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News & Photos
Diversity Leaders Attend Conferences in Houston
On December 6, sixteen students and faculty members traveled to Houston, Texas, to take part in the 19th Annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) and the 25th Annual People of Color Conference (PoCC). Approximately 3,000 students and teachers from across the country gathered for these two events to learn about ways to build bridges to people from all walks of life.
During SDLC, students focused on self-reflection, self-appreciation, building safe spaces, and developing ideas to help move communities towards greater tolerance. A diverse team of adult facilitators, who brought a wide breadth of experience and viewpoints, led the discussions. Additionally, students dove into controversial topics during group sessions, which provided a safe environment for sharing and support.
PoCC was an energizing and stimulating educational experience for teachers who share many of the same concerns. Head of Upper School Kirsten Adams reflected on her experience at PoCC and said, “The thing I love most about PoCC and SDLC are the conversations that go on within the McDonogh group. The conferences give us a chance to think about our school community intentionally and to consider how to make us even better.”
Middle School Library Assistant Sara Beach, a first-time attendee, had no idea what to expect. People told her that she would love the conference and that it would change her life. “It is much more than a bunch of workshops,” she said. “It is an experience, and an emotional one at that. I feel that every faculty member should be required to attend PoCC as part of an orientation to McDonogh and every student who is interested should be allowed to go, too.”
Jack M. ‘15 was impressed by the general air of acceptance at SDLC. “No opinion or characteristic, no matter how unconventional, appeared to surprise the people there. Everyone was completely non-judgmental.”
Following the trip to Houston, Angelique H. ‘15 shared that attending SDLC helped her to verbally express ideas she had only thought about before. During the conference, Angelique also learned that individuals who are physically or mentally challenged prefer to be described as having “disability challenges” rather than just “challenges.”
Senior Rachel P. commented, “SDLC was really inspiring and cemented what I want to do in my life, [to] be an advocate for human rights and social justice.”
Kyle L. ‘15 said that the conference really opened his eyes to things around him and that his awareness expanded as he learned more about himself. He concluded, “This conference helped me realize my personal views on spirituality.”
Next year PoCC and SDLC will be held in Washington DC, and Director of Diversity Efia Dalili hopes more student and faculty diversity leaders will attend. “SDLC and PoCC offer life-changing experiences for participants,” said Dalili. “McDonogh students and faculty are extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to attend these powerful conferences.”
On December 6, sixteen students and faculty members traveled to Houston, Texas, to take part in the 19th Annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) and the 25th Annual People of Color Conference (PoCC). Approximately 3,000 students and teachers from across the country gathered for these two events to learn about ways to build bridges to people from all walks of life.
During SDLC, students focused on self-reflection, self-appreciation, building safe spaces, and developing ideas to help move communities towards greater tolerance. A diverse team of adult facilitators, who brought a wide breadth of experience and viewpoints, led the discussions. Additionally, students dove into controversial topics during group sessions, which provided a safe environment for sharing and support.
PoCC was an energizing and stimulating educational experience for teachers who share many of the same concerns. Head of Upper School Kirsten Adams reflected on her experience at PoCC and said, “The thing I love most about PoCC and SDLC are the conversations that go on within the McDonogh group. The conferences give us a chance to think about our school community intentionally and to consider how to make us even better.”
Middle School Library Assistant Sara Beach, a first-time attendee, had no idea what to expect. People told her that she would love the conference and that it would change her life. “It is much more than a bunch of workshops,” she said. “It is an experience, and an emotional one at that. I feel that every faculty member should be required to attend PoCC as part of an orientation to McDonogh and every student who is interested should be allowed to go, too.”
Jack M. ‘15 was impressed by the general air of acceptance at SDLC. “No opinion or characteristic, no matter how unconventional, appeared to surprise the people there. Everyone was completely non-judgmental.”
Following the trip to Houston, Angelique H. ‘15 shared that attending SDLC helped her to verbally express ideas she had only thought about before. During the conference, Angelique also learned that individuals who are physically or mentally challenged prefer to be described as having “disability challenges” rather than just “challenges.”
Senior Rachel P. commented, “SDLC was really inspiring and cemented what I want to do in my life, [to] be an advocate for human rights and social justice.”
Kyle L. ‘15 said that the conference really opened his eyes to things around him and that his awareness expanded as he learned more about himself. He concluded, “This conference helped me realize my personal views on spirituality.”
Next year PoCC and SDLC will be held in Washington DC, and Director of Diversity Efia Dalili hopes more student and faculty diversity leaders will attend. “SDLC and PoCC offer life-changing experiences for participants,” said Dalili. “McDonogh students and faculty are extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to attend these powerful conferences.”