EXAMINING TRUTH - AWAKENING EMPATHY - ACTIVATING COURAGEOUS CITIZENSHIP
CHANGING THE LENS
Workshops
Our in-person and virtual workshops are designed to create a path to build community and to develop relationships which are the containers for lasting change. Contrary to popular belief, there are no shortcuts to experiencing cultural and social awakening or alleviating bias. We provide hope-filled environments that offer opportunities for people to come close to and face divisive issues by scaffolding an otherwise precarious journey with truth, empathy, and community.
OPTICS
This workshop provides an eye opening exploration into the power and impact of implicit bias, ways to counteract those biases and the benefit of engaging with people of diverse cultures and experiences. Through dialogue and discovery we explore the mystery of how our biases are developed and learn techniques to outsmart them that foster equity and justice. Participants will also gain a greater capacity to implement and maintain culturally sensitive practices in the workplace and in public engagement.
ZOOM LENS
This workshop is an immersive experience through which we examine American norms. We analyze common understandings of race and racism and offer a different perspective. We delve into the historical and institutional issues of bigotry and bias that have shaped our society. Our goal is to awaken empathy and inspire participants to begin a journey of transformation.
NEW LENS
This seminar is the third in a series of learning encounters. We work to understand disparate outcomes and the role we each can play to disrupt the systems and structures that created them. A broad-stroke review of the preceding workshops is followed by a series of activities to gently guide participants to reflect and answer the question, “What can I do?” The goal of New Lens is to inspire participants by elevating self-awareness, exposing patterns of inaction, and highlighting the urgency of answering the call to everyday activism.
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
Changing the Lens is a community building movement dedicated to transforming the view of race and racism in America by examining truth and awakening empathy to inspire curiosity and activate courageous citizenship.
We believe…
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people don’t know what they don’t know.
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people need a comprehensive understanding of American history.
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people can change.
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one person can make a difference.
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racism can be eradicated.