This workshop has reached capacity. Registration is still open to be added to the waitlist.

Location: Maine Municipal Association, 60 Community Drive, Augusta, ME 04330
Time:  Registration: 8:30 am-9:00 am / Workshop: 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Cost:  MMA Members: $65 | Non-Members: $130
Presenter: Dustin Ward, Racial Equity and Reconciliation Advocate, It Is Time, LLC and Selectperson, Town of New Gloucester

Please note:

This training is provided at a reduced cost to MMA members through generous funding provided by the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce at the Maine Community College System. By registering for this training, you agree to complete an additional registration form that includes demographic information to be shared with the Harold Alfond Center and to also complete an online program evaluation in a timely manner, as these are conditions of the grant funding. If you do not complete the registration and evaluation, MMA may invoice your municipality for the full cost of the training.

MMA is a member of the Maine Workforce Development Compact through the Harold Alfond Center, which enables access to this funding. Your town or city can also join the Compact and gain access to generous funds to support training of municipal employees. Learn more about the Compact and apply at https://www.mccs.me.edu/workforce-training/maine-workforce-development-compact/

Course Information:

As part of the growing conversation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, there is a need for many Municipal and Local Officials to better understand the concepts surrounding DEI, and how to take practical steps towards it in their spheres of influence. This introductory workshop will lay key groundwork for such Officials, while enhancing learning through hands on and integrative approaches.

Participants will walk away with:

• A better understanding of Racial Identity, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts that go beyond performative action;
• A place to further processing around these issues;
• Practical steps to consider when returning to members’ municipalities;
• Understanding of what a DEI journey looks like

Workshop Outline:

• DEI Terminology
• Understanding Social and Racial Identity
• Racism in Context and Systemic Racism
• Case Studies and Discussion
• Incorporating into Our Spheres of Influence

About the Presenter:

Dustin Ward is a graduate from the University of Southern Maine with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity.  Although previously a pastor, it was the death of George Floyd that prompted Dustin to step away from ministry and pursue advocacy for Black and Brown communities.  He founded It Is Time, an organization that looks to end racism throughout all communities in Maine, and advocate as a change agent for equity and reconciliation for Multi - Racial groups. He also is an Honorary Implicit Bias Educator for Mindbridge, a local non-profit, and a Board Member and partner with Atlantic Black Box and Seniors Plus. He is also the first Person of Color to run and be elected as a Select Board Member for the Town of New Gloucester.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation notification must be provided in writing. Cancellations received before 3/28/23 will be assessed a $15 administrative fee for processing. Cancellations received after 3/28/23 will be charged 50% of the course fee. Any cancellation received the day of the event will be charged the full registration fee.

Please visit https://memun.org/Training-Resources/Workshops-Training/Cancellations to cancel your registration for an event. If you have any questions, please contact the Educational Services Office at (800) 452-8786 or (207) 623-8428.