Understanding Racism in Today's World
2-Day Workshop on Unintentional Intolerance and Racism
November 19-20, 2008
Grand Rapids, MI

Racism is a complex phenomenon that few people tend to understand well. Indeed, many people believe they have a fairly good grasp of the issue and yet would be hard pressed to provide any information, data or knowledge that would indicate a more than a surface level understanding. On the issue of racism it is true that "a little knowledge can be dangerous." Or in this case, a little knowledge can prevent well-meaning people from arriving at solutions that would benefit everyone.

Developed and facilitated by Dr. Steve L. Robbins, the two-day "Understanding Racism in Today's World" workshop offers attendees a powerful spotlight onto the darkness of racism. By examining the oft unexamined aspects of racism, Dr. Robbins helps participants get beyond the handcuffs of superficial knowledge to truly understanding the how, what and why of racism. As Dr. Robbins puts it, "Only when more people move beyond their limited knowledge of race and race issues can we make sustained strides at dismantling this issue of racism that negatively impacts us all." Good intentions and well-meaning efforts to eradicate racism often fall short when lack of knowledge and misunderstanding of the problem exists. This powerful workshop is designed to take care of the knowledge and understanding components.

Unlike some other workshops that point the finger of blame, the Understanding Racism workshop provides a safe and blame-free environment for learning. This does not mean that there will be no discomfort, but the discomfort that tends to occur is of the cogntive type - when one has discovered that one's strongly held beliefs and opinions may have been built on a foundation of incomplete and maybe even false information.

Through the use interactive exercises, insightful videos, and informed dialogue, the workshop has been very effective at engaging all types of learners. And for anyone who has experienced Dr. Robbins style of teaching and facilitation, the workshop promises lots of laughs in the midst of lots of learning.

Here is a glimpse of what will be covered in the two days.

Day 1
Knowledge Matters
- This day will provide the knowledge necessary for workshop participants to more fully understand how we got to where are today with respect to racism. Participants will gain important historical knowledge and key definitions of important concepts - knowledge and definitions that many lack, but that are vital to understand the subtle and often invisible ways racism works in our world.

Day 2
A New Lens and Moving Forward
- This day will take what was learned on day one and apply it in interactive exercises and dialogue. Participants will practice entertaining new perspectives and also begin to think about what they can do individually and organizationally to dismantle racism with their new found knowledge. The day moves from an individual level understanding of race and racism to an institutional level understanding.

Each day will begin at 8:00 AM and end at 5:00 PM.

Who Should Attend?
Anyone interested in better understanding race and racism so they can positively impact their organization should strongly consider these powerful two days of learning and lens changing. The workshop will be profoundly important and influential for those leading and driving diversity and inclusion in their organizations. The following people will find great value in the boot camp:

* Diversity officers, managers and trainers
* HR and OD professionals and practitioners
* Diversity council members
* CEO’s, VP’s and other organizational leaders committed to diversity and inclusion

To fully utilize the power of diverse perspectives, we expect participants from many sectors and fields including; health care, education, business & industry, community not-for-profits, government, retail, hospitality, etc. Each participant’s perspective and expertise will enhance the learning and dialogue. Attendance is limited to a maximum of 35 people. We encourage multiple people from organizations to attend. We expect the 35 spots to fill up in a short amount of time, so please register quickly (significant discount for those registering by Friday, October 31, 2008).

Cost Structure
The fee for the workshop is $895 and includes a workshop packet and handbook. There is a per person discount for organizations who send multiple people. The discount applies to additional attendees after the first person.A private online forum will also be created for participants to continue their dialogue and learning with one another even after the workshop ends. A continental breakfast, snacks and lunch will be provided each of the two workshop days. Dinner will be the responsibility of the participant.

Cost Example Workshop Fee
First Person $895
Additional Person $795
Additional Person $695

Total fee for 1 attendee: $ 895.00

Total fee for 2 attendees: $1,690.00

Total fee for 3 attendees: $2,385.00

The above figures are fee apply to for-profit companies/organizations. There is 10% discount for registered 501C-3 not-for-profit organizations (the not-for-profit discount cannot be combined with any other special pricing or discounts).

NOTE: Register by Friday, Oct. 31, 2008 and the fee is only $500/person ($250/person for K-12 educators).

A registration form can be downloaded below.

Workshop Location

The workshop will be held at the offices of S.L. Robbins & Associates in downtown Grand Rapids. The address is: 25 South Division Ave, #225, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. We have 4,000 sq. ft. of workshop space on the second floor of a century old building. The space is renovated loft space with 12 ft. high ceilings that's ideal for a workshop such as this. Click here to get a map that indicates our location.

Travel Information

It is suggested that you fly into Grand Rapids (Ford)International Airport (GRR) which is approximately 8 miles from the workshop location in downtown Grand Rapids. Most major airlines serve Grand Rapids while Northwest Airlines offers the most flights in and out of GR.

Hotel Information

The three recommended hotels are listed in order of proximity to the workshop location (25 S. Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49503) and are within walking distance. The Courtyard Marriott is less approximately 5 blocks from our location while the other two hotels are just another couple blocks north of the Courtyard. All three hotels are very nice hotels - the best in the Grand Rapids area. There are numerous restaurants within walking distance of all the hotels.

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown (closest to workshop)
11 Monroe Ave. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 242-6000
(800) 321-2211
Website

JW Marriott Hotel (newest and most contemporary) - RECOMMENDED
235 Louis St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 242-1500
(888) 844-5947
Website

Amway Grand (classiest)
187 Monroe Ave. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 774-2000
(800) 253-3590
Website

For more information and to reserve your spot(s), please contact Dr. Robbins at steve@slrobbins.com or 616.915.8424.