Upcoming Seminars and Events
JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2020
Special Announcements
~Browse WISR’s Latest Newsletters
~Until further notice, due to COVID-19, all WISR seminars and events are online only
~All of the following events count as hours of collaboration for WISR students in their coursework.
~Monthly Announcements are posted:
https://www.wisr.edu/upcoming-seminars-and-events/
~PDF versions & recent Mailchimp emails: https://www.wisr.edu/hot-news/archives-seminars-and-news/
CALENDAR
Interdisciplinary Seminars (see details below)
~Tuesdays, 1/19, 26; Feb 2, 9, 16, 23; Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 4-5pm
Workshop In Support Of Student Academic Work In Progress https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81278170306
~Sat 1/16, 10am-12pm, Human Dignity And Humiliation Dialogue
MFT and Interdisciplinary Seminar https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85437182678
~Sat 1/30, 10am-12pm, Computing Basics, Google For Education, And More…What Students and Faculty Need to Know for These Times! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85321454020
Social Alienation and the Longing for Human Connection (Click link for short video)
~Wed 2/3, 10, 17, 24 (12 weeks into March (except for March 24 and until April 28th), 12-2pm
~Sat 2/27, 10am-12pm, Cannabis And The Cannabinoid Health Sciences https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87334052593
MFT Seminars (w/CEUs* see details below)
~Sat 1/9, 10am-12pm, Practicum Process Group https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85388008924
~Sat 1/16/21, 10am-12pm, Human Dignity And Humiliation Dialogue
MFT and Interdisciplinary Seminar https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85437182678
~Sat 1/23/21, 10am-1pm, Conflict, Control, And Out Of Control In Couples And Couple Therapy, Part 3 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88089547736
~Sat 2/6, 10am-12pm, Practicum Process Group https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85388008924
~Sat 2/20/21, 10am-1pm, Conflict, Control, And Out Of Control In Couples And Couple Therapy, Part 4 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82265355393
Additional ANNOUNCEMENTS (more details below)
~To facilitate the quality of an interactive seminar experience for everyone, participants are strongly encouraged to stay engaged and keep their video on at all times.
~Those with wisr.edu email addresses can find seminar/event info on their Google Calendars.
~Covid 19 Resources
~WISR’s Statement And Actions On Racial Justice
~Important Information and Disclosures about WISR Seminars and Events
~Look for our Facebook page, wisrberkeley on Twitter and wiserberkeley on Instagram
~If you have difficulty logging in to Zoom seminars, go to https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362003 for Zoom Technical-Support and click on the blue “Help” button. International phone numbers are also available.
INTERDISCIPLINARY SEMINAR(S) are a way for WISR students to learn about core subjects of social change, writing, multiculturalism, adult/higher education, community leadership and social action-research. Community members are welcome to participate as well. Students are strongly requested to participate in at least one seminar each month, unless they have an unavoidable conflict. Students also have the option of creating seminars on topics of interest, of forming their own peer discussion groups, and developing regular collaborations with other WISR students.
WORKSHOP IN SUPPORT OF STUDENT ACADEMIC WORK IN PROGRESS
Tuesdays, 1/12, 19, 26; Feb 2, 9, 16, 23; Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
4-5pm
John Bilorusky, PhD, WISR President and Core Faculty. (Other faculty are invited to participate as well.) This workshop will be aimed at several things:
1) Students will be asked to share and discuss their learning projects and course work that is in progress. To this end, students can let others know about their interest and current personalized WISR learning projects and/or planned projects—get feedback from others, brainstorm and share ideas.
2) Students will have an opportunity to discuss and ask about anything else about their studies at WISR that will be helpful for them to do in this small group discussion setting.
Video/phone conferencing Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81278170306; Phone# 669-900-6833 with ID# 812 7817 0306. To RSVP or for help with technical difficulties call 510-655-2830 or email johnb@wisr.edu and provide a phone# in case of technical difficulties.
HUMAN DIGNITY AND HUMILIATION QUARTERLY DIALOGUE
MFT & Interdisciplinary Seminar
Saturday, January 16th
10am-12pm; Rosa Reinikainen, MFT, WISR Adjunct Faculty, Facilitator. We are so fortunate at WISR to be linked in with the global network of Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies. Evelyn Lindner and Linda Hartling have dedicated their lives to the important study of these dynamics. Understanding the dynamics of humiliation is critical to healing from these cycles and restoring our innate dignity.
We live in a highly interconnected world. Humiliation cycles happen in a social, political, environmental, relational and interpersonal level, as well as an internal level. It is important to look at our participation in these systems. There is escalating social instability, political unrest, violent conflict, economic injustice, and climate change and now a pandemic, which is already increasing and exacerbating existing inequality. There are massive issues with Police murdering back and brown people. We are having increasing climate disruption leading to floods, wildfires, earthquakes, and hurricanes. In looking at these dynamics we can create the impetus to design innovative, sustainable, and mutually dignifying solutions to these problems. We will discuss how we can create systems that ensure equal dignity for all.
This seminar is a discussion about Human Dignity and Humiliation. It is a ‘come-as-you-are’ discussion, meaning you do not need to have a deep understanding of these ideas. We have all had experiences that are relevant to the discussion. These dialogues can help create change. Come discuss human dignity and humiliation with me.
Video/phone conferencing Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85437182678
Phone# 669-900-6833 with ID# 854 3718 2678. Please RSVP rosa.reinikainen@wisr.edu or call 510-655-2830 and provide a phone# in case of technical difficulties.
COMPUTING BASICS, GOOGLE FOR EDUCATION, AND ZOOM,
What Students and Faculty Need to Know for These Times!
Saturday, January 30th, 2021
10am to 12:00pm
Mark Wilson, WISR’s Learning Experience Designer\Technologian will present a short overview of computer and internet fundamentals for online learners; also, we’ll explore Google’s rebranding of the G Suite for Education to Google Workspace. And Zoom. Please keep a log of your computing challenges to share and discuss.
Video/phone conferencing Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85321454020
ID 853 2145 4020; phone# 669-900-6833. For help with technical difficulties call 510 655 2830 or email mark.wilson@wisr.edu or john.bilorusky@wisr.edu.
BEYOND BORDERS, MULTICULTURALISM & NUCLEAR WEAPONS
SECOND CONFERENCE: LATINOS & NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT
~POSTPONED TO AUGUST OR SEPTEMBER AND WILL NOT BE HELD February 20th ~Marcia Campos, Chair of WISR’s Board, Moderator
Presenters:
~Hon. Bernardo Mendez Lugo, Academic former diplomat, current executive director of pro migrant organization America sin Muros, Mexico: International leadership of Latin America in nuclear disarmament
~Francisco Herrera, Peace activist, former candidate to Mayor of San Francisco, Founder of San Francisco Day Labor Program. The Women’s Collective and Fundacion Cultural Caminante: Multicultural participation in the anti nuclear movement in The USA
~Prof. Rafael Jesus Gonzalez, Berkeley’s Poet Laureate. Lifelong activist against nuclear weapons and retired professor: Poetry reading
CANNABIS AND THE CANNABINOID HEALTH SCIENCES
Saturday, February 27th
10am-12pm
Uwe Blesching, PhD, WISR alumnus. With the increasing acceptance and legalization of medicinal and recreational use of cannabis health care provider from all the healing arts are challenged to learn more about this new and emerging field in medicine, the cannabinoid health sciences. Does cannabis work? Can it work for me or those in my care? And, what is the evidence?
In this seminar we will answer these broad questions with some basic answers. More specifically: You will learn about the endocannabinoid system (ECS), its rudimentary mechanisms of action and its functions; how endocannabinoids, phyto-cannabinoids, and other compounds interact with this system; discuss the safety profile of cannabis, its potential side-effects and addiction potential, higher-risk populations; and understand the potential role of cannabis as an ‘exit drug’.
Uwe Blesching is a medical writer, author, and speaker in the areas of cannabinoid health sciences and mind-body medicine. He is the author of multiple books including the Cannabis Health Index, Breaking the Cycle of Opioid Addiction, and Your Cannabis CBD:THC Ratio. He served patients and the community for twenty years as a Paramedic for the City of San Francisco and holds a BA in Humanities from the New College of California and an MA in Psychology and a PhD in Higher Education and Social Change from the Western Institute for Social Research. He is the Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer at CannaKeys.com.
Video/phone conferencing Zoom link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87334052593; ID 873 3405 2593; phone# 669-900-6833. For help with technical difficulties call 510 655 2830 or email john.bilorusky@wisr.edu.
Marriage and Family Therapy Seminars
MARRIAGE FAMILY THERAPY (MFT) SEMINARS are for WISR students pursuing an MFT and/or LPCC license. Other interested persons are welcome to attend (on site or by video conference) and receive CEU credit for MFTs and LPCCs, but you must RSVP the faculty member (see email contact info below) in advance. *WISR students not in the MFT program may get CEU credit for no additional charge, others pay $40. These seminars are typically held at WISR from 10am to 12 or 1pm (as listed) with a short break; often students bring a snack. MFT students must participate in a total of 48 such seminars in order to graduate. These required seminars for our MS program lead to the State of California MFT and LPCC licenses and are now available by telephone conference call and video webinar.
PRACTICUM PROCESS GROUP
Monthly Series of Seminars
Saturdays, January 9th, February 6th…. First Saturdays of each month unless otherwise notified
10am-12pm
Rosa Reinikainen, MFT, WISR Adjunct Faculty is the facilitator of this group for those MFT and LPCC students and alumni who are pre-practicum, those who are in practicum, and those who have already done their practicum. We will be discussing issues around therapy practices, including treatment plans, assessments, modalities etc. This is a place for students, interns and associates to discuss their experiences, hopes and ideas and to discuss the world of therapy in a group setting. This is a monthly seminar where we can discuss any thoughts, ideas or concerns you might have surrounding practicum and therapy practices. Everyone is welcome regardless of where you are at in your learning.
Video/phone conferencing Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85388008924;
Phone# 669-900-6833 with ID# 853 8800 8924. Please RSVP rosa.reinikainen@wisr.edu or call 510-655-2830 and provide a phone# in case of technical difficulties.
HUMAN DIGNITY AND HUMILIATION QUARTERLY DIALOGUE
MFT & Interdisciplinary Seminar (See above for more details)
Saturday, January 16th, 10am-12pm
CONFLICT, CONTROL, AND OUT OF CONTROL IN COUPLES AND COUPLE THERAPY
Saturday, January 23rd, Part 3; February 20th, Part 4
10am-1pm
Ronald Mah, MA, LMFT, PhD, Faculty.
The book Conflict, Control, and Out of Control in Couples and Couple Therapy by Dr. Mah addresses the continuum of assertion, aggression, and abuse between partners. The therapist is guided how to promote appropriate assertiveness and aggression while avoiding crossing the boundary of abuse. Conflict is intrinsic to most couples, but relative control vs. getting out of control varies greatly resulting in relationship health or dysfunction. The therapist is directed how to guide partners how to deal w/ anger and frustration — learning how to fight fairly and productively to prevent emotional abuse.
The book discusses conceptual vs. practical distinctions between normal couple therapy and domestic violence therapy. Therapist boundaries and choices to engage or not in domestic violence therapy become functionally problematic when intimate partner violence is unanticipated but uncovered in sessions. The therapist will learn how to assess for, manage, and treat partners when emotional reactivity becomes emotional abuse — a focus of normal couple therapy; when verbal abuse predicts physical abuse; and when domestic violence is revealed.
Video/phone conferencing Zoom link on January 23rd: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88089547736; phone #669-900-6833 with meeting ID# 880 8954 7736. To RSVP or for help with technical difficulties call 510 655 2830 or email ronald.mah@wisr.edu or john.bilorusky@wisr.edu and provide a phone#.
MORE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Covid 19 Resources for Therapists
WISR Alum Diane Poole Heller offers a masterclass, Nurturing Resilience During a Traumatic Crisis
masterclass: Therapists can earn 30 CE credits.
https://www.therapymastermindcircle.com/nurturing-resilience-during-a-traumatic-crisis-replay/
Links to free content: various interviews around COVID 19 and how best to respond:
~Deb Dana: Responding to Stress and Dysregulation in our Nervous System https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGQl64Mo8fM
~MingTong Gu: How to Practice Self Care: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYJKKIpQM8Q
~Pat Love: Societal and Trauma Fallout from COVID 19 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fONDEhZtAEk
~Francesca Maxime: Exploring Diversity and Marginalized Populations during COVID 19 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw9ctng-ryg
Valuable Resource on Dealing with Stress During a Major Disaster: Co-authored by WISR Faculty Member, and Chief Academic Officer, Brian Gerrard, PhD: Disastershock: How to Cope with the Stress of a Major Disaster. A 40 person Disastershock Team from 10 countries is currently translating Disastershock into 15 languages for global distribution. Free copies of Disastershock may be downloaded from https://www.disastershock.com/ . If you are willing to volunteer some time to assist us with helping our global family, please contact Brian (brian.gerrard@wisr.edu).
WISR’S STATEMENT AND ACTIONS ON RACIAL JUSTICE
The Current Voices and Actions in Support of Racial Justice Must Not Be a Moment, but Must Be a Continuing Movement Toward Racial Justice. We believe in Dr. King’s famous statement that “We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
It is the responsibility of all of us to make Dr. King’s statement true, and not to be bystanders at this important time. The current and long overdue attention must be sustained beyond a brief moment of outrage in time, especially, given that the United States’ founding history was significantly based on the slavery of African Americans and the genocide of Native Americans.
Since WISR’s founding, its mission and educational programs have been committed in practice, not just in words, to multiculturalism, inclusive diversity and social justice.
Members of the WISR learning community remain committed to these principles, although each member may demonstrate their commitments in different ways, through their own individual voices as well as through their collaborative actions at WISR and beyond.
To support further the expression of these voices and WISR’s actions, we have this webpage https://www.wisr.edu/wisrs-statement-and-actions-on-racial-justice/ to publicize our present and past actions. Members of the WISR community are encouraged to share information about their current efforts on behalf of racial justice, or to suggest possible ways to take constructive action.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND DISCLOSURES ABOUT WISR SEMINARS AND EVENTS https://www.wisr.edu/academics/sample-page/seminars-and-campus-events/
- For those who are new to WISR, here are some important things to know about WISR seminars and events.
- All WISR seminars and events are accessible online through the use of Zoom, and they are also concurrently held on site at WISR’s facility in Berkeley, CA, which is on unceded, traditional Ohlone territory.
- At WISR, we intend to create a learning environment that is safe, and supportive of mutually respectful dialogue and collaboration, and curiosity and openness in learning. [see WISR’s Statement of Non-Discrimination and Affirmation of Diversity Values: https://www.wisr.edu/wisr-statement-of-affirmation-of-diversity-values/ –and a portion a portion of which is found under “WISR Core Values Include” below ]
- At WISR, we welcome people from all walks of life and of many, varied values and political beliefs, who share WISR’s commitment to our affirmation of diversity values.
- At the beginning of each seminar, we give each participant a minute to introduce themselves, and if they wish, to share a bit about themselves. Those wishing to inform others of the personal pronoun they wish to have used for themselves, are encouraged to do so, when introducing themselves.
DISCLOSURE ABOUT RECORDING EVENTS AT WISR, AND WISR’s USE OF THE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS OF WISR’s PUBLIC EVENTS.
All WISR seminars and events are recorded, and photos and video clips, and sometimes entire videos, of WISR seminars may be posted on WISR’s website, on WISR’s Facebook Page, or on WISR’s You Tube Channel. We publicly share some videos and clips to promote WISR’s educational content to the wider public. In addition, the entire video of each seminar is, with some exceptions, accessible to WISR students, faculty and staff through WISR’s online courses. By participating in a WISR seminar or other event, you are giving WISR permission to use photos or videos of your participation in these seminars and events. However, if you have strong concerns about a particular portion of the seminar in which you made comments, you may, within 24 hours, request that we remove that portion of your comments. In addition, if you want us to edit out your image and entire participation from one, or even all videos, or photos, of WISR seminars we will honor such requests.
WISR CORE VALUES INCLUDE
Developing a multicultural, inclusive perspective. This means developing and using multicultural perspectives to inform one’s purposes, and one’s views of social issues and challenges and opportunities in one’s chosen fields or arenas of endeavor—profession, workplace, community.
- Developing a sense of empathy, compassion and community toward, and with others.
- Appreciating and understanding the broad spectrum of perspectives and consciousness, and how those arise out of people’s culture, gender, economic background, religious and sexual orientation.
- A culture of learning that respects and promotes the dignity of every person.
- The belief that no individual or group may rightfully prosper at the expense of others.
- The use of language that conveys respect for persons whose gender identity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, economic background, or political interests may differ from our own.