FORWARD

Facilitating Positive Change

what | who | how

What? 

FORWARD (formerly TOT) offers DU affiliates the opportunity to develop and apply their understanding and action around Inclusive Excellence (IE) on a deeper level. Participants receive training from CME, and facilitate educational presentations and dialogues for campus programs.

Specifically, FORWARD:

• Provides opportunities for DU affiliates to develop deeper knowledge, experience and skills for constructively engaging diversity issues
• Embeds IE content and process experts across the institution
• Augments the educational impact of CME through a larger presence IE presenters/facilitators across the campus

Selected participants commit to:

• an intensive training retreat on intergroup relations concepts and facilitation skills. For 2013-14, this will be Friday through Sunday afternoons, September 27-29, 2013. Transportation, meals, accommodations and all materials are provided free to selected participants.
•  training for specific program models and/or content (e.g., Voices of Discovery, Queer & Ally Training); specific times (1-4 hours) varies by content
• monthly team meetings (for program updates, facilitation debriefs, peer support, etc); schedules negotiated each term
• 10-20 hours of facilitation each quarter through CME-affiliated programs

Participants receive:

• professional training and practical experience
• satisfaction of having contributed substantially to improving DU climate for diversity
• logistical support from CME for presentations
• snazzy DU/CME apparel
• letters of participation and/or reference

Who?

A new initiative from 2012, we piloted the program with graduate students; and are now expanding to include advanced undergraduate students as well. A version for staff and faculty is in development.

Program participants must already have substantial participation experience in programs (i.e. courses, workshops, seminars, etc.) focused on diversity, Inclusive Excellence, social justice, intergroup relations, intercultural communication and/or other related fields. Building on this existing foundation, FORWARD facilitators take their understanding to the next level by sharing it with others. Experience with public presentation/speaking, discussion leading and other leadership is a plus, but not necessary.

Affiliates looking for an introduction to these topics are invited to explore other upcoming campus IE opportunities (see the Diversity Engagement Opportunities compilation on our homepage) and apply in future cohorts.

How? 

Applications are accepted at least once an academic year, as there are slots available in the cohort. Interested DU affiliates apply online, and participants are selected by CME staff and the current cohort. We seek to have a range of identities, experiences and affiliations to best represent and influence the campus.

We are currently accepting online applications for the 2013-14 academic year, from qualified undergraduate and graduate students. (To be accepted, applicants must be able to attend the entire fall team retreat!) Online applications are due by 8am on Thursday, 23 May 2013; and decisions will be announced by Friday, 31 May.

If you have additional questions, please email us at igr@du.edu