Leading Diversity :: Africa First

A Diversity Leadership Education Study Tour

Senegal, Benin and Togo, West Africa

March 25, 2004- April 4, 2004

“What the indigenous world offers to the modern world centers around the understanding of the concepts of healing, ritual, and community”

Malidoma Some, The Healing Wisdom of Africa

Overview

Since 1999, Healing the Heart of Diversity®, a Center for Transformative Leadership, has collaborated with PROMETRA, an International Non-Governmental Organization, to provide an educational journey for professionals. These professionals include corporate and community leaders, managers and practitioners, trainers, social workers, government and foundation executives, and others engaged in social change strategies and diversity programs.

The shared vision of PROMETRA and Healing the Heart of Diversity (HHD) comes together to build a bridge of understanding across the Atlantic for people of many races, diverse cultures and backgrounds to return to Africa, deepen their knowledge and understanding of our common humanity, and heal the wounds of our cultural separation.

Learn about the West African perspective and the rich and accomplished history. Discover ways to expand this learning experience through enhancing local community and workplace programs. Gain a reconnection to our common heritage.

Value and Outcomes

Participants will learn how wisdom emerges from the stories, spiritual systems, teachings, and cultural practices of the people. Deep listening skills and intuitive ways of knowing are enhanced as participants expand to embrace indigenous wisdom.

The dialogue among participants and with representatives of Prometra presents many opportunities for sharing diverse perspectives and bridging understanding. Also, explore ways of being in service to others, both at home and abroad.

Experience being in community and identify the values that are expressed and lived.

Reflection and dialogue take on a dynamic dimension in a global context that includes the diverse perspectives of fellow travelers. These times contribute to a powerful and energetic learning community.

Participants who made the journey reported:

“ .. that what I have always considered to be Truth and Reality are simply social constructs.” “ [I came] to a deeper understanding about the intersection of forgiveness and healing and reconciliation.”
~ Sally Z. Hare - Coastal Carolina University

“I learned we can look beyond our different-ness and perceptions and allow our hearts to speak for us.”
~ Lupe Castaneda - Social Work Private Practitioner

“I wanted to expand my worldview—to move beyond my experience of North America and Europe to truly grasp the complexities and opportunities present in a global perspective. I learned the importance of interaction between leaders and the community… and the need for humor as a means of bringing life and meaning to community.”
~ Tim O’Malley - Fios Consulting

“I will now have more empathy for women in impoverished communities whose emotions have been drained by the daily assault of oppression as reflected in the food they can afford, the housing they can afford, the education they can afford for their children… They, too, face a daily door of no return. Out of empathy, I will work harder to help improve their situation.”
~ Goldie Watkins-Bryant - Former Deputy Commissioner New York State Department of Health

A Deposit Reserves Your Space

To reserve your space, a non-refundable deposit of $1,200 is due on or before December 1, 2003. The remaining balance is due by January 15, 2004.

Checks should be made payable to Africa First.

Please mail to:
Healing the Heart of Diversity
712 Staunton Ave. N.W.
Roanoke, VA 24016-1036

To pay by Credit card

Phone: (540) 343-5192

For additional information

For trip planning and details, please contact Pat Harbour at Healing the Heart of Diversity at (540) 343-5192 or email pmarshall@leadingdiversity.org.

Details regarding the itinerary, transportation and cost are currently being negotiated and will be announced at a later date.

Video

Goldie Watkins-Bryant

Tim O'Malley

Vodoun Mass