MSAN Conference

Ann Arbor, MI
Presentation/Project by: Solomon O. Roller

MSAN 2014 Theme

Theme: Broadening Horizons, Engaging ALL
Voices Through Dialogue
Conference Dates: October 15-18, 2014
MSAN: Minority Student Achievement Network

Districts at the Conference

The conference took place at a hotel in Ann Arbor Michigan . At the
conference, there were students from all across the country
representing their schools.
The districts were from Ohio, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Jersey,
Washington, Ohio, Arizona, Illinois, North Carolina, Connecticut, and
Virginia. Within each district were around 20-40 people.
All these students were prepared to learn and acquire the skills
through dialogue and bridge differences. But also bringing knowledge
of what theyve learned and experienced at their own schools.

Our District Representations

The conference started at 5:30 that
afternoon in a big conference room
filled with round tables where all the
students would be seated. Our District
included the schools of Verona, Middleton, and Sun Prairie and we very quickly
became a strong district unit of friends.
So when it was time to represent our
schools, we did it as a whole district.
Using this chant.

The District Crew

Verona, Middleton, and Sun Prairie

October 15, 2014 1st day of conference

Group Creativity and Representation

Then we were challenged to represent
our school with no sound. For this
segment, I was voted to be our main
attraction. I finally agreed and then
we planned out what would happen.
When we crouched down and linked
arms that represented all ethnic
groups in our district coming together
to make a change. My dancing in the
middle of the circle along with Maliks
represented the need for leaders and
the need to stand out among different
schools.

Links to Instagram
video
part 1
http://instagram.com/p/uN9i62u4qY/
part 2 http://instagram.com/p/uN9hKnO4qW/

Issues Addressed and My stand point

Lack of Awareness of differences, students feeling like they dont
belong, and the space between ethnicity groups.
We learned of our responsibility to take part in bridging differences
and reaching out to ethnic groups in order to form community.
I agree with what we were taught, but I strongly feel and know that
so many will go back to their old ways. We are part of the problem
too. If were not applying what we learned at this conference in our
lives in and out of school, then we are either part of the stereotypes
or seeing the problems everyday and ignoring it. Therefore, we are
part of the problem if were not working to fix it. Both are bad and I
feel this should have been more highly addressed at the conference.

Everyone Has a Voice

In dialogue, everyone has a voice. We
were never shut for our point of views
or our personal experiences. Everyone
is given a chance because intergroup
dialogue gives those who are not
heard a chance to have a voice.
At most interactive conferences Ive
been to I never get a sentence in the
discussions. Students have a desire to
share and connect and this conference
offered just that.

WHAT: Dialogue
-Reduce imbalance
-Design to promote social
justice
-Process of affirming human
dignity and self worth.

Being the First to take a stand

On Thursday at 7:00 p.m after our day at the
University of Michigan, we had a special
student performance from the Matrix Theater
company. Basically, their play was about a
group of students who form a plan and take a
stand for their educational benefit.
They had so many problems and teacher
replacements at their school, that they were
all hungry for change and a proper education.
Though it got the ring leader kicked out of
school and the plan eventually failing and the
school eventually shutting down.

Standing Up First
The play shed a light on student responsibility. The story was a true
story and the characters were real students. The teachers couldnt do
anything to help and it was up to the students to make a change.
I understand that there is a lot of responsibility on our shoulders. A
responsibility to unite all ethnic groups and to break all stereotypes
and bridge our differences to build community.
But when you have a group of people that thrive for the same change
you want, the burden is so much lighter and the team effort can be
worth all the trouble. We as students are capable of bringing great
changes, even with the obstacles and the way things are.

Guidelines for Dialogue

1.
2.

Confidentiality: atmosphere for open, honest exchange

Our primary commitment is to learn from each other:
-That means listen to each other not talking at each other

3.

We will not demean, devalue, or put down people

-Whether its their experiences, lack of experiences, or difference in
interpretation

4.
5.
6.
7.

Challenge the idea not the person.

Speak your discomfort: emotional reactions to this process can
provide the most valuable learning opportunity
Step Up, Step Back
Maintain a safe atmosphere

Intergroup Dialogue approach

Sustained Communication: Sustained face-to-face
conversations that encourage listening and
questioning one another along the lines of
difference. Mutual understanding of similar and
conflicting needs are built over time.
Methods such as paired listening,talking
circles,circle of voices, and more encourage
authentic voicing and listening in the dialogue
group. These were affective methods used at the
conference.

Intergroup Dialogue approach

Critical Social Awareness: Pointing out the political realities that
lead to group differences will spark mindful conversation about race
and other social boundaries. This type of group process only grows as
students feel more free and confident to explore issues, challenge
each other and themselves, express anger, bring support, and to raise
challenging or controversial questions.
An example of critical social awareness can be found in cross-race
dialogues with topics of racial/ethnic segregation and selfsegregation.

Intergroup Dialogue approach

Bridge Building: Constant and critical conversation about issues of
social identity will sheds a light on conflicting perspectives about
and within the lines of difference. Also showing the connection
and disconnection of relationships among members of social groups
in society.
Bridging offers support for exploring new ways of being, relating,
and taking action with people of all race and groups. Students
experience the chance to embrace new visions and possibilities.

School Game Plans/Gallery

On Friday morning, we gathered for our
conference morning meeting. We had to
put what we learned in the past days
into a game plan for our individual
schools. Once the majority of schools
had finished, every school hung up their
posters around the room.
Two people from each group talk about
the schools game plan as everyone else
walked around the gallery setup,
observing the different schools game
plans.

Our School Plan Poster for the gallery

Our Action Plan

As a group, we each individually played a

part in creating the school plan which we
could apply back at school.

1. Student Voice Union, Coalition Collaboration

2. Promotion/Networking
a. T-shirts for representation and VCAT to get word around

3. Multicultural Week
a. To increase awareness and learn the different cultures of our
community
b. Performances, dialogue workshops, food, interactive activities,
etc.

Our Action Plan

4. Culture Classes
a. Incorporating positive elements of students culture
into classroom learning and community building.
b. Great opportunities for personalized learning

Structure of Intergroup Dialogue

Stage 1. Creating an Environment for Dialogue
Stage 2. Situating the Dialogue: Learning About Differences and
Commonalities of Experience
Stage 3. Exploring Conflicts and Multiple Perspectives: Dialoguing
About Hot Topics
Stage 4. Moving from Dialogue to Action: Action Planning and
Alliance Building

University of Michigan
On Thursday, the entire conference
group headed out to the University of
Michigan for the entire day. We toured
the campus and sat through a
presentation of the school and what
they have to offer. We mostly talked
about our social identities, being an
example, and being passionate and
working hard in order to bring change
and that we got on the topic of an
inspirational young lady.

Malala Yousafzai
17 years old

At the University, we watched a video about this girl Malala who is

the youngest person ever to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize
and recently a recipient of the prize on 12/10. She fought in her
country for the education of girls in her country. She spoke up when
no one else would and she risked her life and eventually was targeted
by the Taliban.
She was shot in the head by Taliban gunmen in October 2012 for
campaigning girls education, but she survived and continued to speak
out on as many interviews, media channels, etc. She never backed
down even after all she went through. She was passionate for change.
So neither should we for bridging differences.

Ourselves through the eyes of

others/public vs who we really are.
We talked about how it doesnt matter what race you are, the public
will project the image they see you as on you. Whether you are black,
white, latino, asian, filipino, etc. it can be either good or bad and
many times the image can be bad. It has a lot to do with how you
carry yourself because you can complain all you want, but the first
impression is the one every person remembers. But if we are well
spoken and carry ourselves well, we can break free from a large
amount of stereotypes. No matter the color of your skin.

Learning Targets

SOCIAL REASONING: Cultural Factors Influence

SOCIAL REASONING: Rights of Minority Groups
SOCIAL REASONING: Public Policy
SOCIAL REASONING: Rights and Responsibilities
SOCIAL REASONING: Issues of Public Concern (Required)