The Utah Chapter of the National Association for Multicultural Education

NAME Conference 2009: A Multicultural Journey

I always feel energized when surrounded by advocacy-minded individuals. I knew the NAME conference would be fantastic. After all, I would have an opportunity to attend a pre-conference session with the famous Dr. James Banks, hear amazing keynotes, and participate in roundtable discussions that centered around powerful topics.
Nonetheless, I was hoping for slightly more than the typical “conference elation” in which we interact, network, and rejuvenate with our respected colleagues.

Opting out of totally privileged status for this trip, I encountered a few of my very best moments on the public transit. My first new acquaintance came in the form of a Peace Corp Volunteer who was just returning home from the Republic of Georgia. Sarah was traveling to the same downtown destination that I was hoping to find, and she knew the transportation system well. She spent the next 2 hours as my guide, teaching me the ins and outs. As the snowstorm flurried, we trekked through downtown Denver- both of us wearing completely inadequate footwear for the circumstances. We enjoyed good conversation and I gained a renewed perspective… one that I had gradually filed away over the years since my return from living in Central America. (Sarah and I met up later in the week for lunch!)

On another occasion, I was presented with an opportunity to bond with a kind Guatemalan gentleman who had recently retired and moved to Denver because his daughter was attending University there. He had offered me a helping hand as I fidgeted with my entirely jammed jacket zipper. We eventually conquered the challenge together and the exchange became mutual as I coached him on life in the snow. It was his first blizzard!

Waiting at the bus stop for my last bus ride of the trip, I spent my finest hour eating crackers and almonds with an elderly Caucasian gentleman who had recently lost his way and ended up on the streets. He had been a machinist until his wife passed away and he had lost the battle to alcoholism. We were joined in company by a fabulously articulate and introspective African-American gentleman who skillfully coached the ex-machinist on his life circumstances, choices, and future options. Having been out on the streets once himself, he provided detailed information about available resources, programs, and supports. We shared meaningful conversation about real life for the entire hour. Then the buses pulled up and we all scattered off on our own paths. The moment will forever remain memorable in my mind.
This year, I was lucky enough to experience “conference elation” and beyond. Note to self… take the public transit whenever possible!

Johanna Hofmeister

NAME Conference Reflection

This was my first opportunity to attend NAME’s Annual International Conference, and the result was a great learning experience!  Two of the things that impressed me the most were the credentials and qualifications of the presenters and their excellent delivery of multicultural content.   Because the conference was well organized, it was easy to locate sessions of interest and to become involved in the professional discussions that ensued.  I plan to share with my own students some of the ideas learned.  For example, results of a service-learning project in Davison and Flint, MI suggested that service-learning experiences can influence young adults’ career choices.   In this project, undergraduate students were trained to work with children enrolled in a multicultural, multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-ethnic afterschool program.  Many of the undergraduates indicated they viewed the experience as being beneficial.  Parents additionally stated they appreciated the changes reflected in their children’s improved academic performance and ability to relate with those from different cultures.   An informative session on cyber-bullying provided important details supporting the intervention research that some of my students are conducting.  This information will be incorporated into materials currently being prepared for teachers and parents of children with disabilities.   Needless to say, the conference was a valuable experience.  I hope to have the opportunity to attend the International Name Conference again next year!
Dr. Darlene Anderson