Talk2me2knowme invites campus-wide dialogue

Talk2me2knowme invites campus-wide dialogueNovember 07, 2006Matthew R. Snydermrsnyder@syr.edu

Hundreds of orange T-shirts, emblazoned with “talk2me2knowme,” are a visual manifestation of campus-wide days of dialogue taking place this week, Nov. 6-9. The University-wide conversation is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) and the Multicultural Living Learning Community (MLLC). Organizers anticipate as many as 1,000 students participating in this annual diversity dialogue program, which challenges members of the University community to take a stand on their own beliefs, and in return be willing to listen to and empathize with others before questioning them.

Those who wear the talk2me2knowme T-shirts are inviting fellow University community members to engage in this form of honest dialogue. Dialogues may address, but are not limited to, sexism, racism, classism, religious diversity, nationalism, interpersonal violence, sexual assault, homophobia, global terrorism, anti-Semitism and ableism. Wearers of the shirts are each encouraged to talk to at least five people who appear to be from different racial, cultural or other diverse backgrounds. For information on the program or the shirts, contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at 443-9676.

Talk2me2knowme is also the theme of several events this week. Upcoming events include:

? Tuesday, Nov. 7, 5:30-7 p.m., Haven Hall lounge: a roundtable discussion with the Native Learning Community and Multicultural Living Learning Community on land rights, the concept of land, cultural practices and Native mascots.

? Wednesday, Nov. 8, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Ludwig Lounge, Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center: “Do You See Me?: Women of Color in Higher Education Brown Bag Lunch Dialogue.” This event, sponsored by the Dimensions student group for women of color, will discuss issues that affect women of color in higher education and explore what motivates these women to persist and excel. All are welcome.

? Wednesday, Nov. 8, 5:15-6:35 p.m., Watson Theater: Open lecture by Associate Professor Silvio Torres-Saillant. Part of Torres-Saillant’s class, Living In A Diverse Society (LAS 300), this event will challenge participants to engage in discussion of multiculturalism.

? Thursday, Nov. 9, noon-2 p.m., Room 304 B-C, Schine Student Center: The 2knowme Challenge, an interactive program, will foster dialogue among pairs of individuals around issues of race and ethnicity. This experiential learning opportunity will emphasize active listening, paraphrasing and empathy. Light refreshments will be provided. To participate, e-mail trrobert@syr.edu, visit OMA in Room 105 of the Schine Student Center or call 443-9676. Sessions will start every 20 minutes, beginning at noon.

? Thursday, Nov. 9, 6-8 p.m., 11th floor of Haven Hall: MLLC Open House. SU and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students are invited to participate in this open house, at which light refreshments will be served. Participants will learn more about the MLLC and its citizens. The MLLC is sponsored in part by the School of Education.