California Online supports branch members to increase their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).  An emphasis is on increasing DEI awareness, engagement of branch members in DEI activities, and connecting with other organizations that promote DEI.

May 5, 2025
Presentation by Emily Bowling (Emily.Bowling@oregonstate.edu)

Emily Bowling discussed “Building Programs That Make Space For and Promote Pluralism”. Polarization is on the rise, and divisive rhetoric often dominates the news cycle and the U.S. political landscape. Current sociopolitical contexts call for new ways of engaging with each other, both those we agree with and think like us and those we disagree with and think differently. Dialogue is a skill and practice that differs from debate and discussion. This session will explore these distinctions and how dialogic practices and storytelling are strategies that can build connections and community while promoting pluralism.
Cathy Foxhoven, DEI Chair

Slidedeck of the presentation:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1hQMu8CMoeSPXqqpRdDZeX1IyBh_ewd88gQYabDENkrA/edit?slide=id.g3381ec64caa_0_175#slide=id.g3381ec64caa_0_175

AI Meeting Summary:  Click Emily Bowling May 5, 2025 AI Meeting Summary

YouTube video of the meeting