Newsletter: November 2025 Issue 2
- Cultures Connecting
- 23 hours ago
- 4 min read
Train the Trainer Workshop in January
Train the Trainer: Strategies for Facilitating Courageous Conversations on Race workshop will be held on January 14-16, 2026 at 8:30-12:00pm PT / 11:30-3:00pm ET on Zoom.
Through engaging and interactive exercises, participants learn strategies and tips on how to successfully present sensitive information to a wide audience of learners. You will develop skills to take difficult conversations about race, privilege, and power to a deeper level and learn strategies for working with resistance.
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 be sure 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!
Advanced Microaggressions for Leaders Workshop Rescheduled for April 2026
Advanced Microaggressions for Leaders workshop has been rescheduled from November to April 9-10 next year due to unforeseen family circumstances. The workshop will still meet at 8:30-12:00pm PT / 11:30-3:00pm ET on Zoom.
We will advertise this course again in this newsletter when we get closer to the rescheduled date. In the meantime, registration will remain open at Eventbrite. As with all of our workshops, refunds are available for up to 7 days before the event. For questions, please reach out to Judy at judy.lee@culturesconnecting.com.
Thanksgiving and National Day of Mourning
Most of us grew up learning about Thanksgiving as the celebration of a 1621 feast shared between English colonists ("pilgrims") and the Wampanoag people. This narrative is typically portrayed as a harmonious relationship and sanitized of its history of violence. Today, we recognize these stories as over-simplified and inaccurately framed from a colonist point of view so for many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is considered the Day of Mourning.
Watch the video below to learn about its origins and perspective from Moonanum James of the Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe of Gay Head. He is co-leader of the United American Indians of New England and an organizer of the National Day of Mourning.
This knowledge can bring up complex feelings about celebrating Thanksgiving for many of us. Here are some things you can do to approach this holiday with more awareness and sensitivity for the experiences of Indigenous people.
Educate yourself and recognize Thanksgiving as a Day of Mourning for many Indigenous people.
Give a land acknowledgment at your gathering and consider donating to landback projects like Real Rent Duwamish.
Respect and believe the stories of Indigenous people. Seek out articles written by them and try to see their point of view.
Create awareness around the language we use to describe the history of Thanksgiving (e.g. use 'colonizers' instead of 'settlers').
Create new Thanksgiving traditions by integrating new foods or changing the way you celebrate.
Give thanks for these opportunities to learn and grow! They may not feel comfortable but as one of our Foundational Beliefs states, "experiencing discomfort is important to learning."
We've shared this, along with some links to articles and resources to help you navigate Thanksgiving in a previous newsletter issue, which you can find in our archives.
Judy Lee Speaks on Growth at Creative Mornings
Judy Lee, our project manager, will be speaking at Creative Mornings on Friday November 21st from 8:30-10:00am at STG Kerry Hall. Her talk, "Finding Growth in Community" will explore her photography and art journey, including her project My Name Story, and how identity, belonging, and personal story comes alive through community. The event is free and you can register at Creative Mornings.
Ways to Take Action for Change
Practice Self-Care & Engage in Things that Bring You Joy
Whether you do this alone, with friends and family, or community, it's important to take a break to reset and refill your energy reserves. Seek out connection and community. Here are some events to help support your well being during this time:
Watch to Learn 5 Ways to Fight Facism
Professor and former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich has this digestible video on five ways you can fight Facism. He reminds us that the power is in the people. Watch this encouraging video below for actions you can take today!
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!
11/17: CARW Fall Mass Meeting
11/18: Diaspora Alliance: Antisemitism Explained
11/18: NAMI BIPOC Support Group
11/19: Anima Café | Fire and Silence Series
11/19: Building Cross Solidarity through Historically Accurate & Comprehensive Education
11/19: Uncompete Book Launch Tour with F*Bomb Breakfast Club
11/20: Race Forward: Building Racial Equity: Foundations
11/20: Roots & Resonance: The Workshop Series
11/20: SURJ Abolition Action Hour
11/20: VSP: Community Resilience Hubs: Actualizing Community Driven Solutions
11/20: NAMI LGBTQ+ Support Group
11/21: Finding Growth through Community with Judy Lee
11/21: Facilitating Challenging Discussions: Tools for Constructive Conversations
11/25: Race Forward: Power Building for Racial Equity
11/26: Grief Circles: A Practice of Dealing with World Events
...and so much more! Visit our Events Calendar to see the most up-to-date full schedule.