The Social Justice Institute (SJI) is a five-week, cohort-based program for all Northwest employees to enhance and refine their skills and competencies to create greater inclusion for all community members.
In the five-week cohort, participants will engage in authentic dialogue around individual identities, awareness, and how to use your allyship through leadership. The Social Justice Institute aims to create a more inclusive campus environment to enhance the success of all students.
The Spring 2025 cohort will take place on Tuesdays (12-1:30 p.m.) in the Student Union, Meeting Room D.
SJI Modules and Dates:
Module 1: Introduction to Social Change/ (February 4) Creating and shared understanding of Diversity and Belonging; Defining Social Change Model and Social Justice; Individual vs. Social Identity; Exploring the importance of a shared understanding of language and terminology.
Module 2: Anti-Bias Framework and Mitigating Bias in Academic Workplace (February 11) Tools to understand implicit/explicit bias and reduce and/or challenge in academic and social settings.
Module 3: Conflict Management and Difficult Conversations (February 18) Practical skills, tools & resources to implement social change and manage conflicts or barriers. Practice difficult conversations and conflicts around Diversity and Inclusion.
Module 4: Supporting and Affirming Underrepresented Identities (February 25) Defining and breaking down misconceptions around underrepresented populations and identities; Unpacking misconceptions of privilege (situational vs. identity privilege) and how to utilize it to assist others.
Module 5: Allyship through Leadership (March 18): This module will define the Shared Equity Model of Leadership, explain how to be an Effective Ally, and discuss Leadership Accountability and the cultural impact of Allyship.
