Presented by Joyce Allen-Beckford, Director December 17, 2009

2009 Highlights Structural Racism Symposium in Spring Keynote presented by Professor john powell The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race & Ethnicity Expanding Opportunity for All: Responding to the Situatedness of Marginalized Populations (60 participants attended the workshop, which was capacity for the ACI space)

Structural racism a discussion about race in the Obama era. connections that exist between race, place, and poverty in the United States low-income communities are deprived of the essential elements needed to promote advancement and success in our society. strategies for addressing the needs of marginalized communities.

Structural Racism – Feed Back Which part of today’s experience has been most valuable for you? Briefly explain why? Pp’s presentation. It challenged a lot of my ideas and made me hopeful of positive change. John powell’s talk was very inspiring and really made me think outside of the box, when thinking about race Lecture made me take a step back from case work and remember the bigger picture and why I got Involved in this work

AGE/AGEISM Four Generations in the workplace To increase understanding of generational difference and how these differences impact workplace relationships To raise awareness of participants’ own norms and values around generations and ageism To develop strategies for overcoming barriers to creating more constructive relationships with colleagues and clients with generational differences (143 participants attended workshops)

Four generations: Feed bac k How will you interact differently: colleagues from other generations as a result of today’s experience? I w ill certainly be more conscious of generational differences –not a lens of seeing people that I often consider or of which I’m aware. Keeping in mind that being from a particular generation may affect how one interacts Be more cognizant of others’ communication styles Pause, form in my mind, a response (or initial statement to either bring about a request or discussion) not only based on the generation of my colleague but also in a way that shows respect and a welcome (acceptance) of other points of view.

Diversity Workshop Medical Legal Partnership A condensed version of the 2007 Let’s get Real Series Designed to broaden the understanding of Diversity and Cultural Competency within Medical Legal services Analyze their own understanding of how privilege, power, and oppression impact their lives, and those of their colleagues at Medical Legal Partnership

Medical Legal Partnership: Feedback How will you interact differently with colleagues from other cultures as a result of today’s experience I think I’ll be more conscious of stereotyping or judging people w/o knowing the things that I can’t see Be more thoughtful about what I don’t know about people I’m reminded to assume nothing and be more proactive in keeping the topic on the table More awareness and sensitivity for their background experiences

Center for Legal Aid Education: Leadership Institute Designed and Co facilitated the Fall Leadership Institute Workshop on how to have: Skillful Conversations about Power and Difference

Attorneys of Color Annual Retreat Attorney Verna Myers presented on: “Understanding the Four Levels of Multicultural Change and the Personal Behaviors that Support Diversity Leadership” She presented frameworks for understanding how change happens in an organization Also framework for developing personal behaviors that contribute to powerful leadership within and on behalf of the organization. Her presentation was very relevant and thought provoking

Other ….. Collaborated with MLAC Board Affairs Committee to: contacted all attorney of color groups: Massachusetts Association of Hispanic Attorneys Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association Massachusetts Black Women Attorneys Asian-American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston

Preview of 2010

Possibilities for 2010….. Meet with Project Directors to determine needs A retreat for paralegals and intake workers Continue workshop series: Gender, Sexuality, SES Be available for Diversity related issues within program

THANK YOU!