Comment on Center for Academic Excellence Civil Engagement Breakfast by Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:49:37 +0000

What a great start to Valentine’s Day!
A romantic breakfast with beautiful people – what more could a guy ask for.
The topics introduced in today’s meeting were not so much about the book itself, but more along the lines of racism issues within Academia and the workforce. One other topic that was touched on was what employers are looking in future employees. Seven guest speakers attended along with approximately one-hundred attendees.
Each guest speaker attended the event to sponsor their company and to advocate on the racism issues that people of color are faced with in the workplace. Each employer was looking for pretty much the same candidate – Someone who works well with others, works well in groups, someone who communicates well with others and someone who “rocks” at critical and analytical thinking. These are the characteristics employers are looking for.
There were only two questions asked during the event:
1) Does it really matter to you (the employer) whether talent is hired locally or nationally?
- “It does matter.” One of the respondents answered. But there is only so much a company can do when the talent they need cannot be found locally, they must then start searching nationally.
- The issues that come forward when having to go nationally is that when hiring a man or woman of color, they must feel at home here and feel a sense of community.
A respondent stated, “People of color come to Portland for jobs but more than not, they end up leaving within 2-3 years because of not feeling like they are a part of the community.

2) What does Academia need to do for a better outcome of students?
- A respondent stated, “If students had the opportunity of learning two languages (preferably Spanish, Mandarin, or Japanese) while in school their chances of employment would skyrocket.”
- Another respondent stated, “Instructors really need to put students outside of their comfort zones so that when they are put into the work-world they will be able to deal with these kind of situations a lot better.

Comment on Growing Up Biracial by Marty Botts

Marty Botts — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 03:50:58 +0000

Portland is a very diverse, empathetic, compassionate city, and yet prejudice still exists. Whether we realize it or not, everyone encounters, and expresses it in many forms.

Your involvement is important! Please post your response to each of the following four questions:

1) Please share a poignant moment when you were the recipient of prejudice. How did you feel? How did you react?

2) Please share a different occasion when you spoke or acted with prejudice. How did you feel? How did you react?

3) Please describe several actions that our community can take to eliminate prejudice, and nurture meaningful conversations between all our citizens?

4) How will you take the next step toward developing healthy relationships with your neighbors?

I sincerely want to thank you for taking the time to write your thoughts and feelings here.

Thank You!!

Marty

Comments for Everybody Reads 2012

Comment on Center for Academic Excellence Civil Engagement Breakfast by Anonymous

Comment on Growing Up Biracial by Marty Botts