Session VIII      (March 4 @  9:00 – 10:30)

Between Two Homelands:  The Experiences of Undocumented Mexican Mothers with K-12 Public Schools
As part of her research for her master’s thesis, Maria Corral-Ribordy  interviewed six undocumented Mexican mothers in Humboldt County.  The voices and insights of the women who participated, regarding the education of their children, will be the focus of the workshop.  The format of the presentation will encourage a dialogue about the context of the research, the findings, and the research process as well.
Presenter:  María Corral-Ribordy

Beyond Tolerance and Zero Tolerance in the K-12 Classroom: Democratic Education Strategies for Dealing with Homophobia and Racism
This workshop is designed for K-12 teachers who are seeking effective strategies to educate about homophobia and racism in the classroom.  Common occurrences in the classroom around homophobia will be presented through the format of Agosto Boal’s Theater of the Oppressed.  This workshop will move beyond simple “zero tolerance” policies to deal with the complex and multi-layered issues of racism, homophobia and other forms of oppressive behaviors in the classroom. Participants will contribute to the dialogue and production of knowledge in this democratic, interactive, and dynamic workshop.
Presenters:  Nora Wynne, Jean O'Hara

Facing Trans: Inclusion, Advocacy, and Empowerment
As  we become comfortable with the Lesbian and Gay plight on our college  campuses, we continue to overlook Bisexuals and silence Transgender  populations.  Trans students (prospective and current), faculty, and  staff, as well as alumni, community members, parents, and partners are  courageously coming forward and identifying as trans.  College  administrators have two choices (1) quickly react when it happens to  you, or (2) strategically plan to provide a safe and supportive campus  climate for all. Be a leader in benchmarking how your  department and campus can identify needs, include invisible  populations, advocate effectively for trans needs, and empower campus  community members to feel engaged and equal.
Presenters:  Jessica Pettitt, Loren Cannon

Sticks and Stones: Words Can Break Bones
Presented by the Humboldt County Human Rights Commission, this interactive workshop will provide participants with increased sensitivity to words and phrases that some may find demeaning, as well as ideastechniques, and activities for respectful language use in the classroom.  Participants will address how words can color a classroom environment, as well as brainstorm for positive and constructive phrasing when discussing controversial topics and materials.  Activities will include the participants’ sharing of challenging questions and comments encountered in the classroom, as well as successful strategies for responding to those unexpected and difficult moments.  Participants will develop working guidelines, including suggested activities and word/phrase lists, for  developing respectful language in a classroom.
Presenters:  Rick Botzler, Angela Ward, Byrd Lochtie