Critical Multiculturalism

Last Thursday and Friday, I had the opportunity to attend a Faculty Learning Community Retreat led by two faculty members, Tanya Velasquez (University of Washington and South Puget Sound Community College) and Betsey Barnett (Shoreline Community College). In true facilitator style, Tanya and Betsey provided just enough structure to make the Retreat productive and interesting, while encouraging the participants to essentially co-facilitate the Retreat.

One of the particularly engaging and thought-provoking segments of the Retreat was Liberation Theater, led by Ernest Johnson, Mimi Harvey and Brooke Zimmers, from Shoreline Community College.  Ernest, Mimi and Brooke led the group through several experiential activities that served as springboards for reflection and discussions on power, privilege and differences. I know I've been exposed to good teaching when I wake up in the middle of night struggling with questions about the topic or rethinking about my own perspectives vis-a-vis others' perspectives.

Thanks so much to the Critical Multiculturalism Faculty Learning Community for creating this space for learning and making it such a welcoming and safe place to explore multiple perspectives on a wide range of topics around multiculturalism, diversity, and sustainability.

Read more about this work at criticalmulticulturalism.com