Topic for 4/2

We'll discuss (through the chat and aloud) work-related challenges and strategy shares around addressing them. For this meeting, we're thinking about spending most of our time in two (or more) breakout groups: 

• one for faculty/GEs (or others with a teaching context)

• one or more for those whose work focus is outside of the classroom/teaching 

Flexible agenda for 4/2

 

• Welcoming question and introductions (optional!) 
  • (10 min) Your name, pronouns if you wish, and (if you wish): your favorite place to go or activity to do (as an individual in a group or as a group) when you are with others  
• Discussion topic: primary challenges you experience in your work and strategy shares around addressing them. When we meet, we’ll split into at least two facilitated Zoom room groups (maybe more, if folks want, depending on who is present and roles they hold): 
  • Full group chat discussion prompts: In the chat, list any challenges that come up for you around workplace processes or tasks– whatever that means to you. 
  • Group A discussion prompts (for those who want to talk about teaching contexts) 
    • What is your role, and what is one strength you bring to your work that’s a gift to those around you (whether or not its acknowledged)? 
    • What one or two challenges come up most in your work that feel related to your Neurodivergent identity/identities? What one or two things do you find yourself spending more cognitive, physical, and/or emotional energy on than you wish you did? 
    • What strategies have you used connected to the challenge you’re expressing or hearing from others?  
    • What resources do you want to name that your colleagues might be interested in? 
  • Group B discussion prompts (for those who want to talk about work contexts that aren’t teaching) 
    • What is your role, and what is one strength you bring to your work that’s a gift to those around you (whether or not its acknowledged)?  
    • What one or two challenges come up most in your work that feel related to your Neurodivergent identity/identities? What one or two things do you find yourself spending more cognitive, physical, and/or emotional energy on than you wish you did? 
    • What strategies have you used connected to the challenge you’re expressing or hearing from others? 
    • What resources do you want to name that your colleagues might be interested in? 

General Information about the Group:

When we meet: The first Tuesday of each month, from 10-11am, over Zoom (10/3, 11/7, 12/5, 1/2, 2/6, 3/5, 4/2, 5/7, 6/4).

Who attends (and why!): 

• This affinity-group is a space for any instructors (faculty or GEs) and staff identifying as neurodivergent or as holding identities or conditions within the umbrella of neurodivergence (like Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, bipolar, etc.). If you identify in a way that feels aligned, we hope you feel encouraged to join us!
• Meetings generally have 8-12 people in Zoom
• Connect in ways that feel positive, and share resources, strategies, questions, and scholarship around things that matter to you.

What we do: Our discussions are

• Structured to honor a range of communication styles and needs, so people can share and listen in a way that works for each (some of the most lovely, funny, wise, and/or community-oriented exchanges are ones people put exclusively in the chat and that we can all pause and read).
• Co-facilitated by neurodivergent individuals
• Guided by participant interest--we will identify monthly topics that can function as a starting point and will go where the group wants to go. 

What to know and how to join: 

• Join us at this Zoom link; you can also register through the button below (although registration is not not required)
• Participants are asked to keep the identities and experiences of others confidential (maintaining control of your own disclosure matters to us collectively)
• We have a Teams site where folks communicate, including those that might not attend meetings but are seeking community
• Questions welcomed (please send to lbastian@uoregon.edu).