Events
Special Events | Courageous Conversations | Past Events
Special Events
COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS
from Education to Action
No matter where you are in your knowledge and journey, we hope that you will join us to learn about the history of racism in Oregon, white privilege, institutional racism, and other important and related topics.
From left to right: Reverend Ryan Scott; Sally Snyder, RCC Diversity Programming Board Coordinator; Reverend Ernestein Flemister, Reverend Tom Berry, and Jenny Jackson
Rogue River Trail of Tears
Tuesday, November 16th
noon - 1:00 p.m.
Join us to hear stories of our local history and to learn ways to honor and revitalize the practices of indigenous people.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 910 6157 5940
Password: 042262
This is a free event open to all students, staff, and the public.
All are welcome and encouraged to join this conversation.
Past Events
Seeking Shelter: The Josephine County Housing Crisis
November 8 & 15, 2021
Are you concerned about the housing crisis in Josephine County?
Tenants, landlords, property owners, business owner and community members please join us for a
public panel event to learn about what is driving the crisis in our region and what you can do.
click to view a video of presentation
Sundown Towns
What happened after dark in southern Oregon?
Tuesday, October 26
Social justice champion Taylor Stewart will invite us on a journey to face an ugly past, acknowledge its harmful effects, and from there propel us towards creating a more welcoming community.
click to view a video of presentation
FIRE
Perspectives from Indigenous Peoples and Western Science
Thursday, October 14
click here to view the video presentation
Islam 101
with Suhaib Al-Tamimi
Wednesday, October 6th
Learn about:
The five pillars of Islam
Islamic holidays and celebrations
How Islam is similar to and different from Christianity and Judaism
Stereotypes and misconceptions about Islam and Muslims
The experiences of an Iraqi immigrant in America
click to view a video of presentation
Asian American Allyship
September 28, 2021
Asian Americans have been part of the American story for hundreds of years, yet all too often they are viewed as outsiders in their own country. Anti-Asian and xenophobic harassment have been on the rise across the U.S., and unfortunately, it is not a new phenomenon. Join us to learn how to be a strong advocate and ally using the 5 Ds.
click to view a video of presentation
PATRIOTISM and Polarity
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
We all have a connection to patriotism - be it positive or negative or somewhere in between.
Today we will explore questions such as: What is important about patriotism, why do we need it (or not)? How does patriotism unite or divide us? What defines your patriotism? When you see a flag flying, what assumptions do you make? What might it mean when someone takes a knee during the national anthem? What is proper respect of the flag? How do we reclaim the true meaning of patriotism?
click to view video of presentation
PRIDE and Prejudice
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Putting the Civil back in Civil Discourse
May 25, 2021
To view the recorded event, contact Sally Snyder.
Defamation Experience
Thursday, May 20, 2021
Beginning with a riveting courtroom drama that explores the highly charged issues of race, class, religion, gender and the law with a twist where we, the audience, are the jury! Combined with an audience deliberation and facilitated discussion, this is a unique opportunity to engage in civil discourse about the most pressing social issues of our day. TheDefamationExperience.com
Preacher Moss
~Conscious Comedy~
Friday, May 7, 2021
Preacher Moss is an International all-star Comedian, Lecturer and Anti-Racism Advocate. His unique style has been described as “smooth, intelligent, and thought provoking,” as his “seriously funny” message simultaneously occupies two spaces of laughter and intellectual engagement at the same time.
To view the recorded event, contact Sally Snyder.
Seeking Shelter
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Join us for this virtual forum event featuring Dr. Douglas Mungin, an expert voice on how a community can address homelessness with best practices. Identified community leaders will also share their awareness and knowledge about the impact of homelessness specific in our RCC community and local areas.
Environmental Racism
April 27, 2021
Teatro Milagro’s performance of ¡HUELGA!
~in honor of Earth Day~
Thursday, April 22, 2021
The humor and the pace of this virtual production, in combination with the melodramatic style, will keep you laughing and your attention rapt! You will learn the excellent history and important messages of Dolores Huerta and the formation of the United Farm Workers Association in a way that can be absorbed and remembered. Watch the first 5 minutes and see for yourself, you might get hooked!
¡Si, Se Puede!®
Women's History Month
Overcoming Oppression
March 23, 2021
Gender Inclusive Parenting
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
How can parents support their children in developing their own gender expression and in challenging gender stereotypes? SOU sociologists Carey Jean Sojka and Kylan de Vries will discuss research on gender inclusive parenting as well as their personal journey in raising their child.
Black History Month
Did you know? Featuring Lois MacMillan, Teacher and Historian
February 23, 2021
January 18, 2021
MLK Jr. Day Celebration
hope. Creating Real Change
Meaningful conversation, uplifting music, and inspiring speakers.
November 17: Thanksgiving – Reality vs. Myth
David West, Enrolled Member and Elder of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, leads us in a conversation on Thanksgiving: Myth vs. Reality. He teaches us hard truths that have been buried over the past 400 years, discussing their effects on indigenous people. David also shares ideas for how we can move into a future of inter-connectedness with the land and each other.
October 20: Inequities and the Cost of White Privilege
September 22: Unpacking White Privilege
No matter where you are in your knowledge and journey, we hope that you will join us to learn about the history of racism in Oregon, white privilege, institutional racism, and other important and related topics. You will also gain actionable tools to make the world a safer and happier place for everyone.
August 18: Why are people afraid to talk about racism?
Tuesday, July 21, 2020: From Education to Action
This discussion is led by the Rev. Ernestine Flemister, the Rev. Ryan Scott, and the Rev. Tom Berry, explores systemic oppression. This event is planned as an ongoing discussion, which will occur on a regular basis (future dates to be determined).
No matter where you are in your knowledge and journey, we hope that you will join us to learn about the history of racism in Oregon, white privilege, institutional racism, and other important and related topics.
Our History, Our Vote
Kathleen Donham's, Voters Service Chair of the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Rogue Valley, number one priority and responsibility is to get people to vote! Members of LWV are all volunteers. They promote good government, making the vote available to everyone, and making democracy work. They do not speak for any party or particular philosophy, other than transparency and including everyone.
When Kathleen moved to the Valley in 1980 and joined the League, they were all working to get a system of vote by mail. There was a lot of opposition to it at first, but the League kept plugging away at it and finally in 2000, Oregon had its first presidential election entirely by mail. The turnout was 79%--which is extremely good, as national voting rates are about 55%. Now Oregonians love it. You can thank the League.
Here is what the video covers:
- How to register to vote - deadline is 10/13/2020
- How to check on your registration or update it
- If you are registered to vote, you should be receiving your ballot on or around 10/16/2020
- How to learn about the items on the ballot
- Oregon State voters pamphlet is not published yet, check here for updates
- VOTE411
- How to vote
- Get your ballot mailed early, by October 23 - there may be delays, so the earlier the better
- Or better yet take it directly to an official dropbox in the same precinct that you are registered official drop box locator - locator will be live mid October
- History - EXCELLENT, highly recommend watching this part, starts at about 13 minutes
- State and local ballot measures - begins at about 20 minutes
- How to track your vote - election day is 11/3/2020
- Q&A
May 27, 2020:
How to Live Mentally Well and Crush It During Difficult Times
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Josh Rivedal, Live Via Zoom
Click the link for more information on Josh Rivedal
This is a free event that is open to all students, staff and the public.
Joshua Rivedal is an actor, playwright, and international public speaker. He has spoken professionally about suicide prevention and mental health awareness in more than twenty-eight U.S. states, Canada, the U.K., and Australia. He previously served on the board of directors for the New York City chapter of The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. He wrote and developed the play, The i’Mpossible Project: Kicking My Blue Genes in the Butt (formerly titled The Gospel According to Josh), which has toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and the U.K. His memoir of the same name is on the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's recommended reading list.
March 5, 2020:
HIV Screening, Naloxone Training, and Planned Parenthood
RVC Library, 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
February 26, 2020:
“Indigenous Environmental Knowledge” with David West
RVC 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
February 25, 2020:
“Indigenous Environmental Knowledge” with David West
RWC Student Center, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
February 11, 2020:
HIV Screening and Naloxone Training, and Planned Parenthood
RWC Student Center and Library, 10a-2p
January 28-29, 2020:
Freedom Riders with Dr. John Dolan
RVC HEC 132, January 28, 1-3pm
RWC Coates Hall 7, January 29, 1-3pm
January 20, 2020:
MLK Jr. Community Celebration
Bethany Presbyterian Church, Grants Pass, 6-8pm
10/8: HIV Screening
RVC Library, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
10/10: The Opioid Epidemic
Please join us for a special presentation by Dr. Darryl Inaba on drug abuse and the impact on brain
functioning.
Riverside Campus, from 6 - 8 p.m.
10/14: Oregon Humanities Conversation Project, The Hate We Live In
RWC 9-10:30 a.m. Student Center
RVC 1:30-3 p.m. HEC 129
10/22: HIV Screening
RWC Student Center and Library, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
10/22: Wesley Hamilton, Disabled But Not Really (DSNR) – partnership with SOU
SOU Music Recital Hall, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
10/23: Hoop of Life, Kevin Locke – Indigenous storytelling, flute, and dancing
RWC Student Center 9:30-10:30 a.m. with Q&A afterwards
11/6-7: Veterans Appreciation Days
RVC one day, RWC the other, details TBA
11/21: Inclusive Hiring Training for all interested RCC staff – part I
TRC 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
11/22: Inclusive Hiring Training for all interested RCC staff – part II
TRC 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (with supervisor’s approval)
2018
Human Trafficking in Southern Oregon
Monday, October 8, 2018
Presentation, Q&A, books available for purchase.
This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited to the first 200 people.
Rebecca Bender is the founder and CEO of the Rebecca Bender Initiative (RBI). She is an award-winning, nationally recognized expert on human trafficking. After escaping nearly six years of modern day slavery, she wrote her first book, Roadmap to Redemption, followed by her recent curriculum Elevate.
RBI’s advanced trainings have equipped FBI, Homeland Security, Former President Jimmy Carter, local law enforcement, medical professionals, service providers, and faith communities across America. Rebecca serves as an advisor to both the Oregon DOJ Human Trafficking Council and the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. She is also the recipient of the Female Overcomer Award, Unlikely Hero Award, Hero to our Generation Award and multiple FBI and Congressional recognitions. She has been featured on the Today Show, NBC Deadline Crimes, Forbes, Huffington Post, and Sports Illustrated.
Intelligent Lives
A film by Dan Habib
October 12th – 18th
Saturday October 13th matinee screening at 2:50pm
SOUTHGATE CINEMA
Intelligent Lives stars three pioneering young American adults with intellectual disabilities - Micah, Naieer, and Naomie - who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce.
Question and answer period immediately following.
To reserve your free tickets call Tiffany Schmelzer at 541-237-3021 or email her at tschmelzer@soaspire.org
