In this special Community Lunch Hour, we hear how an important regional conference is set to translate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) discussions into actionable strategies. The DEI Applied Conference, taking place on January 11-12 at Mid-State Technical College’s Stevens Point Campus, offers the opportunity to explore actionable ideas and solutions.
Community Foundation CEO, Jenny Riggenbach, recently spoke with two conference committee members, Ben Nusz and Sam Dinga. Nusz serves as the Stevens Point Campus Dean at Stevens Point Mid-State Technical College, while Dinga is the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Stevens Point Area Public School District. In their professional work and as it relates to the conference, they both emphasized that true DEI work extends beyond mere awareness, urging the use of data, understanding biases, and tackling structural barriers. With a robust line-up of speakers and facilitators, including keynote speaker Dr. Makayla Brown, the conference will provide tools and strategies for inclusivity in organizations and communities.
One session, “Becoming an Effective White Ally,” led by Dr. Marcus Lewis, promises to facilitate frank discussions on race in a supportive environment designed to demystify and address discomfort around these conversations. This session aims to equip participants with practical skills for including those who often feel excluded in diversity efforts.
With registration open to 150 attendees, the conference seeks representation from across sectors. Scholarships are available to ensure cost is not a barrier. Participants will leave the conference inspired and ready to implement the ideas and strategies they’ve learned. To hear more about the Conference and DEI in our region, you can access the full recording of the Community Lunch Hour below:
Nonprofit Leadership Institute
In addition to the conference, there’s a remarkable opportunity for anyone involved or planning to work with nonprofits. The Nonprofit Leadership Institute, beginning February 1st at Mid-State, offers an 8-session course tailored to the unique challenges of nonprofit management. Sessions held every other Thursday evening provide flexibility for busy schedules. This program, supported by the Community Foundation, is an invaluable resource for those seeking to enhance their leadership skills and network within the community.
Our Community Lunch Hour discussion was just the beginning. To continue the momentum, we invite you to get involved with the initiatives and activities listed below:
Take Action on DEI
- REGISTER for the DEI Applied Conference and invest in your ability to develop practical DEI tools and strategies.
- APPLY for a Conference Scholarship if you need financial assistance and are from Portage or Waushara County–you may be eligible for a 2024 DEI Applied Conference Scholarship.
- EXAMINE your implicit biases at Project Implicit to understand more about your subconscious biases.
- SHARE the CLH video recording with your networks.
Get Involved with Nonprofit Leadership
- JOIN the Nonprofit Leadership Institute: Starting February 1, this program is a must for nonprofit professionals. Register at Mid-State Technical College.
- LEARN about the Nonprofit Leadership Institute from its partner and scholarship supporter, the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin.
- SIGN UP for our next Community Lunch Hour conversation.
