Special Announcements

~Browse WISR’s Inaugural WISR Newsletter: Summer 2020

~Until further notice, due to COVID-19, all WISR seminars and events are online only

~All of the following events, WISR sponsored or that the WISR Community is invited to join, count as hours of collaboration for WISR students in their coursework.

~Monthly Announcements are posted: 

INTERDISCIPLINARY SEMINAR(S)  are a way for WISR students to learn about core subjects of social change, writing, multiculturalism, adult/higher education, community leadership and social action-research. Community members are welcome to participate as well.  Students are strongly requested to participate in at least one seminar each month, unless they have an unavoidable conflict.  Students also have the option of creating seminars on topics of interest, of forming their own peer discussion groups, and developing regular collaborations with other WISR students. 

WORKSHOP IN SUPPORT OF
STUDENT ACADEMIC WORK IN PROGRESS 

Tuesdays,  12/1, 8, 15, 2020; 1/12, 19, 26, 2021, 4-5pm

John Bilorusky, PhD, WISR President and Core Faculty. (Other faculty are invited to participate as well.) 

This workshop will be aimed at several things: 1) Students will be asked to share and discuss their learning projects and course work that is in progress. To this end, students can let others know about their interest and current personalized WISR learning projects and/or planned projects—get feedback from others, brainstorm and share ideas. 

2) Students will have an opportunity to discuss and ask about anything else about their studies at WISR that will be helpful for them to do in this small group discussion setting.

Video/phone conferencing Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81278170306; Phone# 669-900-6833 with ID# 812 7817 0306. To RSVP or for help with technical difficulties call 510-655-2830 or email johnb@wisr.edu and provide a phone# in case of technical difficulties. 
 

MINDFULNESS IN THE SERVICE OF COMPASSION:
AWAKENING COMPASSION AS A RESPONSE TO COVID-19

MFT & Interdisciplinary Seminar 

Saturday December 5, 2020
9:00-10:00 am PST (USA)

Robert Cusick is a Founder and Director of the Applied Compassion Academy and its Applied Compassion Training program (ACT) offered in collaboration with the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research & Education (CCARE) at Stanford University. ACT is a groundbreaking 11-month global program that is founded on and incorporates the pillars and principles of applied compassion. ACT supports individual participants in the development and execution of unique public facing offerings that respond to the challenging issues of today’s world. Disastershock (disastershock.com) is an example of one such 2020 project.

Robert trained at Stanford School of Medicine in the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. He is a Stanford Lecturer and Certified Sr. Stanford CCT™ (Compassion Cultivation Training) Instructor and teaches at Stanford University, UCSF, Kaiser Permanente Medical Centers and in multiple other venues. As a longtime meditator and former monk, Robert ordained in Burma under the renowned meditation master, Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw, and studied with him from 2003 - 2012.  In addition to his teaching, Robert provides grief counseling and bereavement support for adults at Kara in Palo Alto, CA where he facilitates retreats for fathers grieving the death of a child. Robert sits on the Board of Directors of the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies.

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87808537970?
 

WORKSHOP ON TRANSFORMING HUMILIATION
AND VIOLENT CONFLICT
MFT & Interdisciplinary Seminar 

Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies; co-sponsored by the Morton Deutsch International Center on Cooperation and Conflict Resolution, Teachers College, Columbia University.

Thursday – Saturday, December 10th — 12th, 11am-3:30pm EST

Invitation of Drs. Linda Hartling and Evelin Lindner: Very much like WISR, we wish to nurture a garden of ideas, where we build on each others' experiences and insights as a global transdisciplinary dignity community and then turn these ideas into action in the world. As anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” 

In this upcoming workshop, we will have five “dignilogues” (dignity + dialogue). It would be a pleasure to have interested WISR friends to be with us this year as supporters, so that they can get familiar with the format. Our workshops are unlike mainstream formats. Rather than “lectures" and “presentations," we encourage dialogue, sharing, connections, and conversations (in small groups) throughout the workshop.

Our workshops and conferences are meant to be part of our lifelong efforts for dignity. Our December workshop series is part of this larger journey. We welcome all who would like to join us in this work of a lifetime.

Here is the registration form for the December 2020 dignity workshop (there is no registration fee, but space is limited): https://forms.gle/xQLMhrL1xSMCKjeD8. We encourage all participants to be with us throughout the entire three days of the workshop, so we can build lasting connections and continue to deepen the dialogues. Please see our detailed invitation at: https://conta.cc/3mG8Cuq . Please also visit our website for more details as the program develops: https://www.humiliationstudies.org/whoweare/annualmeeting/35.php
 

WISR panelists:

Thursday, December 10th, 9:45am PST; 12:45pm EST

• Pre-Planned Dignilogue #1: Dignity Studies: Reimagining Learning in of World of Crises
• DigniHosts – Linda Hartling, Mara Alagic, and Evelin Lindner
• DigniContributors – David Yamada, John Bilorusky, Rosa Reinikainen, and Maggie O’Neill
• Participation Arts and Social Action in Research (PASAR): Theatre Making and Walking in Research with Migrant Women, with Umut Erel, Ereni Kaptani, Tracey Reynolds and Maggie O’Neill, a short film by Marcia Chandra that shares the work and importantly the process (Video | Pdf comment | PASAR)

HUMAN DIGNITY AND HUMILIATION QUARTERLY DIALOGUE
MFT & Interdisciplinary Seminar 
Saturday, January 16th, 2021 
10am-12pm 

Rosa Reinikainen, MFT, WISR Adjunct Faculty, Facilitator

We are so fortunate at WISR to be linked in with the global network of Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies.  Evelyn Lindner and Linda Hartling have dedicated their lives to the important study of these dynamics.  Understanding the dynamics of humiliation is critical to healing from these cycles and restoring our innate dignity. 

We live in a highly interconnected world. Humiliation cycles happen in a social, political, environmental, relational and interpersonal level, as well as an internal level.  It is important to look at our participation in these systems. There is escalating social instability, political unrest, violent conflict, economic injustice, and climate change and now a pandemic, which is already increasing and exacerbating existing inequality. There are massive issues with Police murdering back and brown people. We are having increasing climate disruption leading to floods, wildfires, earthquakes, and hurricanes. In looking at these dynamics we can create the impetus to design innovative, sustainable, and mutually dignifying solutions to these problems. We will discuss how we can create systems that ensure equal dignity for all. 

This seminar is a discussion about Human Dignity and Humiliation.  It is a ‘come-as-you-are’ discussion, meaning you do not need to have a deep understanding of these ideas.   We have all had experiences that are relevant to the discussion.   These dialogues can help create change. Come discuss human dignity and humiliation with me.  

Video/phone conferencing Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85437182678

Phone# 669-900-6833 with ID# 854 3718 2678. 

Please RSVP rosa.reinikainen@wisr.edu or  call 510-655-2830 and provide a phone# in case of technical difficulties.

COMPUTING BASICS, GOOGLE FOR EDUCATION, AND ZOOM...
What Students and Faculty Need to Know For These Times!
Saturday, January 30th, 2021 
10am to 12:00pm
Mark Wilson, WISR’s Learning Experience Designer\ Technologian  will present a short overview of computer and internet fundamentals for online learners; also, we’ll explore Google’s rebranding of the G Suite for Education to Google Workspace. And Zoom. Please keep a log of your computing challenges to share and discuss. 

Video/phone conferencing Zoom link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85321454020

ID 853 2145 4020; phone# 669-900-6833. For help with technical difficulties call 510 655 2830 or email mark.wilson@wisr.edu or john.bilorusky@wisr.edu.
 

BEYOND BORDERS, MULTICULTURALISM
& NUCLEAR WEAPONS 
SECOND CONFERENCE: LATINOS 
& NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT

February 20th, 2021
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

~Marcia Campos, Chair of WISR’s Board, Moderator 
Presenters: 
~Hon. Bernardo Mendez Lugo, Academic former diplomat, current executive director of pro migrant organization America sin Muros, Mexico: International leadership of Latin America in nuclear disarmament

~Francisco Herrera, Peace activist, former candidate to  Mayor of San Francisco, Founder of San Francisco Day Labor Program. The  Women’s Collective and Fundacion Cultural Caminante: Multicultural participation in the anti nuclear movement in The USA

~Prof. Rafael Jesus Gonzalez, Berkeley’s Poet Laureate. Lifelong activist against nuclear weapons  and retired professor: Poetry reading
 

MARRIAGE FAMILY THERAPY (MFT) SEMINARS are for WISR students pursuing an MFT and/or LPCC license. Other interested persons are welcome to attend (on site or by video conference) and receive CEU credit for MFTs and LPCCs, but you must RSVP the faculty member (see email contact info below) in advance. *WISR students not in the MFT program may get CEU credit for no additional charge, others pay $40.  These seminars are typically held at WISR from 10am to 12 or 1pm (as listed) with a short break; often students bring a snack. MFT students must participate in a total of 48 such seminars in order to graduate. These required seminars for our MS program lead to the State of California MFT and LPCC licenses and are now available by telephone conference call and video webinar.  
 

MINDFULNESS IN THE SERVICE OF COMPASSION:
AWAKENING COMPASSION AS A RESPONSE TO COVID-19

MFT & Interdisciplinary Seminar 

Saturday December 5, 2020
9:00-10:00 am PST (USA)

Robert Cusick is a Founder and Director of the Applied Compassion Academy and its Applied Compassion Training program (ACT) offered in collaboration with the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research & Education (CCARE) at Stanford University. ACT is a groundbreaking 11-month global program that is founded on and incorporates the pillars and principles of applied compassion. ACT supports individual participants in the development and execution of unique public facing offerings that respond to the challenging issues of today’s world. Disastershock (disastershock.com) is an example of one such 2020 project.

Robert trained at Stanford School of Medicine in the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. He is a Stanford Lecturer and Certified Sr. Stanford CCT™ (Compassion Cultivation Training) Instructor and teaches at Stanford University, UCSF, Kaiser Permanente Medical Centers and in multiple other venues. As a longtime meditator and former monk, Robert ordained in Burma under the renowned meditation master, Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw, and studied with him from 2003 - 2012.  In addition to his teaching, Robert provides grief counseling and bereavement support for adults at Kara in Palo Alto, CA where he facilitates retreats for fathers grieving the death of a child. Robert sits on the Board of Directors of the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies.

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87808537970?
 

PRACTICUM PROCESS GROUP
Saturdays, December 5th, 2020, January 9th, 2021…. 
Monthly, the first Saturdays of each month unless otherwise notified. 
10am-12pm

Rosa Reinikainen, MFT, WISR Adjunct Faculty  leads this group for those MFT and LPCC students and alumni who are pre-practicum, those who are in practicum, and those who have already done their practicum.  We will be discussing issues around therapy practices, including treatment plans, assessments, modalities etc.  This is a place for students, interns and associates to discuss their experiences, hopes and ideas and to discuss the world of therapy in a group setting.  This is a monthly seminar where we can discuss any thoughts, ideas or concerns you might have surrounding practicum and therapy practices. Everyone is welcome regardless of where you are at in your learning. 

Video/phone conferencing Zoom link  
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85388008924 ;
Phone# 669-900-6833 with ID# 853 8800 8924. Please RSVP rosa.reinikainen@wisr.edu or  call 510-655-2830 and provide a phone# in case of technical difficulties. 

WISR had endorsed
Ecumenical Peace Institute’s Fall Gathering, THE FORGOTTEN COUNTRIES~ THE ET CETERA
November 15, 4:00-6pm PST. Join virtually to hear speakers from four countries at this online gathering, representing crises in regions often forgotten and/or left behind, while we are distracted by fires closer to home. Often thought of as et cetera countries which suffer from U.S. driven crises, they are literally 20 or 30 down the triage list. We promise an exciting gathering from around the world. Speakers include:The Reverend Naim Stifan Ateek on Palestine; Pierre Labossiere on Haiti; Gloria La Riva on Venezuela and Lorenzo Canizares on Cuba.To participate virtually see updates at http://www.epicalc.org as it gets closer.

DISASTERSHOCK is a valuable Resource on Dealing with Stress During a Major Disaster, Co-authored by WISR Faculty Member, and Chief Academic Officer, Brian Gerrard, PhD: Disastershock: How to Cope with the Stress of a Major Disaster provides explicit instructions on how to lower stress using 20 different practical techniques. The majority of these are cognitive-behavioral and evidence-based techniques known to reduce stress and reduce the effects of trauma. The manual is in 3 sections. Part 1 provides adults with techniques to lower stress. Part 2 is written for parents, teachers, and anyone working with children and contains techniques for helping children to lower their stress. Part 3 contains additional books, videos, and internet resources. Since 1989 Disastershock (now in its 4th edition and available as an ebook on Amazon and Apple iBook) has been distributed free to countries around the world where there have been disasters. A 92 person Disastershock team representing 26 countries is currently translating Disastershock into 20 different languages for global distribution. Free copies of Disastershock may be downloaded from https://www.disastershock.com/ . If you are willing to volunteer some time to assist us with helping our global family, please contact Brian (brian.gerrard@wisr.edu).

WISR’S STATEMENT AND ACTIONS ON RACIAL JUSTICE

The Current Voices and Actions in Support of Racial Justice Must Not Be a Moment, but Must Be a Continuing Movement Toward Racial Justice. We believe in Dr. King’s famous statement that “We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

It is the responsibility of all of us to make Dr. King’s statement true, and not to be bystanders at this important time. The current and long overdue attention must be sustained beyond a brief moment of outrage in time, especially, given that the United States’ founding history was significantly based on the slavery of African Americans and the genocide of Native Americans.

Since WISR’s founding, its mission and educational programs have been committed in practice, not just in words, to multiculturalism, inclusive diversity and social justice.

Members of the WISR learning community remain committed to these principles, although each member may demonstrate their commitments in different ways, through their own individual voices as well as through their collaborative actions at WISR and beyond.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND DISCLOSURES 

ABOUT WISR SEMINARS AND EVENTS

• For those who are new to WISR, here are some important things to know about WISR seminars and events.

• All WISR seminars and events are accessible online through the use of Zoom, and they are also concurrently held on site at WISR’s facility in Berkeley, CA, which is on unceded, traditional Ohlone territory.

• At WISR, we intend to create a learning environment that is safe, and supportive of mutually respectful dialogue and collaboration, and curiosity and openness in learning. [see WISR’s Statement of Non-Discrimination and Affirmation of Diversity Values: https://www.wisr.edu/wisr-statement-of-affirmation-of-diversity-values/ --and a portion a portion of which is found under “WISR Core Values Include” below ]

• At WISR, we welcome people from all walks of life and of many, varied values and political beliefs, who share WISR’s commitment to our affirmation of diversity values.

• At the beginning of each seminar, we give each participant a minute to introduce themselves, and if they wish, to share a bit about themselves. Those wishing to inform others of the personal pronoun they wish to have used for themselves, are encouraged to do so, when introducing themselves.

• DISCLOSURE ABOUT RECORDING EVENTS AT WISR, AND WISR’s USE OF THE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS OF WISR’s PUBLIC EVENTS: All WISR seminars and events are recorded, and photos and video clips, and sometimes entire videos, of WISR seminars may be posted on WISR’s website, on WISR’s Facebook Page, or on WISR’s You Tube Channel. We publicly share some videos and clips to promote WISR’s educational content to the wider public. In addition, the entire video of each seminar is, with some exceptions, accessible to WISR students, faculty and staff through WISR’s online courses. By participating in a WISR seminar or other event, you are giving WISR permission to use photos or videos of your participation in these seminars and events. However, if you have strong concerns about a particular portion of the seminar in which you made comments, you may, within 24 hours, request that we remove that portion of your comments. In addition, if you want us to edit out your image and entire participation from one, or even all videos, or photos, of WISR seminars we will honor such requests.

WISR CORE VALUES INCLUDE

Developing a multicultural, inclusive perspective. This means developing and using multicultural perspectives to inform one’s purposes, and one’s views of social issues and challenges and opportunities in one’s chosen fields or arenas of endeavor—profession, workplace, community.

• Developing a sense of empathy, compassion and community toward, and with others.

• Appreciating and understanding the broad spectrum of perspectives and consciousness, and how those arise out of people’s culture, gender, economic background, religious and sexual orientation.

• A culture of learning that respects and promotes the dignity of every person.

• The belief that no individual or group may rightfully prosper at the expense of others.

• The use of language that conveys respect for persons whose gender identity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, economic background, or political interests may differ from our own.