UnityWorks Summer Training Institute, Yakima, WA, June 2019
Made possible by our funding partners: Yakima Valley Community Foundation & the Rabbani Charitable Trust
(A) Rosemary Leiva and Heather Hudson welcomed us each morning and kept us well fed!
(B) Role play on multiple perspectives. (C) LaTasha Larez and Julie Schillreff recite an original poem about race.
(A) Relyn Strom and Angelica Hernandez demonstrate the concept of "unity in diversity" through a beautiful dance. (B) What can you say!
(C) The Alvarado family shares their culture, including this lively dance, as part of their "My Story" presentation.
(A) Team from Hoover Elementary, Yakima School District. (B) Harrah Elementary, Mt. Adams School District.
(C) Administrators from elementary, middle and high schools in the Wapato District.
(A) Ms. Ester Huey (center), community activist and retired bank executive, shares her inspirational story. (B) "My Story" speaker
Dr. Roy Gondo with Randie Gottlieb. (C) Cheryl Young and Tracy Trainor created a powerful skit about stereotyping and prejudice.
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Promoting the Oneness of Humanity
Photos L > R: Facilitators Dr. Randie Gottlieb and Lorenzo Alvarado, and “My Story”
speakers Mary Looney, Ester Huey, Dr. Roy Gondo and Maria “Zuky” Alvarado
This year’s Training Institute was enriched by the participation of teams from three school districts in Washington State: Mount Adams, Wapato and Yakima.
Participants engaged in a wide variety of learning activities, including demonstrations and role plays, group discussions, storytelling, art, music, poetry and personal reflection, as well as time for socializing and food. They not only read about best practices and instructional methods, but experienced them as well. Daily guest speakers served to personalize the training content by sharing stories about their own lives. On the final day, each team began work on a Diversity Action Plan for their district or school.