Integrating Anti-Racism with Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Resolution 

Summer InstituteJuly 6-9^th, 2009 - Hockley Valley Resort, Orangeville, Ontario

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) and Anima Leadership held their fourth leadership institute with 32 participants from across the country.  Taking place in Orangeville, Ontario at Hockley Valley Resort the facilitators, Shakil Choudhury, Annahid Dashtgard of Anima Leadership and Sandy Yep of the CRRF lead a four day training on 'Diversity & Equity Leadership:  Integrating Anti-Racism with Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Resolution'. 

The course provided participants a greater awareness of the notions of implicit bias and emotional literacy; how to apply this understanding while navigating issues of difference with individuals, and within an organization.  This was a highly experiential four days of dialogue, learning and working through conflict.  They learned that emotions play a larger role in our interactions, than we recognize.  Becoming emotionally literate within ourselves and with others - while addressing issues of power, privilege, and oppression - can be another skill for our 'tool box', especially when we encounter resistance or denial. 

Many participants stayed for the train-the-trainer session to learn about the pedagogy and curriculum.  The facilitators shared materials with the participants:  looking at course design; breaking it down into segments; debriefing learning points; and, helping participants to address the emotional dimension of diversity training.

Navigating the emotional terrain of intolerance, discrimination and racism can be the biggest challenge for people working in the field. The Summer Institute provided a learning environment to look at these issues through the lens of emotions, and emotional literacy, a unique and possibly profound way for individuals to build stronger more authentic relationships in their personal and professional lives.

A Fall Institute and Train-the-Trainers will be offered November 16 - 20th, 2009.  Registration will open in August to a limited number.