Registration is now open for a one-day professional development program, Racial Equity, Implicit Bias and Diversity Training, on July 23, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., facilitated by the Racial Equity & Justice Firm in partnership with the University of Maine Hutchinson Center. The fee for this online, instructor-led program is $95.

The program is designed to further participants' understanding of racial equity, diversity and implicit bias, and how to move institutions beyond reflecting and into the active work of creating a more equitable world. Held synchronously via Zoom, this interactive and dynamic program includes in-depth organizational analysis, solution-based discussions and resources for change.

Interested people from all sectors are welcome to participate: professionals, educators, administrators, nonprofit workers, law enforcement, social workers, clinicians, business owners, human resource professionals, journalists and religious leaders. 

The program is co-facilitated by UMaine alumni David Patrick and Desiree Vargas, cofounders of Racial Equity & Justice Firm. The partnership between REJ and the UMaine Hutchinson Center began in March 2020 with public programs and customized training for businesses, organizations and schools. REJ is focused on community building, and community care, safety and education. More information about REJ is online.

“Our greatest hope at Racial Equity and Justice is to create more equitable spaces for this generation and for generations to come,” say Patrick and Vargas, in Hutchinson news release. “We want to be the change we wish to see through community education and support. It takes an entire community to create safe and inclusive spaces. We believe our trainings and workshops not only strengthen human connections but also start a relational healing process for many communities. We are committed to social justice. We hope others will join in this commitment.”

As an advocate for communities of color, Patrick supports families, individuals and students through his work as a co-founder of Racial Equity & Justice, and associate director of The Peace & Justice Center of Eastern Maine. Patrick combines experimental knowledge, social work education and clinical problem-solving skills to build cross-cultural relationships, offer consultation and provide mediation. His focus is working with strategic partners, stakeholders and community leaders for policy development and implementation, and community change.

As an Indigenous woman of color and an anthropology scholar, Vargas navigates advocating for Black, Brown and Indigenous people uniquely, with a focus on redistribution of resources and cultural preservation. Her skill set includes racial justice advocacy, anti-gender-based violence advocacy, harm reduction activism and heart-centered decolonization consultation.

For those interested in continuing education credits, 0.4 CEUs and 4 contact hours are available. Custom diversity, equity and inclusion programs also are available.

For information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Michelle Patten, um.fhc.pd@maine.edu; 207.338.8002. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available for people who live or work in Knox or Waldo counties. For more information about upcoming professional development programs, scholarships or registration, go online. Early registration is recommended as spots are limited. 

About the Hutchinson Center:

The Hutchinson Center is an outreach center for the University of Maine in Orono that serves as an educational and cultural center for the midcoast area. It is named for University of Maine President Emeritus Frederick E. Hutchinson. The mission of the Hutchinson Center is to broaden access to University of Maine academic and non-degree programs and services, lifelong learning opportunities, and professional and career development experiences using innovative approaches that increase synergy among University of Maine System entities, University of Maine departments and divisions, and that engage a wider Maine community.

About the University of Maine:

The University of Maine, founded in Orono in 1865, is the state's land grant, sea grant and space grant university. It is located on Marsh Island in the homeland of the Penobscot Nation.  As Maine's flagship public university, UMaine has a statewide mission of teaching, research and economic development, and community service. UMaine is the state's only public research university and among the most comprehensive higher education institutions in the Northeast. It attracts students from all 50 states and more than 75 countries. UMaine currently enrolls 11,741 undergraduate and graduate students who have opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research with world-class scholars. UMaine offers more than 100 degree programs through which students can earn master's, doctoral or professional science master's degrees, as well as graduate certificates. The university promotes environmental stewardship, with substantial efforts campuswide to conserve energy, recycle and adhere to green building standards in new construction. For more information about UMaine, visit umaine.edu.