The CAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference 2024

**REGISTRATION IS AT CAPACITY**
We have opened a waitlist for any potential openings
Please contact Joan Edwards at J_edwards@caisct.org to be added to our waitlist

The CAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference 2024
Sponsored by The Commission on Diversity in Independent Schools

 Reigniting Your Fire For Justice!

DATE: Sunday, April 7, 2024

FOR: Students (grades 7-12/PG), faculty and administrators

SCHEDULE:
9:00-9:45AM – Conference check-in & breakfast snacks
9:45AM- Welcome & student speakers
11:00AM – 12PM – Student and Adult Workshops (Part I)
12PM-1PM – Lunch
12PM – DEIJ Practitioner Roundtable during Lunch
1:00-2:15PM – Student and Adult Workshops (Part II)
2:30-3:45PM – Closing and Send off

LOCATION: Hopkins School, New Haven, CT

About the Conference:
Founded in 2003 by the CAIS Commission on Diversity in Independent Schools, this conference was inspired by events in other regions (such as Across Colors in Southern California) and modeled after the national conference held annually by NAIS. The mission of the event is to bring students from grades 7-12 and adults from independent schools across the state together for a day of networking and dialogue, facilitating cross-cultural understanding and a call to action to improve our school communities and our world.

• to connect students with peers in other schools
• to strengthen our network of those committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in CT
• to supplement national activities (POCC/SDLC) with a regional activity
• to facilitate conversation between students and teachers about equity and social justice
• to give our student leaders a forum for dialogue and action with other students representing the diversity of CAIS schools (boarding / day / single sex / secular and non-secular etc.)

STUDENT SESSIONS:
All sessions are interactive and facilitated by an experienced DEI educator
7th & 8th Grade: Language & Words Matter
9th Grade: Stereotypes, Prejudice and Discrimination unpacked
10th Grade: Who am I? Who are You? Who are We?
11th Grade:  Our Socialization: How do we learn what we learn?
12th Grade/PG: Moving from Allyship to Co-conspirators

EDUCATOR BREAKOUT SESSION:
Freedom Dreaming! 
Through music, photography, self-reflection and the power of dialogue participants will engage in a community encounter where they will explore what freedom dreaming means for them and how vital it is to elevate our personal and professional practice. Participants will be invited to take a Pause, Expand their point of view, Focus on the significant wisdom gained through the process, and finally ask themselves what they can Do with the insights they gained.
Facilitator: Meron Kelly, Heal to Heal

Meron Kelly works in service of students by supporting educational stakeholders in ensuring that the social, emotional, physical and academic needs of every child is met. A former elementary teacher and curriculum designer, Meron currently supports educators in their social emotional learning and development so that they can be prepared to meet the needs of their students. Using trauma-informed and healing centered approaches in her professional development encounters, Meron fosters the educator’s self-connection while encouraging meaningful dialogue and relationship building.

Schedule for the day and logistics regarding parking, accessing main session and location of workshops will be sent via email to registrants.

Cost (CAIS Member Schools):
includes continental breakfast and full lunch
$250 for each school registered (includes one registration)
$30 for each additional registrant

Registration guidelines:

• Schools must register at least one adult for each eight students registered;
• Adults attending can register without bringing students. They must be employed at the school;
• Registration form must be completed by adults ONLY;
• Each school registering students must have a designated adult who will be in attendance and who will share contact information.

Sponsored in part by FLIK Independent School Dining