1. Convening

Dr. Hooker and Dr. Riggs adapted the Transformative Community Conferencing process for our community and had two meetings with the Design Team. Through focused discussion, the group shared the context and history that has brought about the need for this process. The group agreed that they, as well as the Columbia community, are ready to seek transformation.

The Design Team was made up of the following individuals representing faculty, staff, administration, students, and alumni: EDI Council Members (Brandon Maxwell, Dr. Christine Hong, Dr. Anna Carter Florence, Dr. Jeffery Tribble, Matt Rich, Tammy Johnson, Myles K. Markham, Eliza J. Smith, Vincent M. Jones and Hannah G. Injamuri, and Israel Galindo, Jake Meyers, Claudia Rublacava Aguilar, and Raymond Walker.

2. Caucus
Groups

During the months of July, August, and September 2020, caucus groups from similar stakeholder groups were invited to meet online due to the current pandemic.

Facilitated by Dr. Hooker, each group worked together to answer the question, “If people are NOT the problem and the problem IS the problem, how would you name the problem?” [1]

Additional mapped the core problems, as well as resulting problems, and their impact on people and our life together. [2]

Wondering what it would be like to participate in a caucus group? Watch as Dr. Hooker eplains.

3. Community
Conference

In October, Dr. Hooker facilitated a larger meeting online of representatives from each of the Caucus groups. Alternative narratives were developed, and a preferred narrative was articulated by the group. [3]

Dr. Hooker and Dr. Riggs presented the findings of this process to the Board of Trustees.