Dear Diversity & Inclusion Advocate,
Hate has hit an historic high mark during the current political campaign, making the work of the American Conference on Diversity and community leaders and advocates like you vitally important! Throughout the coming months, we will be coordinating several opportunities you can participate in to make a positive impact in New Jersey. Learn more in this edition of THE POWER AMONG US - and we hope you can join our growing community in the fight to end hate in our state!
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OUR COMMUNITY
Steps in the Right Direction
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Diversity Stride Walk at Liberty State Park
C
orporate employees, fraternities/sororities, educators, youth service organizations, community and faith leaders, students and families: Join hundreds of change agents throughout the tri-state area on Sunday, June 26, at the 16th annual Diversity Stride Walk to help raise funds in support of much-needed diversity education programs to promote respect and understanding and combat hate. Participation will have a direct impact on tomorrow's leaders, helping to educate, empower, and make youth more employable through our Lead for Diversity Institute. Enjoy music, live entertainment, face painting, and help us select the Hudson County student Diversity Stride poster art winners! Get more the details and register here.
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New Faces at
American Conference on Diversity
We are proud to announce the appointment of two new Board of Trustee members - Tim Giordano (top left) and Tabiri M. Chukunta (top right) - who will help us continue to build just and inclusive schools, workplaces, and communities through education, awareness, and advocacy. Read more about them here. In addition, please welcome our new Office Coordinator
Constantina Meis, who will manage daily operations and help us expand our programs and services. Join us in welcoming them to our team!
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DIVERSITY ISSUES IN
Higher Education Annual Conference
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The 16th Annual Statewide "Diversity Issues in Higher Education" conference will be held on Friday, November 18, at New Jersey City University in Jersey City, NJ. It is the premier event within the tri-state area addressing critical diversity challenges in academia, the community, and the workplace, The event will include thought-provoking speakers and breakout sessions for attendees from corporate America, HR and career advancement, education, nonprofit and government sectors as well as the general public. Registration rates: $65 (general public)/$35 (for students), including breakfast and lunch. For more information, email us.
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Our President At Work!
A heartwarming testimonial from a Lead New Jersey
participant of our "Embracing Cross Cultural Diversity" seminar in April: 
"Elizabeth Williams-Riley talked about the 'fabric' of diversity and how prejudice can be 'unlearned' since it is learned. She defined diversity with four points:
1. Who you are
2. What you learned
3. How you lead
4. How you interact
Following her talk, Elizabeth took us outside for the 'Privilege Walk.' As I stood there hand-in-hand and shoulder-to-shoulder with my classmates, it was immediately clear where the exercise was going to go. My gut reaction was that I'd end up somewhere in the front third. But as my hand slipped from my partner as I stepped forward and she stepped back, I wondered 'Am I really
t
hat privileged?' I certainly never felt like I had a difficult childhood growing up, but I also never felt privileged. I struggled to look back at my classmates a few times and had that weird feeling in my gut when I realized I was one of the ones closest to the front as the exercise concluded. I also thought about my children; my wife and I often jokingly comment how spoiled they are and how much better of a life they have from us. But now, standing at the front of the group, it really hit me. I like to think that my wife and I teach them to appreciate what they have, but now, more than ever, I hope that I can really show that to them that as they get older."
Learn more about the American Conference on Diversity's Leadership Development services here.
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YOUR CHANCE
To Make a Change
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Lead for Diversity Corporate Volunteer Day
Talk
with today's millennials about their views! J
oin us on
Thursday, July 14,
during our "Corporate Volunteer Day" at the
Pocono Environmental Education Center
in Dingmans Ferry, PA. Witness the powerful impact of LFD, participate in activities, and dine with student delegates. For more information and to register, contact 732-745-9330. Space is limited and registration fees apply. Registration fees will cover round-trip transportation of volunteers and lunch.
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This Just In...
American Conference on Diversity now serves on the Advisory Board for the
Office of the Secretary of Higher Education Student Success in Higher Education Initiative.
The
primary focus will be to strengthen educational structures, recognize the importance of D&I, promote healthier living and campus safety, and provide academic, educational, and career resources.
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"No Hate" Fundraising Campaign
This year, we were presented with a corporate gift challenge opportunity
from our Corporate Partners at New Jersey Natural Gas:
to get new donors to help us raise $75,000. We did it and the company will
provide us with a gift of $25,000! To meet the increasing demand to help
schools that are struggling to build more inclusive
and just learning
environments, we need your help. We are going to continue our NO HATE
campaign to work with more schools. Every $2,500 raised allows us to
provide D&I training services to a new school in one of our 21 counties.
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►
MISSED our 2016 Awards Fundraiser? Watch the slide show
here
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►NEED ANSWERS to pressing D&I questions? Send queries to our CEO Elizabeth Williams-Riley. We're launching a new "Ask Elizabeth" column in which Ms. Williams-Riley will provide answers to help you create more inclusive workplaces, schools, and communities.  |
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