Topics              Overview: Through highly interactive simulations, group and individual exercises, role-playing, case studies, mini-lectures and dramatic presentations, Kelli's custom-designed workshops guide participants through a discovery of self and culture, stimulating self-respect and respect of others while bringing about a greater understanding of difference and what role that difference plays in daily communication. Workshops can include the following: Self exploration and self knowledge Communicating Effectively Defining Terminology Respect Assumptions and Stereotypes Conflict Mediation/Resolution Visioning and Action Planning Participants of workshops will: Be made aware that a mixture of national, organizational, and individual cultural values influence personal behaviors and attitudes. Understand and appreciate the different ways in which people prefer to communicate. Build trust and comfort within the group to allow candid discussion of taboo topics and issues. Learn that mutual respect is at the heart of effective communication and begin to internalize this concept so that it will be reflected in daily contact with others. Plan how to communicate more effectively with others in the future. Dramatic Presentations: The dramatic/narrative pieces are written or compiled and performed by Kelli McLoud-Schingen. After each performance, Kelli will lead a question and answer session taking care to provide participants with a safe space to begin an open and honest dialogue on human relations. These presentations are 90-minutes to 2 hours in length (one hour of performance and one half hour of question and answer is typical), however, time restraints can be accommodated. *Anything But Black - A unique journey into the life of an African American woman and the messages she received about blackness. *Oppression Monologues - A dramatic reading of poems and short stories written by women of color on the topic of racism. *A Letter to a Friend - An intimate message to a friend from a survivor of domestic abuse.