Pre-Conference Sessions
Preconference Session 1:
Talent Management through an Equity Lens
Speaker: Christina Chang
Advancement shops committed to creating an inclusive culture must first start by internalizing this question: why is diversity important to your organization? Is true commitment to creating a culturally competent organization present at the top? If not, how do we move the diversity needle from the bottom and from the middle? What does it take to actualize a more equitable, more inclusive, antiracist culture? This workshop will ask provocative questions that will challenge your organization's readiness to do this work. For those determined to make positive change, we will explore on-the-ground tactics to begin building a system of belonging in your organization.
Preconference Session 2:
Breaking the Silence Habit: An Interactive Workshop on Advancement’s Role in Preventing Sexual Harassment
Speaker: Sarah Beaulieu
Part 1: Uncomfortable Conversation Framework and Role in Skills-Based Sexual Harassment Training
- The importance of engaging in uncomfortable conversations about boundaries, behavior and relationships on a regular basis
- The difference between compliance training and skills-based training
- The 5 elements of the Uncomfortable Conversation Framework
- The skills developed through regular practice of uncomfortable conversations
Part 2: Scenarios Workshop
Using The Uncomfortable Conversation Framework, we will work through common scenarios designed to practice skills for advancement leaders and professionals. Participants will discuss a scenario in small groups and then report back on their discussion to the larger group. The goal is to provide participants with practice in a lower-stakes environment, illustrate the skills required to participate in conversations about harassment, and highlight how conversations and skill-building BEFORE incidents are key to prevention and response. The scenarios can be adapted to include various roles and responsibilities in advancement offices.
Pre-Conference Session 3:
New to Advancement
Speakers: Leaders from District VIII
- "What is Advancement?" presented by Donna Vuchinich, Executive Director for University Development, Advancement and Alumni Relations, Simon Fraser University
- "Building Influence, Collaborations and Growth" presented by George Keegan, Senior Associate Vice President, Constituent Development Units, Washington State University Foundation
- Panel Discussion with Leilani Lewis, Associate Director for Diversity Communications & Outreach, University of Washington Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity; David Chow, Director for Philanthropy, University of Washington Medicine; Yvonne Ohara, Manager for Alumni & Community Engagement, Langara University; Vivek Narendra, Director of CRM Strategy, Oregon State University Foundation