Keynotes & Workshops | Publications | Press Kit | Social Justice Training Institute

Keynotes & Workshops

These are samples of program descriptions. All programs are developed to meet the needs of the organization and the developmental needs of the audience. Programs are available in keynote or workshop format.

“Lead With Style!” (can be keynote or program session)
As leaders we interact with different styles and personalities daily…some we connect with, some we clash with. I believe that our ability to work effectively in groups can be enhanced if we take time to not only develop our styles, but also to learn what makes our team members “tick”. Hold on to your seats! You’re about to find out which song best describes your personality: “Control,” “Wild Thing,” “We Are Family” or “Things That Make You Go…Hummm.”

“Ellen, Will, Grace, & Matthew: Sexual Orientation & Pop Culture”
Tolerance. Acceptance. Appreciation. Join me on a journey . . . through video, music, exercises and activities . . . that will encourage all to consider the lives and experiences of those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Together, we can build communities of hope.

“One Better World” (can be keynote or program session)
Privilege. Identity. Social Justice. The journey begins with you. Come learn how your identities influence all you do and how you can use this knowledge to become agents of change on campus and in our world.

"The 10 Myths of Social Justice"
The term "social justice" is being used (and misused) on college and university campus more and more these days. What exactly is social justice? What is a socially just community? What are the characteristics of a campus community committed to social justice? In this program, the 10 myths of social justice will be share as well as an assessment that can be used to measure your campus' commitment to inclusion, equity and social justice. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere!"

"Ellen, Will, Grace, Rosie & Isaiah Washington: Pop Culture & Sexual Orientation"
Courage. Hope. Fear. Frustration. What word would you use to describe the state of our country in relation to lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender people? As we work to provide supportive environments for all students in our campus communities, what can we learn from media messages that can inform us as we develop programs and initiatives on campus? In this program, participants will be given the opportunity to discuss the current climate on their campus in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity issues and to develop strategies for intervention.

“Climate Scanning: The Future of Issues of Inclusion on Today’s College Campus” (For Professional Staff)
The year is 2005. In relation to issues of diversity and multiculturalism, much has changed and much has remained the same. How can we – as advisors, faculty and staff - continue to provide a welcoming environment for all students? In the spirit of the all-knowing David Letterman, come listen to Vernon’s “Top 10” list of strategies, thoughts, and insights on the university community in the year 2005.

“The Doctor Is In! A ‘Lucy Booth’ Approach to Resume and Cover Letter Development”
Resumes. Cover Letters. Business Correspondence. Come learn the top mistakes that job candidates make during the job search process – and hot to avoid them.

“The Path to Competence: The Next Step in Social Justice Education”
(For Professional Staff Members)
So, you’ve facilitated a couple of diversity sessions. You’ve had individuals from historically underrepresented groups thank you for being an ally. You’ve been supportive of “well intentioned” colleagues from dominant groups. The question is: “Do you really get it?” Do you understand the extent to which your identities influence all you do? Join us on a journey that will take us to a place of deeper understanding in regard to racism, heterosexism, sexism, ablism, classism and other forms of oppression. As we provide opportunities for students to have healthy conversations on issues of inclusion, our first step should be the ongoing process of “self work”. Through a series of activities, small group work, and reflection, participants will be encouraged to examine their “cultural readiness”.

“Semester at Sea: A Voyage of Discovery”
Spotlighted by MTV’s “Road Rules”, the Semester at Sea program has been sailing around the world with approximately 600 faculty, staff and students for over 30 years. Semester at sea is designed to be a “global” semester in a student’s undergraduate career. Come learn more about this life changing experience!

“The Leader Within: Race, Culture, Ethnicity & Leadership”
How do your race, culture, and ethnicity influence your leadership style? Join us on an interactive journey as we discover ways to use our own cultural backgrounds to enhance our capabilities and to work effectively with others from diverse backgrounds.

“Bachelor's Required, Masters Preferred: The Art of Interpreting Chronicle Ads and Job Announcements”
The greatest university in the world seeks energetic, vibrant, spectacular professional to complete their dream team. Is that you? When one thinks of the job search, resume development and interview skills are usually the first things that come to mind. However, it is the ad in the Chronicle of Higher Education and other job placement publications that begins a candidate's search. Through discussion and interactive exercises, participants will dissect job announcements and receive tips on understanding the content and purpose of those sometimes infamous ads.

Publications

Brooks, S.E., and Wall, V.A. (1991). Homophobia in Our Halls: Are We Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution? In the Talking Stick. Columbus, OH: Association of College and University Housing Offices-International.

Evans, N.J., and Wall, V.A. (Eds.) (1991). Beyond Tolerance: Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals on Campus. Alexandria, VA: ACPA Media.

Evans, N.J., Broido, E.M. and Wall, V.A. (2004) Educating student affairs professionals about gay, lesbian, & bisexual issues: An evaluation of an intervention. The College Student Affairs Journal. 24(1), pp. 20-31.

Evans, N.J., and Wall, V.A. (2000) Parting Thoughts: An Agenda of Addressing Sexual Orientation Issues On Campus. In N.J. Evans and V.A. Wall (Eds.), Toward Acceptance: Sexual Orientation Issues on Campus. Lanham, MD: University Press of America.

Evans, N.J., and Wall, V.A. (2000) What have we accomplished? In N.J. Evans and V.A. Wall (Eds.), Toward Acceptance: Sexual Orientation Issues on Campus. Lanham, MD: University Press of America.

Papish, R.A., and Wall, V.A. (1998) The Role of RHA in Developing Inclusive Communities. In N.W. Dunkel and C.L. Spencer (Eds.) Advice for Advisers: The Development of a Residence Hall Association (2nd Edition). Columbus, OH: ACUHO-I.

von Destinon, M., Evans, N.J., and Wall, V.A. (2000). Navigating the Minefield: Sexual Orientation Issues and Campus Politics. In N.J. Evans and V.A. Wall (Eds.), Toward Acceptance: Sexual Orientation Issues on Campus. Lanham, MD: University Press of America.

Wall, V.A. (1993). Diversity and the RHA. In N.W. Dunkel and C.L. Spencer (Eds.), Advice for Advisors: The Development of an Effective Residence Hall Association. Columbus, OH: ACUHO-I.

Wall, V.A. (2001). Book Review: African American Males in Schools and Society. Journal of College Student Development, 42(3), pp. 283-284.

Wall, V.A and Evans, N.J. (1991). Using Psychological Development Theories to Understand and Work with Gay and Lesbian Persons. In N.J. Evans and V.A. Wall (Eds.), Beyond Tolerance: Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals on Campus. Alexandria, VA: ACPA Media.

Wall, V.A, Washington, J.E., Evans, N.J., and Papish, R.A. (2000). From the Trenches: Strategies for Facilitating Lesbian Gay, and Bisexual Awareness Programs. In N.J. Evans and V.A. Wall (Eds.), Toward Acceptance: Sexual Orientation Issues On Campus. Lanham, MD: University Press of America

Wall, V.A. and Evans, N.J. (Eds.) (2000). Toward Acceptance: Sexual Orientaiton Issues On Campus. Lanham, MD: University Press of America.

Wall, V.A. and Washington, J.E. (1991). Understanding Gay and Lesbian Students of Color. In N.J. Evans and V.A. Wall (Eds.), Beyond Tolerance: Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals on Campus. Alexandria, VA: ACPA Media.

Wall, V.A, Washington, J.E., Evans, N.J., and Papish, R.A. (2000). From the Trenches: Staregies for Facilitating Lesbian Gay, and Bisexual Awareness Programs. In N.J. Evans and V.A. Wall (Eds.), Toward Acceptance: Sexual Orientation Issues On Campus. Lanham, MD: Universtiy Press of America.