Layli Maparyan, Ph.D.: Womanism, Feminism, and the Business of Moving Social/Ecological Change Forward
April 25, 2013
58:52 min.

Womanism and feminism each offer distinctive social change models. When we examine what each contributes to the process of increasing justice and wellbeing in the world for women and girls, their families and communities, and even the natural environment, we recognize that each is essential to a comprehensive approach. Furthermore, when they work in tandem, they amplify the power of our efforts. In this seminar, we will think about our own research and action at the Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW) alongside captivating national and international case studies of others who are making a difference, and we will imagine a dynamic, synergistic model of feminist/womanist praxis for WCW.

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Amy Banks, M.D.: Mapping Your Relational Web
April 11, 2013
46:27 min.

In order to change relationships and the brain pathways that guide them, you must have an in-depth, nuanced understanding of your relationships. In this seminar, Banks taught participants how to map their relational webs, a process of identifying the quality and quantity of the relationships that are shaping their brains. From the assessment, participants identified relational and controlling images that may be interfering with current relationships and identified relationships with low risk where they may be more successful at increasing intimacy or closeness.

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Nancy MacKay, B.S., Pamela Seigle, M.S., Michelle Porche, Ed.D.: Teaching Presence: Bringing Mindfulness and Reflective Practices into K-5 Classrooms
April 4, 2013
41:23 min.

In this seminar, Nancy MacKay, B.S., Pamela Seigle, M.S., and Michelle Porche, Ed.D. shared practices, insights and findings from a pilot program funded by the Center for Courage & Renewal titled “Weaving Strong Connections of Learning, Reflection and Mindfulness.” The program explored how training in reflective and mindfulness practices affects elementary school teachers’ self-awareness, self-management, stress management, teaching practice, and job satisfaction. Twenty-six teachers with prior training and experience implementing the Open Circle Curriculum for social and emotional learning participated in the pilot. The program, which included four days of training between January through September 2012, also explored mindfulness and reflective practice lessons and activities for elementary school students that teachers can easily incorporate into their existing Open Circle practice.

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