

Facilitators

We are a diverse group of colleagues, friends, and social workers who collectively have well over a century of experience in Dialogue Facilitation with Social Justice issues.

Deb Daniels, LCSW

Deb Daniels recently retired from the University of Utah after 17 years of service as Director of the Women’s Resource Center. During that time, she was Co-Chair of the Student Affairs Diversity Council, Co-Chair of the Anti-Racism Task Force, Co-Facilitator of a campus and community dialogue group and providing dialogue training for various departments on campus. Prior to that, she worked with very challenging populations and communities where it was critical that she be able to facilitate many difficult conversations.

David Parker, PhD

Dr. Parker is an educator, consultant, motivational artist and author of books for children. David's educational and professional background is dynamic and diverse. David consults with the educational, business, government and law enforcement communities on issues related to how their organizational is impacted by beliefs. He teaches the Inclusive Dialogue class for the College of Social Work at the University of Utah. Dr. Parker is the Vice President of the Utah National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Dave Derezotes, PhD

Dr. Derezotes is Director of Peace and Conflict Studies in the College of Humanities, Chair of the Senate Advisory Committee on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Co-Chair of the Anti-Racism Committee, and Professor in the College of Social Work at the University of Utah. He has published six textbooks and authored numerous articles and presentations. For the last twenty-five years, much of his teaching, practice, and scholarship has been involved in building, testing, and teaching new community practice models.

Registration:

UPA Members

• Before January 6, 2022: $125
•  January 6 or later, 2022: $150

Non UPA Members

• Before January 6, 2022:  $225
• January 6 or later, 2022: $250

Students:

• Student UPA members: No Charge
• Student non-UPA members: $25