November 14, 2018
Issue #1  

Greetings!

As we begin our 8th year of touring the country with The Defamation Experience, we decided it was time to start a monthly newsletter. Our intention is to encourage open, honest dialogue that leads to greater understanding and empathy.

We hope you will be engaged. We do value your feedback and look forward to continuing the conversation.

Thank you for your interest,

Todd Logan
Creator | Executive Producer | bio
The Defamation Experience
Dialogue on Diversity
Q&A with Annette Watters, M.A.Ed
Diversity Outreach Project Manager, Purdue University

Dialogue On Diversity, a conversation with a leader in the field of diversity and inclusion, is designed to help better understand the issues they face in today’s challenging times. This month, Annette Watters talks about her background, her challenges on campus and the impact The Defamation Experience had at Purdue.

“The biggest challenge right now is the national climate which has created polarized "us versus them" attitudes and emboldened people to do and say things they normally would not. Helping people to subscribe to an attitude of civility and open-mindedness is imperative in creating an inclusive community...”

Color Blind or Color Brave?
Mellody Hobson, President, Ariel Investments

"The subject of race can be very touchy," says Mellody Hobson in her engaging and persuasive 2014 Ted Talk. While we have made some progress in the recent mid-term elections, her message is more timely and relevant than ever. 

"Colorblindness is dangerous. It means we are ignoring the problem. I think it's time to be comfortable with the uncomfortable conversation about race." Mellody Hobson encourages us to "Invite people into your life who don't look like you, don't think like you, don't act like you, don't come from where you come from. And you might find that they will challenge your assumptions and make you grow as a person..."

Keys to Facilitating a Diversity Discussion
By Kimm Beavers and Gina Taliaferro

Kimm Beavers and Gina Taliaferro have successfully facilitated more that 450 post-show discussions for The Defamation Experience. How do they navigate the challenging waters? As facilitators, they must create a feeling of safety by setting ground rules for a mindful and respectful discussion and by modeling active listening. Here are 6 key ideas:

"1. Setting The Tone:  We have a clear opening for the post-show discussion. Audiences are informed that rather than striving for objectivity in their comments,  the goal is to shine a light on that process of recognizing their own personal thoughts, feelings, and biases and how it can affect their objectivity..."

Photo Credit: Reed Saxon/Associated Press
Does Teacher Diversity Matter in Student Learning?
By Claire Cain Miller / The New York Times
Photo Credit- Reed Saxon/Associated Press

Research shows that students, especially boys, benefit when teachers share their race or gender. Yet most teachers are white women.

"The homogeneity of teachers is probably one of the contributors, the research suggests, to the stubborn gender and race gaps in student achievement: Over all, girls outperform boys, and white students outperform those who are black and Hispanic..."

MATTERS OF FACT
Diversity Defines the Millennial Generation
by William H. Frey, The Brookings Institution

"Racial diversity will be the most defining and impactful characteristic of the millennial generation. 2015 Census data points to millennials’ role in transitioning America to the “majority minority” nation it is becoming.

As they move from young adulthood to middle age, millennials will serve as a demographic bridge between older, whiter generations and subsequent, more diverse generations. Their ability to assimilate, advocate, and become accepted will be key to the successful transition to a more racially diverse nation..."

THE DEFAMATION EXPERIENCE is a unique interactive diversity program in three parts: a courtroom drama, an audience deliberation, and a post-show discussion.

The Defamation Experience is an ideal Diversity Program appropriate for a myriad of diverse audiences including Corporations, Colleges, Universities, High Schools, Law Schools, Bar Associations, Civic, Cultural and Religious Organizations. Discover why countless diversity & inclusion experts are calling it one of the most relevant and compelling programs they have ever scheduled.

To find out how you can bring THE DEFAMATION EXPERIENCE to your venue, contact Managing Producer, Kimm Beavers at defamationtheplay.kimm@gmail.com

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