Keep the Conversation Going
So much has changed in the last several months, along with our postponement of WMCAT 20/20: Exploring Conflicting Visions for the Future, but what remains clear is the need for essential dialogue to affect change. We want to provide you an update on our planning as we look to gather and continue this work together:
We are looking at dates in late spring and early summer of 2021 for the rescheduled WMCAT 20/20 event. Due to continued uncertainty around the duration of limits on gathering size and the need for physical distancing, as well as the number of wonderful events already rescheduled for this fall, we feel it is best to look a year out. Registration will reopen when a new date has been confirmed, and all existing registrations will be honored for the rescheduled date.
While we plan for and anticipate a rescheduled event together, WMCAT is committed to providing ways to create dialogue, challenge thinking, and stay connected:
- We are working to plan new opportunities for registered attendees to learn and connect leading up to the rescheduled WMCAT 20/20 event. Stay tuned!
- As we share updates, we will include resources centered around community prosperity, guided by a “how might we …” question. We hope these will help you engage new ideas and spark interesting conversations. Explore the first list of resources below.
gThank you for your excitement for WMCAT 20/20 and for the ways you continue to build community.Thank you for your excitement for WMCAT 20/20 and for the ways you continue to build community.
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Resources
Take time to explore the questions and corresponding resources below – each tied to a WMCAT 20/20 track – and reflect on how each is related to community prosperity. What is your role in advancing community prosperity during this time? Share with a friend, partner, or colleague and discuss together.
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Economic Prosperity
How might we apply an “ethos of mutual caring” beyond emergency response to create a more vibrant society for all?
Solidarity Economics – for the Coronavirus Crisis and Beyond by Manuel Pastor, scheduled keynote for WMCAT 20/20 who we hope to welcome in 2021, and Chris Brenner
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Education
How might we use “the opportunity of the system shutdown to create a better way of educating children”?
What if We… Don’t Return to School as Usual by Hugh Vaquez, National Equity Project
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Health + Well-Being
How might we protect the health of low-wage essential workers?
Double Jeopardy: Low Wage Workers at Risk for Health and Financial Implications of COVID-19
by Rachel Garfield, Matthrew Rae, Gary Claxton, and Kendal Orgera
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Social Capital
How might we cultivate meaningful conversations with our friends, family, and colleagues to build understanding in the face of increased divide?
Listen First Conversations (4 Key Principles and Top 10 Tips) by Listen First Project
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Anti-Racism
Racial disparities and historical injustice are prevalent in each of the track areas above, and working toward change will require us to address their interconnectedness through a lens of intersectionality. But, we understand that right now many are looking for resources specific to anti-racism growth.
Scaffolded Anti-Racist Resources by Anna Stamborski, Nikki Zimmermann, and Bailie Gregory: This guide offers scaffolded resources, action steps, and reflection questions based on the stages of white identity development, but many of the resources might prove valuable for everyone.
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Please contact Megan Lorenz at megan.lorenz@wmcat.org with any questions.
