July 10, 17, 24 (No seminar on July 3)

Living with Differences: Sharing the Pew but Maybe Not the Point of View

Sponsored by Westminster Peace and Justice
Can we build bridges with people who are different from us in places where we are often separate – for example, race, religion, gender, family roles, cultural experience, and point of view?

These days, when everyone seems to be going to their separate corners and preparing to fight, we hope to provide tools for coming together, or at least seeing things from the other person’s perspective. Currently, public education seems to be the focus of much of the dissention around race, cultural, and gender issues.

Our speakers will guide us in learning how to connect around some of these difficult questions.

July 10 – Identity Pie
Dr. Marta McClintock-Comeaux
How are we the same and how are we different from one another? Join in an exercise reflecting on what makes up each of our identities. Can learning about one another’s experience and perspectives help us connect with people having different points of view?

Marta is Director of Women’s Studies and Professor of Social Work at California University of Pennsylvania. Her courses embrace intersectional theory and practice, incorporating race, gender, socio-economic status, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, and abilities She is also part of the Cultural Humility an Equity Collaborative.

July 17 – Cultural Humility & Refugees in Our Region
Dr. Azadeh Masalehdan Block
We will learn basic concepts of cultural humility and whiteness as the centering dominant perspective. Dr. Block will help congregants focus on both internal and external processes; this could be of particular value as Westminster prepares to welcome a refugee family.

Dr. Block has experience in mental health services research. Her most recent work focuses on peer group work with newer immigrants and refugees. She currently serves as Associate Professor of Social Work at California University of Pennsylvania. Her teaching and research areas include cultural humility and diversity and work with immigrant and refugee populations.

July 24 – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Our Schools
Dr. Charles Herring
Dr. Herring will share his work helping school districts create and maintain culturally-responsive, safe spaces for all students, faculty, and staff. He will discuss his work within the schools using SHOUT (Social Handprints Overcoming Unjust Treatment) and other methods for developing cultural competence.

Dr. Herring is the Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the South Fayette Township School District. He has worked as an educator for over 25 years and has received a number of awards for creative work withing the schools, including the PA School Board Association’s 2021 Innovative School Leader Award.