Community Is Not Cancelled: Building Meaningful Connections in Virtual Spaces
10:00 am- 11:00 am
Presenters: David Hoffman and Romy Hübler
Abstract: Student organizations are UMBC’s most important resource for building community and supporting students’ sense of belonging. During this most challenging semester students have ever faced, student organizations’ role is going to be more necessary than ever. But how will you be able to build community while forced to maintain physical distance? This session will focus on tools and techniques you can use to support and deepen your members’ engagement with your group, relationships with each other, and sense of connection to UMBC.
Identity Conscious Leadership: Identity Development & Creating Equitable Spaces:
11:15 am- 12:15 pm
Presenters: Carlos A. Turcios and Erin Waddles
Abstract: Racial, ethnic, and gender diversity are some of the characteristics that make UMBC a unique campus. As the United States continues to grapple with structural oppressive systems, it is essential to identify how our identities play significant roles in our personal lives, as students, and as effective student org leaders. During this session, participants will learn how their identity can “show up” through scenario-based activities, tips on how to create equitable and inclusive spaces, and recommendations on how to disrupt implicit and explicit bias.
Green Dot Bystander Intervention Preview:
12:30 pm- 1:30 pm
Presenters: Jasmine Lee, Jeff Cullen
Abstract: Power-based personal violence, which includes sexual violence, partner violence, or stalking, occurs at devastatingly high levels on our campus. But power-based personal violence is not inevitable. It can be prevented. Green Dot is built on the premise that in order to measurably reduce the perpetration of power-based personal violence, a cultural shift is necessary. In order to create a cultural shift, a critical mass of people will need to engage in a new behavior or set of behaviors that will make violence less sustainable within our community. The “new behavior” is a green dot. The critical mass is YOU: your organization, your executive board, and your members. This session is a preview of the skills taught in the Green Dot Bystander Intervention Training, available upon request to all student organizations. We need you and your organization as partners in the project of canceling the culture that supports sexual violence at UMBC.
Creating a Virtual Space for Involvement Fest
1:45 pm- 2:45 pm
Presenters: Tori Heasley and Amber Moore (Lift Innovate)
Abstract: This session will prepare organizations for Involvement Fest by teaching them how to create, manage, and utilize a virtual space through Webex. This will be the platform used for recruitment during Involvement Fest.
Becoming a Retriever Leader: Authenticity, Team-Building & Collective Action
3:00 pm-4:00 pm
Presenter: Beatriz Gutiérrez-Malagón
Abstract: When it comes to leadership, everyone has an integral role in accomplishing the desired goals of a team. For a student organization to run effectively its officers need to be mindful of how they show up as individuals, how to work with others, and how to take action. In this session we will be utilizing student leadership concepts to analyze where you currently stand as a student leader and as a student organization. By the end of the session participants will be able to identify areas of strength, areas for growth and positive changes that could be made within their role or organization during their time at UMBC.
REGISTRATION LINK: tinyurl.com/leadershipblueprint2020
For our final week of the Online Leadership Challenge we are going to focus on what happens when we combine the values, skills, and efforts that we all hold for a common good. This challenge made it a point to highlight an inclusive approach to leadership, rather than solely a positional one. The reason being to bust common misconceptions as it relates to leadership, while enriching the development of leadership qualities in all aspects that it appears— especially within your collegiate journey.
As we previously touched on earlier in the challenge, leadership work is done within groups of people with a common goal and a shared vision. And the process of leadership is typically in response to the needs of our community. Social responsibility and positive change for the betterment of others, the community, and society is at the core of the social change concept and essential when becoming a change agent in your community.
According to the Social Change Model of Leadership Development:
Leadership is concerned with effecting change on behalf of others and society
Leadership is collaborative
Leadership is a process rather than a position
Leadership is values-based
All students (not just those in formal positions) are potential leaders
Community service is a powerful vehicle for developing leadership skills
What is your reaction to these ideas?
How does this differ from the ways leaders and those learning how to become better leaders (the process of leadership learning) are portrayed on the news?
BONUS Questions:
In what other ways does (or can) this model show up in the current state our society is facing?
What are your roles and responsibilities in the UMBC community as it relates to the Social Change Model?
Today we focus on building and maintaining partnerships and teams. “Teamwork makes the dream work!” is a saying you’re probably familiar with. Leadership exists through powerful relationships; no one can be a leader alone. Often the greatest leaders have a partner or teammates who can see their true selves and can challenge the leader’s thinking for the betterment of the cause or group efforts. A key characteristic in fostering partnerships and building teams lies within shared purpose and committing to shared goals.
It is also important to note that one should strive to make connections and build relationships in an authentic manner. Connections and relationships should be forged with good intentions, not through manipulation or deceit. One of the best ways to nurture partnerships and teams is to listen and be present. Being a great leader requires creating a shared vision and developing rapport with your partners and team, in order to ensure the group’s success.
Take a moment to reflect on the list below, which was adapted from Patrick Lencioni's (2002) The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. This list identifies key commitments that help create and foster an effective team.
Five Commitments for an Effective Team:
Opening up and building trust within the team
Engaging in respectful discourse and conflict
Committing to the team’s purpose
Holding oneself and others accountable for their performance
Focusing on collective results
“All change, even very large and powerful change, begins when a few people start talking with one another.” -- Margaret Wheatley
Day 6 Challenge Questions:
What partnerships/teams are you a part of and how does each of these groups impact your life?
In what ways are you challenged AND supported by your partnerships/teams?
BONUS Question:
What TV show, movie or documentary have you seen that further supports these statements, and how?