Understanding Socioeconomic Inequality

A free conference “Understanding Socioeconomic Inequality” will be held 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, at the University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac, 400 University Dr., Fond du Lac.

The four higher education Institutions of Fond du Lac County – Marian University, Moraine Park Technical College, Ripon College and the University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac – are collaborating on this event supporting diversity and inclusion. Students and staff from these institutions and members of the Fond du Lac County community are invited to attend.

The keynote speaker is Terie Dreussi-Smith, co-author of “Bridges Out of Poverty; Strategies for Professionals and Communities.” The workshop will focus on frameworks for better understanding poverty and the hidden rules of economic class.

This workshop will be personally enriching and educational, and also helpful in developing skills that are necessary for the 21st century workplace. Participants will leave with an introduction to better understanding economic inequalities in America and our own community. The morning, appropriate for everyone including college students, will focus on understanding poverty; its causes and impact; and the hidden rules of economic class. The afternoon will build on the morning’s session and is geared toward faculty, staff and community members who will explore how they can more effectively work with students and clients who come from impoverished backgrounds.

This conference is being planned by the Higher Education Diversity Initiative Team (HEDIT), recipient of the 2012 Spirit of MLK Award for their efforts in organizing yearly events that lead, inspire, educate and challenge students and the community to celebrate diversity.

HEDIT is a team of faculty and staff formed by the presidents and CEOs of Fond du Lac County’s four higher education institutions to plan “an annual collaborative project designed to promote a climate of appreciation for all aspects of human diversity, supporting, fostering and welcoming inclusiveness, respect and dignity for all.” HEDIT’s mission is to lead, inspire, educate and challenge their institutions and the Fond du Lac County community in promoting diversity and inclusiveness. This is HEDIT’s sixth annual event.

There is no fee for the workshop but advance registration is required online at www.marianuniversity.edu/hedit. Bussing from Ripon College and Marian University is provided and information can be found during online registration.

Contact

Laurie Krasin
920-929-1100
fdlinfo@uwc.edu