"Critical Conversations" Diversity Conference

North Dakota State University, NASPA IV-West, and ACUI Proudly Present: "Critical Conversations" Diversity Conference
April 10-12, 2017
Memorial Union, North Dakota State University

“Critical Conversations” was created to further understand the various issues surrounding race and diversity, provide a venue for "voices" to be heard, and to determine our roles and responsibilities in creating positive social change.  We realize that these conversations can be difficult as there are many perspectives, privileges, and needs we all possess.  At the same time, the organizers believe that it is imperative to have these conversations (in as many places as possible) to begin the transformational process of individual understanding, growth, and our ability to create change.

The organizers of, “Critical Conversations” acknowledge the complexity and multitude of diversity issues and that we do not have all the answers.  To guide us along our journey, we invited three well-known speakers that offer their own unique perspectives on various issues surrounding diversity.  The speakers will challenge us to think more broadly while helping us to commit to lifelong learning and activism. 

Topics for 2017: This year's Critical Conversations Conference will focus on three topics: "The Dakota Access Pipeline"; "Poverty, Adversity, and Race"; and "Unifying Our Voices".  Read about this year's powerful speakers here.  In addition to hearing from our expert panel of speakers, participants will have a structured dialogue facilitated by the speakers.  Afterwards, participants will have the opportunity to create an action plan to take back to their respective campus or organization.

Unifying Voices Activity: Throughout the conference, you can expect lively discussions, activities that will challenge your thinking, and the formation of life-long friendships.  Whether you are able to join us at the conference or not, we invite you to join in our transformational journey as a larger community through our, "Unifying Voices" activity.  The activity was started by one of our keynote speakers, Michael Strand. The activity is designed to encourage participants to share their stories of challenge, struggle, and/or triumph in any area of life he or she desires.  We hope that when participants share his or her story, their willingness to be vulnerable will not only demonstrate their courage to share their story, but will help others to be more appreciative and accepting of other people's stories.  

To participate in the "Unifying Voices" Activity, choose a cup from your home/work that symbolizes or represents a personal story of struggle, challenge, and/or triumph.  Stories can be about issues of diversity, family, and/or work.  On a 5 inch by 5 inch (5"x 5") piece of paper, write or type (18 font or larger) a synopsis of your story. Insert your story in your cup, and mail it to: NDSU: 246-Memorial Union, PO Box 6050, Fargo, ND, 58108.  Your story and your cup will be put on display during the conference as a show of solidarity and as a symbol of, "Unifying Our Voices" while celebrating our diversity.  In return, if you attend the conference, you will receive a cup made by master craftsman, Michael Strand.  At the end of the conference, participants are welcome to take their cup home.  All other cups must be picked up by April 28, 2017 or become the property of NDSU. 

Entertainment: This year's conference will also feature the always entertaining, "Aztec Singers & Dancers," and the diverse styles and dance of the NDSU Hip Hop team.  Finally, join us before the conference starts for the "Poverty Simulation." Winner of ACUI's Quarterly Program Award, this large scale simulation is fast-paced and full of powerful takeaways.   

Cost: Enjoy the powerful speakers, engage in challenging dialogue on a host of diversity topics, revel in great entertainment, and partake in the award winning Poverty Simulation all for one low price. Cost of the conference is only $99.00 for faculty and staff and students are free, regardless of institution.  Register now ! Want to save more on travel costs?  Think about staying with a host family!  Click here.   

Plan Your Stay: Click here for hotel and host family options.   

Conference Goals:

The “Critical Conversations” Conference is designed to provide a platform to allow participants to discuss local and national issues regarding diversity in a safe, educational, and forward moving manner.  The goals of the conference include:

1.   to create a place for critical conversations to be had in a respectful and thoughtful way

2.   to explore often misunderstood issues of diversity

3.   to help create an action plan for having conversations with others

4.   to develop and discern individual and collective responsibilities in creating positive social change

5.   to be able to share individual stories of challenge, passion, and triumph