This just came across my screen, and I thought it appropriate to share an example and incentive to all of us considering the struggles we're expressing at Wikipedia and wikien-l in trying to get along with each other with patience, tolerance, acceptance, and equivalent consideration. This, by the way, is from "the" US, as in "we the people":
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From: broadcast(a)doc.gov
Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2007 06-42 am
To: Broadcast
Subject: Training Opportunities
The US Department of Commerce's Office of Civil Rights (OCR) is pleased to announce the following training opportunities:
"Moving Beyond Bias"
Audience: All employees
Dates: Thursday, October 11, 2007 - Room B-841A
Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - Room 6057
Time: 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Location: Herbert C. Hoover Building, 14th Street & Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC, US
This session focuses on "micro-nequities" -- subtle, but powerful forms of hidden bias and discrimination. Topics to be addressed include: how hidden bias impacts the organization, morale, productivity, teamwork, and retention of talent; learning to recognize hidden bias in yourself and others; and constructive tools for moving beyond bias. The session will be presented by Jackie Middleton, International Training Consortium, Inc., an accomplished subject matter expert.
"Equal Employment Opportunity for Managers and Supervisors"
Audience: Supervisory employees
Dates: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 - Room 6029
Wednesday, November 13, 2007- Room 6057
Time: 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Location: Herbert C. Hoover Building, 14th Street & Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC, US
This session is will provide managers and supervisors with an overview of the equal employment opportunity laws, policies, and procedures prohibiting discrimination based on age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, and retaliation. Through case studies and facilitated discussions, participants will learn of their roles and responsibilities in the federal discrimination complaint process, the Department's sexual orientation discrimination complaint procedures, and the reasonable accommodation process. Current trends and developments in civil rights laws, including the No FEAR Act, will also be discussed.
"Harassment: Recognition & Prevention
Audience: All employees
Dates: Thursday, November 1, 2007
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Time: 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Location: Herbert C. Hoover Building, Room 6057, 14th Street & Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC, US
This workshop will address definitions of harassment, and determining hostile and unwelcome behavior. Attendees will learn their rights and responsibilities as employees in identifying and addressing workplace harassment. Policies and strategies for addressing and resolving harassment will be explored through film, case studies, and group discussions.
"Harassment: Recognition & Prevention for Supervisors"
Audience: Current managers, supervisors, and team leaders
Dates: Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Time: 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Location: Herbert C. Hoover Building, Room 6057, 14th Street & Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC, US
Attendees will learn of their roles and responsibilities as managers, supervisors, and team leaders, in recognizing and preventing workplace harassment. This session is highly interactive and will focus managers on developing successful proactive strategies for effective prevention of allegations of hostile environment and harassment.
"Equal Employment Opportunity for Employees"
Audience: All employees
Dates: Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Time: 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Location: Herbert C. Hoover Building, Room 6057, 14th Street & Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC, US
This session is will provide employees with a brief overview of the equal employment opportunity laws, policies and procedures prohibiting discrimination based on age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, and retaliation. Using filmed scenarios, participants will examine typical supervisor/employee conflicts, and develop strategies for addressing and minimizing these issues. Attendees will also learn about current trends and developments in civil rights laws, including the No FEAR Act.
"Cross-Cultural Awareness"
Audience: All employees
Date: Thursday, November 29, 2007
Time: 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Location: Herbert C. Hoover Building, Room TBA, 14th Street & Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC, US
This experiential and interactive workshop will provide participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to promote cross-cultural understanding and sensitivity, and to enable participants to work effectively as a group of diverse professionals. The session will be presented by Jackie Middleton, International Training Consortium, Inc., an accomplished subject matter expert.
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There is no charge for any of these sessions. However, space is limited to the first 30 participants, and pre-registration is required. Please indicate your job title when you submit the e-mail for registration. As with other training opportunities, supervisory approval is required prior to registration...These workshop are physically accessible to people with disabilities...sign language interpretation...other auxiliary aids...