Lucy Katz Dialogue & Resolution Program

Lucy Katz Fellows facilitate workshops and dialogues on a variety of social justice and relationship-building topics, including:

• Understanding Privilege and Intersectionality
  Fellows lead discussions on how different aspects of a person’s identity (such as race, gender, and class) interact to shape unique experiences of privilege and marginalization. Through this exploration, students gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of identity.
• Building Allyship
  In these workshops, Fellows guide participants in understanding what it means to be an ally to marginalized communities. Discussions focus on the importance of advocacy, empathy, and continuous learning in supporting others.
• Exploring and Embracing Diverse Identities
  This topic allows students to reflect on their own identities and those of others, fostering a supportive environment where diversity is celebrated.

The Lucy Katz Dialogue & Resolution Program offers a range of workshops for student groups, clubs, organizations, and departments. These workshops aim to strengthen teamwork, empathy, and understanding across campus. To request a workshop, contact the Program Director, Karl Uzcategui at kuzcategui@fairfield.edu.

Topics Include:

1. Team Dynamics
   Strengthens team engagement, helps build relational growth, and develops action plans for positive group dynamics.
2. Dealing with Tension
   Teaches strategies for managing tension through active listening and storytelling, equipping participants with tools for constructive dialogue and tension prevention.
3. Social Justice Foundations
   Introduces participants to key concepts in social justice, including power dynamics and structural discrimination, fostering a consciousness of inclusion and equity.
4. Examining and Managing Privilege
   Explores how social identities impact individual experiences, helping participants understand their own privileges and encouraging them to support marginalized communities.

Beyond our standard workshops, Lucy Katz Fellows also facilitate specialized sessions such as:

• Civic Reflections
  Guided group discussions that use artifacts to explore challenging topics, improve understanding, and build common ground within the campus community.
• Story Circles
  Inspired by indigenous traditions, Story Circles invite participants to share personal narratives in a safe, inclusive setting. This practice promotes empathy, mutual respect, and understanding among participants.

To help navigate the core principles of the Lucy Katz Fellowship, here are some key terms:

• Restorative Practice: A framework focused on relationship-building and repairing harm through open dialogue and mutual understanding.
• Peer Education: A model where students educate and support each other on social justice and conflict resolution topics.
• Mediation: A voluntary, confidential process where a neutral mediator assists parties in conflict to reach mutually agreeable solutions.
• Privilege: Unearned advantages in society based on one's characteristics.
• Allyship: Actively supporting marginalized communities through advocacy and empathy.
• Power Dynamics: The ways in which power is distributed and exercised in relationships and communities.
• Dialogue Facilitation: Guiding conversations to foster understanding and mutual respect on complex topics.
• Civic Reflection: Structured discussions that encourage critical thinking about community values and responsibilities.
• Story Circles: Narrative-based group discussions that promote empathy and shared understanding through personal storytelling.