Newsletter: January 2026 Issue 1
- Cultures Connecting
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Train the Trainer Virtual Workshop Next Week!
Our Train the Trainer workshop will be next week on January 14-16 from 8:30-12:00pm PT / 11:30-3:00pm ET.
The skills developed in this three-day intensive are valuable for individuals who want to further equity work in their communities. Organizations committed to instituting systemic change will benefit by sending a small group of employees who become internal trainers that can provide on-going professional development for staff.
Attendees must purchase a copy of Hollins and Govan's book Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Strategies for Facilitating Conversations on Race and have it available to read and take notes during the training. This book is used instead of handouts.
We recommend purchasing the paperback edition since the Kindle version has different page numbering. There are a limited number of new copies at Amazon but used copies are available. You can also order the book directly from us at our website but please order today to allow extra time for shipping.
For questions, please reach out to Judy at judy.lee@culturesconnecting.com. Click the button below for more details and to register!This helps to ground and energize me when I'm feeling drained...
Learning More about our Social Justice Community
Last year, we interviewed six different POC nonprofit organizations and businesses to learn more about their work in advancing social justice. We look forward to learning more about others doing this work and would love to hear your suggestions to feature in our newsletter this year! Contact Judy at judy.lee@culturesconnecting.com and nominate a POC organization or business.
In the meantime, if you missed any of the interviews or want to revisit, you can find them on our blog through the links below:
Judy Lee Facilitating Workshop at the Seattle Asian Art Museum
Judy Lee, our Project Manager, will be facilitating her workshop, Beyond Marginalization: Finding Authenticity in our Shadow Selves, on Saturday, January 31st at the Seattle Asian Art Musicum from 12:00-1:30pm.
Complementing Anila Quayyum Agha’s exhibit Geometry of Light, this workshop offers a reflective, hands-on experience focused on the interplay of light, shadow, and belonging. Through a simple, guided art-making activity, participants will explore the masks we wear and the parts of our identities we hide to fit in within America. By illuminating these parts of ourselves, this workshop aims to create a supportive space for deeper self-understanding and a strengthened sense of belonging.
Visit the link below to RSVP for free. Please note that general admission is not included. Visitors may pay what they wish when purchasing tickets onsite.
Creative Mornings Talk: Finding Growth in Community
In November's newsletter, we shared that Judy Lee would be speaking at Creative Mornings on Friday November 21st at STG Kerry Hall. If you missed it, you can watch the talk, "Finding Growth in Community" in the video below.
The event explored Judy's photography and art journey, including her project My Name Story, and how identity, belonging, and personal story come alive through a collective approach to community.
Ways to Take Action for Change
Condemn Illegal Military Attacks on Venezuela
Rising Majority, a BIPOC led coalition, has a call to action on Google Docs to help you notify your congressional representative to stop the attacks on Venezuela. They provide a template letter and links to find your representative so you can quickly and easily take action.
Watch this Video about Fighting Facism
The Ripple Effect Institute shared this guide on things you can do to fight fascism as an antidote to despair. They talk about actions that ordinary people can take to make a difference. You can also download their free guide How to Make a Difference Right Now at their website.
Attend this Free Webinar about Progressive Movements
In the webinar Unity & Disunity in Progressive Protest Movements, Professor Gloria Browne-Marshall writes about past examples when white working-class men, people of color and women have protested together to win victories -- but also about times when disunity, racism and/or sexism have weakened social movements. She will draw out implications from that history to the path forward for progressive movements in the coming years. Register on Eventbrite.
It's a new month which means taking a look at our Diversity Calendar to look at significant dates to consider when planning meetings or events to create greater inclusion. Click on the name of the day to learn more.
12/08: Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Catholic)
12/08: Bodhi Day (Rohatsu) (Buddhist)
12/12: Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexican Catholic)
12/14-22: Hanukkah (Chanukah) (Jewish)
12/16-24: Simbang Gabi (Filipino Catholic)
12/21: Yaldā Night (Persian)
12/21: Winter Solstice/Yule (Neo-Pagan)
12/26-01/01: Kwanzaa (African American)
If you'd like to add our Diversity Calendar dates to your Google calendar, you can add it using this link.
Upcoming DEIB/Social Justice Events
For details on these and other events, workshops and conferences happening in the social justice space, visit our Events Calendar. If you have an event you would like us to share, please reach out to us!
1/12: People's Institute Northwest Organizing Meeting
1/13: NAMI BIPOC Support Group
1/14: Train the Trainer (Cultures Connecting) Workshop
1/15: Race Forward: Building Racial Equity Foundations
1/15: SURJ Abolition Action Hour
1/15: Unity & Disunity in Progressive Protest Movements
1/15: NAMI LGBTQ+ Support Group
...and so much more! Visit our Events Calendar to see the most up-to-date full schedule.
*Cultures Connecting workshop.
