The Knapsack Institute

Testimonials | News

The summer has been hectic with two classes, two doctoral research assistants, and an independent study on Social Justice in Higher Education...I think that the materials and learning from the Institute have already born some fruit. My independent study doc student is developing a handbook for our TAs and the Center for Teaching Excellence on campus that will provide suggestions and resources for integrating social justice issues into curricula....The Knapsack Institute was a wonderful chance to learn from lots of great people working on personal and professional growth. I felt more confident in dealing with issues and have enjoyed continuing to read as I work with my doctoral student. We are going to plan a presentation for an on-campus Teaching Conference as another product of our collaborative work. Virginia Navarro, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Teaching & Learning Co-Director Career Transition Certification Program University of Missouri St Louis "Really great opportunity on transforming curriculum as many of our schools are trying to get into teaching issues of a diverse student population with a faculty that often has a univariate approach to pedagogy.  This is a wonderful Institute with small focused groups and lots of small group work where you get the entire focus of the faculty.  They have tremendous post-assessment feedback from clients as well.  I learned a ton!" Steven M. Samuels, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership US Air Force Academy "It was such a privilege to be a part of the Institute. There are several things I am working on as a result of my experience at the Knapsack Institute. At this point, we haven't directly changed curriculum or outreach, which is my ultimate goal. However, three other wider community initiatives have come about; one addresses bringing this remarkable education to the various community diversity teams; another is a new "committee of color" formed through our Cultural office to address the lack of difference in the people who speak for the arts movement in our community and lastly I have been asked to sit on a advisory panel which provides leadership training, opportunities for leadership and life skills education to African American, Latino, Asian and Native American high school students. The Knapsack Institute was the impetus for a wider conversation in our community... " Amber Coté Program Director, FutureSelf Project Manager, ArtWorx! url: www.futureself.org

I am so grateful for the influence that all of have had on my life and future perspectives on becoming a professor!...We've decided to use the film we viewed, "Traces of the Trade," to facilitate "whiteness" discussions with the UNM community...Also, we are planning a first annual "Whiteness Symposium" in the Spring, where graduate students can informally present their research to the UNM community. We thought this would be a good idea so that way the university sees the interdisciplinary work that students are doing around issues of privilege and oppression...I am so excited to be a part of this. For the longest time I was the one who would say "Someone should be doing something about this!" Now, I am actually part of the change that needs to happen. Thanks to all of you for your inspiration!  Sarah Santillanes  Doctoral Candidate; Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies  University of New Mexico, Albuquerque

I attended last year and it is a great experience. I encourage anyone considering applying to do so as you will have no regrets and meet some great people and receive incredible resources for your use in classes. Clint Fisher College of Education, UCCS

Especially valuable was the matrix for framing privilege and oppression.  The model helped me recognize my own paths of privilege and provides a useful paradigm to raise students’ awareness. I left the Knapsack Institute with lots of activities I can use, lists of films, copies of syllabae, ways to “transform” my courses, and ways to manage resistance. The leaders are insightful, personable, and responsive to questions and concerns.  Colorado Springs is a beautiful setting! Dr. Beverly Romberger Professor of Communications Susquehanna University Selinsgrove, PA

News

The Matrix Center's Knapsack Institute On the Road at Caring for First Nations Children Society (CFNCS) in Victoria, British Columbia (August 2009). From left: WEST Co-Director Andrea Herrera; Aboriginal Cultural Competency specialist and CFNCS trainer in B.C. Cheryl Ward; Master's Degree candidate in Indigenous Social Work and CFNCS trainer in B.C. Laurie Harding (and the one primarily responsible for bringing the Institute to B.C.); Matrix Center Senior Consultant Dena Samuels; and CFNCS Program Coordinator Carol McFadden (who also provided a spiritual and cultural grounding throughout the 2-day Institute).

Testimonials | News