From the Desk of Diversity
Northwestern's Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter
A summer of leadership - Summer Trimester, 2017.
Contents
Go Jump in a Lake
- Words to Live By
- Did You Know?
- Nominate a Dignity & Respect Champion
- Random Acts of Kindness (RAK)
- Links to Explore
- Days to Remember
- Topics in Diversity: Graduate Spotlight
- Participate in Our Events!
- Past Events
- Community Engagement
- Learning & Training Opportunities
- Apply for a Scholarship
Go Jump in a Lake
Oh, go jump in a lake. Such an easy task, right? Not really. During a Winter Trimester department meeting, I mentioned that one of our Diversity Scholars, Bobby Dorn, organized our second annual Polar Plunge team. Polar Plunge is an event that raises funds for the Special Olympics. To participate, you join the team, raise money, and then you jump in a winter-cold and frozen Minnesota lake. It’s a popular fundraiser and I encourage you to join our team.
In this story, I will tell you about a new Diversity Scholar who uncovered her fundraising skill set and more.
A new Diversity Scholar, Heather Jokinen, heard about this event and thought to herself, “It’s only $75.00. I can do this. It’s close to home.” Well, I found out later in talking with Heather that this was on her unofficial bucket list. She told me that she was going to try new activities at Northwestern. Experience it all. “I can” was her new motto. But the little voice inside her had some doubts. She wasn’t sure she could make it up to $75.00.
Of course, she took this opportunity head-on and ended up raising $250.00. For the Special Olympics. By jumping in a freezing lake in Minnesota’s winter. She challenged and empowered herself to try something and sharpen her fundraising skills for an important organization and both she and the organization won. Way to go, Heather!
“It was a humbling experience,” Heather told me. “Everyone in my family donated.” She also told me that the air was warm, about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which was helpful. After jumping, she walked through a warm, inflatable tunnel. Also, she told me the Ice Bucket Challenge was harder.
Despite the weather, for Heather, the experience was one that showed her warmth. She was new to the university and it was her first time doing anything with students outside of her program. Everyone welcomed her into the group. She felt a sense of acceptance because she described that, “everyone was there for a common goal.”
I’m sure you noticed, like I did, that she’s good at fundraising. So, I asked her for advice for anyone who wanted to join the Polar Plunge team or start fundraising. Her suggestions were to use social media because it helped her make requests with confidence. Through social media she recruited many people to donate. Leaning on our tools, friends, and family to help us achieve our goals “gave me added strength to continue to improve.”
Thank you, Heather, for your leadership, commitment to the Special Olympics, and being part of our team at Northwestern.
Submitted by Alejandra Dashe, adashe@nwhealth.edu
Words to Live By
Did You Know?
Not long after the incident involving Wilhelm Tell and Gessler, the local administrator of the House of Habsburg, representatives of three cantons (states) in the heart of Switzerland assembled on the Rütli, a meadow on the shores of Lake Lucerne, and swore the ‘oath of confederation’ in early August of 1291. By 1848, when the federal constitution was adopted, more and more cantons joined the confederation of eventually 25 cantons). In 1979, a 26th canton was added, as a predominantly French speaking area of the canton of Berne seceded. This national holiday is celebrated with bonfires, strings of Swiss flags, parades, paper lanterns, bonfires, and speeches, mostly by local politicians. Like the USA, Switzerland is a confederacy, with quite a bit of autonomy at the canton, county and municipality level.
The time of civil war experienced in the country occurred in 1847. While there was a small Nazi movement that attempted to get Switzerland to join the Third Reich failed miserably and the Swiss press frequently criticized the Reich, there were deals made with both sides, the Germans and the Allies and the shameful truth of Swiss banks hiding enormous amounts of money and treasures taken from Jewish families finally surfaced only a couple of decades ago. On the other hand, I know that many Swiss families, including my grandparents, provided refuge for Jewish families who fled across the border.
Another less than stellar record to mention is the fact that an equal rights amendment that finally gave women to vote in 1981. On the other hand, Swiss universities were among the earliest to allow women to study medicine in the 19th century.
Submitted by Dr. Verena Van Fleet, vvanfleet@nwhealth.edu
Flags of each Swiss canton.
Rütli
People participating in open-air voting in the canton of Appenzell.
Nominate a Dignity & Respect Champion
The Dignity & Respect Champions program recognizes those students, faculty, staff and administrators who embody the mission and vision of diversity at Northwestern. Our champions are fully committed to diversity, inclusion, equity and justice throughout our University and the healthcare community. Champions promote a safe, inclusive and supportive environment of diversity at Northwestern, act as active community members in promoting social justice, and take a strong interest in making health care accessible for everyone.
Do you know someone like this? You can nominate your Champion at any time. Thank you.
Submitted by Alejandra Dashe, adashe@nwhealth.edu
Random Acts of Kindness (RAK)
Please contact the Student Senate Volunteer Committee to nominate someone and make their day.
Links to Explore
The Travel Ban
The latest decisions on the travel ban by Supreme Court of The United States have been published by the Council on American-Islamic Relations-Minnesota. They break it down in a very straightforward manner, ultimately explaining that parts of the ban will take effect at 8pm CST on Thursday, June 29 (Reuters; Star Tribune).
Affordable Care Act Part II
The House Republicans recently passed a bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act (NYT) and now the Senate Republicans are working on a similar measure (WSJ). Several news sources have reported that this repeal could leave millions uninsured (WSJ, CNBC, NYT, Time). Democrats are now considering bipartisanship work to honor the President’s promise to reform the ACA (NYT). Over the Independence Day holiday break, Republican Senators will be working on revising the repeal with “a new analysis from the Congressional Budget Office” (Politico).
Philando Castille
Around this time in 2016, we heard about a police shooting of a black man in a suburb of St. Paul. Philando Castille, a beloved community member, was pulled over, interrogated, and shot by Officer Jeronimo Yanez (TC Pioneer Press). You might recall that there have been several protests in the name of justice for Philando, including an I-94 shutdown (KARE 11). Officer Janez was recently tried and acquitted, which means that he was not found guilty (NYT). The Castille family was awarded a $3 million settlement (Star Tribune). Statistics have shown that these events disproportionately happen to black people more often than white (fivethirtyeight) and very few police have been convicted of killing black people in the line of duty (PBS News Hour).
Walker Art Center
In May, the Walker Art Center erected a statue with the intention of honoring American Indians, called “Scaffold.” Instead, the statue had a more offensive effect. It honored the 1862 execution of 38 Dakota men in Mankato (MPR). The Dakota is debating on burning the statue in effigy at Fort Snelling (Star Tribune; NYT).
Bde Maka Ska and Justice Page Middle School
You might have noticed that Lake Calhoun is no longer called Lake Calhoun. The Minneapolis Park Board voted to rename it: Bde Maka Ska. It is the Dakota name for the lake, meaning White Earth Lake. Many people have asked how to pronounce the name correctly. Thankfully, the Star Tribune put together a video to show you how. You might have also noticed that Ramsey Middle School is now Justice Page Middle School (Star Tribune). The students organized to change the name. In both cases of the lake and school, the names were changed because John Caldwell Calhoun and Alexander Ramsey have fundamentally racist histories that did not align with modern views of respect and dignity for all human beings.
Days to Remember
Here are the cultural holidays that some of our faculty, staff, and students observe.
May
Awareness months: Mental Health, Military Appreciation, Melanoma/Skin Cancer, Asian Heritage, Jewish Heritage
- May 1 Beltane/May Day/International Worker’s Day/Immigrant Right’s Day
- May 5 Cinco de Mayo
- May 10 Vesak
- May 14 Mother’s Day/Lag B’Omer
- May 17 International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia/AIDS Vaccine Day
- May 21 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development/Armed Forces Day
- May 27 Ramadan begins
- May 30 Memorial Day
- May 30 Shavuot
June
Awareness months: LGBTQIA Pride, Men’s Health
- June 6 Russian Language Day
- June 18 Father’s Day
- June 19 Juneteenth Independence Day/
- June 20 World Refugee Day
- June 21 Summer Solstice/Litha
- June 25 Ramadan ends - Eid-al-Fitr - Eid Mubarak to all those who observe!
July
Awareness months: National Make a Difference to Children
- July 1 Canada Day (Canada's 150th birthday!)
- July 4 USA Independence Day
- July 9 Asalha Puja Day
- July 12 Malala Day
- July 18 Nelson Mandela Day
August
Awareness months: Family Fun
- August 1 Lughnasadh & Swiss Independence Day
- August 9 International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
- August 19 World Humanitarian Day
- August 23 International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
- August 26 Women’s Equality Day
- August 31 Day of Arafah
More holidays and descriptions can be found on these websites:
- University of Minnesota Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
- Anti-Defamation League
- Public Holidays (China)
- Interfaith Calendar
These are only some of the holidays for the summer trimester. I am aware that there are many holidays throughout the year and hope to include all of them. Please let me know if I missed any. Please also tell me about your interest in contributing to our growing cultural calendar: Northwestern’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion.
Submitted by Alejandra Dashe, adashe@nwhealth.edu
Topics in Diversity: Graduate Spotlight
Celia McDougle, DC
When I first got the news that I was awarded the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship, I was honestly surprised. I knew my experiences in diverse workplaces and learning environments were valid, but did I really have that much to offer? As I reflect on that season in my life, I now realize my understanding of 'diversity' was not yet fully developed. Throughout my time as a Diversity Scholar I continued to appreciate the work of others, and began to value what I brought to the table. My involvement with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion further instilled in me the importance of celebrating the efforts of others along with one's own.
Working as a Diversity Scholar allowed me to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually. I loved learning how to better incorporate my faith into the lens from which I view the world, and more importantly how to accomplish that in a spirit of love. I am so grateful to the faculty, staff, and students involved in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for helping me enrich my character, increase my knowledge, and foster mindfulness as I enter in to the beloved profession of chiropractic.
In gratitude.
Dr. Celia McDougle, DC
[Psalm 90:17]
Beau Foshee, DC
My entire experience at NWHSU was shaped by my application to become a diversity scholar on matriculation. I wrote a powerful essay, got my references all in order, polished my shoes, and sat for the interview. And I did not win. Dr. Alejandra Dashe’s email following my interview invited me to become active on campus, join student senate, or lead a cultural club on campus. She also invited me to apply for the diversity leadership scholarship after my first year. I did, and I was awarded the scholarship. My service and leadership in the university were a simple aligning of my personal interests and values with the needs of my fellow students and our greater community. My years as a scholarship recipient gave me a platform to seek university endorsement for my projects without the burden of club or organization sponsorship. I was the captain for a Minnesota AIDS Walk team for two years. I collaborated to host an anti-violence against women campaign for two years. Our group of scholars was invited to a YWCA It’s Time to Talk Forum where I attended twice before training to become a racial justice facilitator. These connections were made directly as a result of my inclusion among those serving the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
I was not an applicant who walked away from service when I did not win the first round. Many of the scholars whose work most motivated me were recognized as diversity leadership scholars after the first year. Just like me. I was encouraged to increase my capacity for good work and went on to serve as the student body president when I had no interest at all in student government until I followed the advice of Dr. Dashe. I applied to become a Philanthropy Fund Scholar where I was honored with two awards and also was recognized as a Minnesota Campus Compact President’s Student Leadership Award. I write about these awards and service because I really intended to just come to school and graduate as a chiropractor as quickly as possible. This is simply not what happened. I have found myself with a different vision than when I arrived. My career trajectory has been altered due to this inclination toward service that has also manifested diversity and inclusion work at the national level.
I am grateful to the university for their investment in me and the health of my future patients. The generosity of mentorship and scholarship funds has been profound. I have met incredibly talented students whose interests are different from mine but whose capacity for leadership encouraged me to serve alongside them. Thank you.
Dr. William K. “Beau” Foshee, DC
Diversity Leadership Scholar
Bao Xiong, DC
My name is Bao Xiong and I am a student in the Chiropractic program. I was the co-president for Asian Culture club for about 2 years and the co-president for Mandarin Language club for a Trimester. Leading these clubs had open my opportunities to continue to build leadership skills. It required dedication and great organizational skills to develop several events over the terms here. In the beginning, I had stage fright and a tough time talking in front of people. Overtime leading a club it had really built my confidence. It is not just confidence but also learning to open myself up to others. I started to realize that clubs are almost like a business and the rest of the other clubs are your networking partners.
I must admit that especially in the graduate level of schooling recruiting members at Northwestern was a bit difficult. But I’m beginning to see it as a challenge which exposed me to the reality that most business for instance like Chiropractic isn’t easy to build. This is a driver for you to test your limits and success. I do have to also say that failures do occur at times during my terms here but it will only make you learn and become much stronger as a leader. I am thankful that the Office of Diversity Inclusion have given me this opportunity to challenge a side of me that I didn’t know if I had the confidence for. I have learned so much and will continue to.
Thank you,
Dr. Bao Xiong, DC
Thank you, Diversity Scholars!
I write this post in gratitude for your participation and partnership in the diversity and inclusion program at Northwestern Health Sciences University. The beautiful and vibrant campus culture we have is because of you. Together, we grew a community of people dedicated to service, became knowledgeable about running student organizations and businesses, and developed powerful cultural identities, convictions, and communications about and for our students. Once again, I am impressed with your commitment to our mission, vision, and values.
Not sure if you know, but I believe that you challenged all of us to rethink our diversity and inclusion direction. You encouraged us to be brave and stand up for what we want and acted as a clear voice of innovation in our department and university. Our university will not be the same without you. We hope that you return as alumni with the same passion for the work as you had when you were here with us.
Congratulations! Wishing you the best in your new career!
Dr. Dashe & The Office of Diversity & Inclusion
Submitted by Alejandra Dashe, adashe@nwhealth.edu
Participate in Our Events!
Office of Diversity & Inclusion has several upcoming events. We invite you to join us!
- Dragon Boat Races: Join us on July 9 at the Dragon Festival at Lake Phalen. We have a team rowing against many companies and universities. Co-sponsored by Asian Culture Club, JEDI, Student Senate & ODI.
- Service & Appreciation Day: Be part of the fun and service at Northwestern on June 29. Sign up here to participate in a service site. Learn about healthy eating from Chef Marshall. Relax afterward at our Summer Jam. Sponsored by Student Affairs & Student Senate.
Submitted by Alejandra Dashe, adashe@nwhealth.edu
Past Events
Poutine Day!
Pride and Alumni Visit
Thanks to our volunteers
Treats!
Traditional Roots Healthcare
Community Engagement
Need a study break? Check out all of the fun and local things to do!
Fun and local things to do:
- Things to do in Bloomington, MN
- Things to do in Richfield, MN
- Things to do in Minneapolis, MN
- Things to do in St. Paul, MN
Additional fun and (not as) local things to do:
LOVE YOUR MELON
The Love Your Melon Club sends cards and loving support to children with cancer diagnoses. Most recently they tabled in the foyer selling carnations and raffling off hats (pictured above). Now that you know about LYM, get involved! Contact Jessica Keesling for more information.
VOLUNTEER CONNECTION
Volunteer Connection is a program here in Bloomington that allows students to get involved with their surrounding community through volunteering as a tutor! This specific program for tutors is called Homework Connection. There are many different times and places that volunteering can be done and it is widely available to anyone to tutor any subject for K-12 students
The girls group Courtney Bernard put together is at Washburn Elementary School, where she works with 3rd grade girls and their teacher, Serena Christensen. She volunteers with them every other Thursday for an hour to talk about women's issues, how to deal with them, and make it easier to talk about. She started an anti-bullying campaign, where they made posters and t-shirts to raise awareness about the issue of bullying. Contact Courtney Bernard for more information about volunteering at Washburn Elementary School.
NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE
The Neighborhood House is a community center on the West Side of St. Paul, located in the Wellstone Center. NH offers tutoring and mentoring for youth, adult programming, family and early childhood education, food support services, health education, and more. The Office of Diversity & Inclusion and Student Affairs have partnered to offer workstudy and volunteer positions at NH. Please apply here or speak with Alejandra Dashe or Lori Hannegraaf for more details.
Learning & Training Opportunities
On Campus
- Take training! See "Learning and Training Opportunities" below. Most trainings are free or low cost and can get you CEUs.
- Take the Dignity & Respect pledge.
- Join one of our cultural clubs.
- Want to write for From the Desk of Diversity? Engaging diversity activity idea? Contact Dr. Dashe.
Local
- Immigrant and Refugee Health Online Course by the U of M Medical School Department of Global Health (and other opportunities)
- YWCA of Minneapolis Racial Justice Workshops & Events
- Rainbow Health Initiative Trainings & Presentations
- Minnesota AIDS Project
National
200+ Super Free Online Public Health Courses & Training + Certificates MPH Programs List
- Think Cultural Health: Promotores de Salud; Office of Minority Health, Department of Health & Human Services
- A Physician's Practical Guide to Culturally Competent Care
- Health Resources and Services Administration: Effective Communication Tools for Healthcare Professionals 100
- National Eating Disorders Association
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Office of Diversity & Inclusion
Email: diversity@nwhealth.edu
Website: http://nwhealth.edu/diversity/
Location: Northwestern Health Sciences, West 84th Street, Bloomington, MN, United States
Phone: 952-888-4777 235
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Northwestern-Diversity-Inclusion/678001138890536
Twitter: @NWHSU_Diversity
Alejandra Estrin Dashe, PhD
Director, Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Associate Professor & Chair, Social Science & Humanities, College of Health & Wellness
Email: adashe@nwhealth.edu
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandradashe
Location: Northwestern Health Sciences University, West 84th Street, Bloomington, MN, United States
Phone: 952-888-4777 235
Twitter: @alejandradashe