Community Resources
Workshops and Training
The Midland County Inclusion Alliance regularly offers workshops and opportunities for learning and conversation on a variety of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access topics.
Bridge-Building 101: October Series
How can we keep building a deeply inclusive community during these times of unrest and uncertainty?
How do we more genuinely connect with neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family who may see the world differently?
Join the Midland County Inclusion Alliance for a free, four-week workshop series that will help us to build bridges and strengthen relationships in ways we might not have thought possible.
All sessions will be held at Northwood University, 7:00– 8:30pm on each Tuesday of October, in partnership with Northwood’s student DIG (Diversity & Inclusion Group).
Tuesday, October 7
LISTEN – The Power of Personal Storytelling
The most effective way to break down stereotypes and assumptions is to more fully get to know the people we might talk about, but rarely – if ever – talk with. In a “Human Library” setting, we’ll have the chance to hear life experiences firsthand from members of our community who bring a wide diversity of experiences and perspectives. We’ll also discuss how to become the most effective listeners we can be.
Tuesday, October 14
CONSIDER – The Value of Taking a Breath
Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor Victor Frankl once wrote, “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” When we connect with others, the quality of that connection can in part rely on how we receive ideas. In this session, we’ll reflect on what we learned in the Human Library session and learn some techniques for responding to high-tension situations.
Tuesday, October 21
CONVERSE – The Art of Curious Conversation
What does it mean to ask a genuinely curious question, free of judgment and expectation? In this session, we’ll have several chances to practice doing just that: asking the types of questions that really allow us to get to know someone, and answering questions in ways that help us feel seen and understood. Be prepared to be surprised by the things we might learn about each other – including ourselves!
Tuesday, October 28
ACT – From Conversation into Change
How do we create a community rooted in inclusion and belonging from the new bridges we build? What are the avenues that we need to sustain our connectedness, in ways that transcend some of the influences in politics and media that work to divide us? Come prepared for a full-group conversation as we navigate a way forward, together.
