April, 2023 - Ubuntuworks

Gender Equity and Reconciliation International

Gender equity is woefully overdue—we cannot wait any longer. Yet gender equity will wait, just as it has for thousands of years, until women and men and people of all genders co-create it together. One-sided solutions are not enough, and shame and blame will get us nowhere. The new pathway to healing and creating right relations between the genders can only be forged by courageously confronting gender injustice from all sides, and moving through the ensuing “collective alchemy” to transform gender injustice from the inside out. Inspired by the principles of Truth and Reconciliation developed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu in South Africa, the Gender Equity and Reconciliation International (GERI) process has been implemented over three decades for thousands of people on six continents. Guided by the twin powers of truth and love, and supported by skillful facilitation, the GERI process creates safe forums to empower the unraveling of gender and sexual conditioning with alchemical depth and acumen, and initiate a whole new culture of gender relations and beloved community. Learn more about their programs and resources at https://www.genderreconciliationinternational.org. Photo courtesy GERI

Greater Good in Education

Greater Good in Education is produced by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center (GGSC). The GGSC studies the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of well-being and teaches skills that foster a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society—what we call “the science of a meaningful life.” As part of the GGSC, THE Education Program presents education professionals with practical, scientific insights that help them bring the science of a meaningful life into their lives, schools, and classrooms. It draws on disciplines such as social-emotional learning (SEL), mindfulness, character education, and related topics. The goal is to help them better understand the roots of kind, helpful—or “prosocial”—behavior and emotional well-being, and how they can build those skills in themselves, their colleagues, and their students. Greater Good in Education advances the work of the GGSC Education Program by distilling key strategies for the social, emotional, and ethical development of students and for the well-being of the adults who work with them, synthesizing the top insights and practices from science, programs, and practitioners. It takes the science that the GGSC has been covering for years and puts it into a format tailored to the needs of educators, building on the other programs and activities of the GGSC Education Program. Ultimately, we hope to help transform the way education professionals think about the purpose of education and what it means to be a human being. For more information visit https://ggie.berkeley.edu. Photo courtesy of Greater Good in Education

Eric-Sirotkin-ubuntuworks-human-resources-workplace-journey

Presentation: Understanding the “Human” Dynamic in Human Resources

Presented by Eric Sirotkin Lawyer, Educator, Mediator Eric gave this talk at the Human Resource Management Association of New Mexico (HRMA) membership meeting, April 18, 2023 at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque, NM. Bio Eric Sirotkin is an internationally renowned human rights trial lawyer, mediator, and educator who advocates navigating conflict in ways that enhance health and well-being. He lectures nationally and internationally on ubuntu, legal wellness issues, and practices law and life in New Mexico. Summary What skills can we bring to the workforce to enhance the work life experience, increase productivity, and reduce conflict? Working together through conflict takes time and compassion. Why do people shut down, work in fear, or fail to bring their best to the table? You will spend approximately 90,000 hours at work during your lifetime. It is important to understand your rights and responsibilities in the workplace and learn techniques that help you thrive. A disempowered, resentful or angry workforce is not only disheartening but dangerous. Having an empowered and fulfilling work experience requires one to know how to navigate work life with knowledge, skill, and confidence. Listen to the full audio here: Learning Objectives: 1. Develop techniques to address challenges such as a demanding boss, a hostile work environment, a poor review, or unfair treatment. 2. Learn techniques to increase communication in the workplace and understand the power of diverse opinions and freedom of speech. 3. Learn about the principle known as ‘Ubuntu’ and how it can be applied to the workplace. ‘Ubuntu’ represents that we are all connected. It also shows that a person can only grow and progress through the growth and progression of others.