Presenter: Wendy Ann Woods, MS, CEW+ 2019 Carol Hollenshead Inspire Award for Excellence in Promoting Equity & Social Change Award Winner

In this workshop, Woods will share experiences in creatively tackling problems and experiencing the joys of coalition building. Participants will be encouraged to think about how they approach situations where the ship they are in seems to be stuck in a port and is not going anywhere. Stuck in racism? Stuck in sexism? Stuck in certain social classes? What do you need to make your ship sail? Will a new captain do it? Or, should you be the “Captain of your own fate?” Do you need a new destination? Are you bored with the direction you have been going? Are you going in circles? Do you need new perspectives, new shipmates? Have you outgrown the mundane, xenophobic habits of those in your circle? How can you develop healthy habits to move your life and community forward? Short, interactive activities will assist each participant in using the ship metaphor to move forward in their life.

An integral part of the Inspire initiative is pairing advocacy, social change, and activism with skills that enhance a sense of wellbeing, focus, and interconnectedness. A short guided Mindfulness Meditation practice will be incorporated into the program.

Wendy Ann Woods served the citizens of Ann Arbor from 2001 to 2007 as City Councilwoman. She is a strong advocate for affordable housing, a vibrant downtown, a balanced budget, a living wage ordinance, and corporate social responsibility. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry Management and a Master of Science degree in Environmental Policy and Management at the School of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan. Woods is the associate director of the Michigan Community Scholars Program (MCSP), a nationally recognized living-learning program at the U-M that focuses on social justice, community service, diversity, and civic engagement. She also teaches a seminar for the students in MCSP, is a member of the Association of Black Professionals, Faculty, Administrators, and Staff at U-M, and serves on the advisory board for the University Outreach Council.