Purpose of the Conversation Students will have a

Purpose of the Conversation: Students will have a chance to: • Share their stories and emotions following the hateful and violent acts that have occurred in our country. • Seek understanding of the various perspectives and ways of responding to these current events • Gain information on resources and support available • Brainstorm ways we as a University can lead and promote change to create a more inclusive society.

Code of Conduct • Student conduct and rights outlined in the ETSU Student Code of Conduct apply. https: //catalog. etsu. edu/content. php? catoid=36&navoid=1567 • All voices/perspectives are welcome and encouraged • The University has a duty to guard individual rights of free speech/expression • Obscenity, discrimination or abuse will not be permitted in this forum. ETSU Honor Pledge By becoming a member of the campus community, students agree to live by the standards of the honor code and thereby pledge the following: “I pledge to act with honesty, integrity, and civility in all matters. ” PEOPLE come first, are treated with dignity and respect, and are encouraged to achieve their full potential; RELATIONSHIPS are built on honesty, integrity, and trust; DIVERSITY of people and thought is respected

Counseling Center Services • Talking about racism is necessary, but can be painful, and may bring up strong emotions or reactions which you might like to talk through with someone one-on-one. • If you wish to speak with a Counselor during this event, we have several members of the counseling center staff standing by. • You can call the Counseling Center (423)-439 -3333. Our front desk staff will connect you with an available counselor.

Common Group Norms for Having a Racial Dialogue • Maintaining confidentiality • Sharing time and not taking up too much air space • Speaking for oneself and not representing one’s group • Listening carefully to others • Striving for open-mindedness • Challenging behavior and ideas without attacking people From “Racism in the United States: Implications for the Helping Professions” (Miller and Garran, 2008)

Other Considerations • Try to be fully present • Taking responsibility for oneself (including challenging oneself) • Accepting that another person’s frame of reference has meaning for them • The importance of working through conflict and ‘leaning into discomfort’ (Wasserman & Doran, 1999) • Remember that what you are about to say will have a potential impact on other people. Sometimes it is better to note an idea, thought, or feeling, but to work on it in a different environment. (Call the Counseling Center at 423439 -3333) • Look at the intention, which is often well-meaning, and also the impact of well-meaning but painful interactions, which is critical to learning about racism.

A Note On Safety • Safety does not always mean the same thing. – For students of color, racism itself compromises safety and can include discrimination, prejudice, biases, microaggressions, aversive racism, being asked to rep their group, social exclusion, or outright hostility. – For white students, safety often means they will not be called a racist or if they “make a mistake, ” they will encounter severe criticism or hostility. They may be concerned about unresolved stereotypes or that if they say the “wrong” thing, they will offend or hurt someone, or that they will be misunderstood or misjudged. – All students, regardless of their race, are wary of others’ labeling or misinterpreting them. Fears for their safety undermine trust. These concerns work against establishing a learning environment that embraces difficult questions, deep listening, complexity, paradox, and subtlety. People who are feeling vulnerable, wary, or unsafe tend to cling to the familiar or they shut down, closing themselves off to new ideas and material. • Explore in your small group what might help you feel less fearful, and more open to listening and learning

Tools for Participants • Deep Breathing: 5 -10 deep breaths, tracking the breath from the nose to the abdomen • Body Awareness: Recognizing your physical symptoms of stress (tightness in the shoulders, clenched fists, increasing heart rate), and focus on ways to relax so you can mindfully re-engage in the conversation (through tensing, then releasing your muscles, or decreasing your heart rate with calming breaths) • Grounding/Mindfulness: Find your breath and then (internally) acknowledge: – – – 5 things you can see 4 things you can touch 3 things you can hear 2 things you can hear 1 thing you can taste

Follow-Up Care • Bucs. Press 2: 24/7 Mental Health Helpline for students – 423 -439 -4841, then press 2 • Single Session or Ongoing Therapy (by Zoom or Telephone) – Same-day service Monday-Thursday • 10 AM-Noon and • 2: 00 -4: 00 PM • Group and Peer Support – Coffee & Connection via Zoom, Thursdays from 11 AM-12: 30 PM – Open to out-of-state students • Consultations for out-of-state students for referrals to local free or affordable care • Visit our website for more information: https: //www. etsu. edu/students/counseling/

Opportunities Next Week • Tuesday, June 9 th 12 pm to 1 m Lunch and Learn “ The Culturally Responsive Classroom Join Zoom Meeting https: //etsu. zoom. us/j/95436219629 Meeting ID: 954 3621 9629 • Thursday, June 11 th 3 pm to 4: 30 pm Register in advance for this meeting: https: //etsu. zoom. us/meeting/register/t. JEqcuigr. Dgs. H 9 e. Ngv. LIPF 6 ud. SJ 80 M 6 zfx. Bn For Future Opportunities, please visit www. etsu. edu/mcc