1. Program Evaluation Presentation Rodney E. Pennamon

2. Exploring Social Identity Through an Intergroup Dialogue Diversity Retreat Abstract This program evaluation examined the experiences of 25 undergraduate college students between the ages of 18-20 years old comprising various racial and ethnic backgrounds (e.g. African, Black, Caribbean, Mixed Race & White) participating in a day long diversity dialogue retreat at Georgia State University, sponsored by the Program on Intercultural Relations, and designed to bring about a greater understanding of social identities and intergroup dialogue. Students were divided into separate groups and made visual depictions of their social identities, learned the differences between dialogue, debate, discussion, and participated in a privilege walk activity. This was followed by a discussion of the experience. This evaluation focused on participants learning experiences through an examination of student evaluations and comments. 3. Exploring Social Identity Through an Intergroup Dialogue Diversity Retreat Social Identity Profile Wheel Activity Students were divided into three groups and asked to complete a Social Identity Profile. Students were asked to identify their group membership (e.g. sex, gender, race, ethnicity, social class, age) and place a check/number by the following: Identity which you are most aware of Identity which you think about least Have greatest effect on how others see you +/- Give you power and privilege Have the strongest effect on how you see yourself as a person Source: Program on Intergroup Relations University of Michigan 4. Exploring Social Identity Through an Intergroup Dialogue Diversity Retreat Differences Between Dialogue, Debate & Discussion Students were divided into groups and the differences between discussion, debate, and dialogue were discussed. In discussion we try to present ideas, enlist others, avoid feelings, seek answers and solutions In debate we try to succeed or win, defend our opinion In dialogue we broaden our perspective, explore thoughts and feelings, honor silence Source: Program on Intergroup Relations University of Michigan 5. Exploring Social Identity Through an Intergroup Dialogue Diversity Retreat Students were involved in discussions and shown a video on: What is Intergroup Dialogue? Face-to-face meetings between members of two or more social groups that have a history of conflict or potential conflict. The groups are broadly defined by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, socio-economic class and other social group identities. Source: Program on Intergroup Relations University of Michigan 6. Exploring Social Identity Through an Intergroup Dialogue Diversity Retreat The Four Stages of Intergroup Dialogue Stage 1- Group formation and creation of a shared meaning of dialogue Stage 2- Identity, Social Relations, & Conflict Stage 3- Issues of Social Justice (Hot Topics) Stage 4- Empowerment, Alliances & Action Source: Program on Intergroup Relations University of Michigan 7. Exploring Social Identity Through an Intergroup Dialogue Diversity Retreat Evaluation & Implications The facilitators gathered briefly after the retreat to discuss how the day went. Based on the evaluations no immediate changes to the program are planned. However ways to better market the retreat will be explored. The implications for post secondary are significant since we need to prepare students to work in a diverse workplace and have a clear understanding of their role in the world of work, and as possible social justice change agents in our society. 8. Exploring Social Identity Through an Intergroup Dialogue Diversity Retreat Evaluation & Implications Participants were asked to strongly agree, agree, disagree or strongly disagree with various statements about the retreat. Demographic data was collected along with responses to several open-ended questions. 17 participants responded. Participants made the following statements: Privilege is something that is unearned, dialogue allows people to see others perspective on issues. No matter how different we are we can always find some common ground. 9. Exploring Social Identity Through an Intergroup Dialogue Diversity Retreat Just because you arent as privileged as others doesnt mean you wont succeed. The following is a brief summary of participants ratings: 15 strongly agreed that the retreat allowed them to learn new information. 2 agreed. 13 strongly agreed that the retreat helped them to understand the differences between different social identity groups. 4 agreed. 13 strongly agreed that they have a better understanding of dialogue, debate and discussion. 4 agreed.