2014 NAIS People of Color Conference
Indianapolis, IN
This year's PoCC conference brought together over 3000 students and faculty from schools across the country. 1620 of the attendees were students engaging in the S.D.L.C., Student Diversity Leadership Conference. Attending from our AFS Faculty were Toni Williamson, Alicia Fernández, and Jason Novak. AFS student leaders included Alicia Valle, Austin Levin, Ayannah Woods, Bridget Warleá, Dreyton Lomax, Erica Groomes, and Morgan Burrell.
At AFS, preparing and excited for our trip!
Our final moments at PoCC with Rodney Glasgow.
An evening of connection with our very own Crissy Cáceres.
Alicia and Jason spent their days attending various workshops focused on race, inclusion, cultural competency, identity development and the intersection of identities, and maintaining equitable classroom environments. In addition to the workshops, many experts in their fields were highlighted as keynote speakers throughout the conference. The speakers included:
Dr. Michael Eric Dyson
"Race, Racism, and Race Relations in America"
Maysoon Zayid
"Growing Up Muslim in America"
Dr. Derald Wing Sue
"Microaggressions"
Jose Antonio Vargas
"My Life as an Undocumented Immigrant"
Dr. Sonia Nazario
"Immigration and Motivation"
Important aspects that Alicia and Jason upheld throughout the conference included leaning into discomfort, the expectation of non-closure, and accepting conflict as a catalyst for change. In order to engage with complete presence, both faculty worked consciously to suspend judgment of themselves and others. With a strong set of community norms established by the conference, Alicia and Jason were able to give of themselves emotionally, cognitively, affectively, spiritually, and cooperatively.
A highlight of the experience was attending the Affinity Group sessions presented at PoCC. These sessions were designed to help participants to engage in conversations that matter within a space defined and protected by and for those who share race and ethnicity in common. On Thursday and Friday of the conference, Alicia attended the Latino/Latina Affinity group with 200+ participants. She ended her Saturday experience with the opportunity to intersect her identities of
Latina and Lesbian at the LGBTQI session.
This year, Jason attended PoCC as both a participant and a facilitator. On Thursday and Friday, he facilitated the White Affinity group with 400+ participants. On Saturday he facilitated the LGBTQI session wtih 230+ students and faculty gathering to affirm their identities and understand their individual school experiences.
As you can imagine, the work of this conference is not something that can be summed up in one blog post. The experiences, learning, and insights formed are something that are carried by the individuals as a collective group. Alicia and Jason welcome conversations from both faculty and families regarding this important work. PoCC is part conference, revival, reunion, and safe space. Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Alicia and Jason are both deeply grateful that the community of AFS supports our identities and the diversity of identities that exist within our culture and community.
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