Melissa Michal Slocum JEDI change maker and educational coach
"The only way to get change is not through the courts or - heaven forbid - the politicians, but through a change of human consciousness and through a change of heart. Only through the arts - music, poetry, dance, painting, writing - can we really reach each other."--Leslie Marmon Silko
Services
Training and Strategical Planning for Organizations
Photo of Melissa with water behind her and a bridge in the distance.
Justice and Equity Training
I craft sessions, workshops, and professional development centered on anti-oppression justice and equity knowledge building. First, I do a comprehensive analysis of your institution's inner workings, long-term goals, and organizational culture. Then I develop a plan for training aimed at growing your team's depth of understanding and awareness of racism and oppression. My goal is to leave your organization with a deeper sense of connection within and with those you work with outside of your organization and community. Sample workshops may include Unconscious Bias, Creating Land Acknowledgements, Microaggressions, Defining DEIB for Your Organization, Disability Etiquette, Neurodiversity, and Food Accessibility.
Strategic Planning--Bettering Communication and Connection
For those organizations ready to put in the time, this step offers a yearlong collaboration which takes a deep dive look at the pathways to transform your knowledge and the ways in which you interact with each other and with your community connections. This targets all aspects of your organization and will individualize your needs from the very foundations to the outer-reaching of your services.
One-on-one Coaching
These sessions focus on leadership development, working closely with an individual to develop their knowledge of anti-oppression and justice, and equity. We design a plan together based on individual needs and knowledge gaps which can include resource planning, topical discussions, and mini-lessons. This is good for those in C-suites of their organizations or for those in other leadership positions who want to build their understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Restoring Education--Schools and Universities
For schools and universities specifically, I offer any of the services listed above with restorative educational justice at the center and a focus on student success. Large, general changes to higher education will not work. I look carefully at your institution's inner workings, long-term goals, institutional culture, and student population with students of difference in mind. My perspective is from a group that has been harmed and traumatized by the education systems and I will work honestly to challenge your institution to uncover deep issues, while also offering solutions. Colleges and Universities are also welcome to hire me to coach their students in my other role as a student coach. See below.
Teaching Practices
This program is designed to train teachers to design their curriculum and lessons with anti-oppression practices and justice at the core. Through a series of workshops and training sessions, we build and re-frame lessons, readings, and assignments together centered by culturally sustaining practices. This includes a resource guide for continued learning and growth.
Speaking Engagements
I am available for speaking engagements, keynotes, and panel participation.
Student Coaching
**Sliding Scale fees available for BIPOC, queer, and disabled students
One-on-One Coaching--Success in the University System
Specifically for those from underrepresented groups, these sessions focus on leadership development and restorative justice success, working closely with an individual to develop their knowledge of university systems, making connections, and holding space for difficult conversations. We design a plan together based on individual needs and knowledge gaps which can include resource planning, topical discussions, writing critique (thesis, dissertation, or articles), job market preparation and critique of materials, critique of graduate school application materials, and mini-lessons. I have a personal background in first-generation and BIPOC student issues and dealing with microaggressions. My approach begins with listening to your story and helping you from a space of empathy and understanding.
Justice and Equity Training
I craft sessions centered on anti-oppression justice and equity knowledge building. First, I look carefully at your long-term career goals. Then I build a plan for training aimed at growing your depth of understanding and awareness of racism and oppression. My goal is for you to have a developing sense of connection with those you will work with and your community. This is for those just starting out who wish to become allies and then accomplices.
Photo of Melissa, slight side view, close up, with water blurred behind her.
Future Teacher Coaching
For both undergraduate and graduate students, this one-on-one mentoring is designed to train teachers still in progress to design their curriculum and lessons with anti-oppression practices and justice at the core. Through a series of training sessions, we build lessons, readings, and assignments together centered through culturally sustaining practices and we discuss any current dialogues from your college courses. This includes a resource guide for continued learning and growth.