Justice through Creativity...

Training Offered by Rev. Clovice Lewis, M. Div.

"On The Fence" DEI Diversity Training Workshop

Order your "On The Fence" Diversity Training by clicking here.
Brief Training Summary
Rev.  Clovice A. Lewis, Jr.  conducts Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workshops based on the play he wrote by called “On The Fence”. The play documents how four young black men navigate through issues of systemic racism, prejudice, racial profiling, interracial dating, economic and financial inequities, micro-aggression, and racially motivated physical abuse
 
Workshop Description
The one-act play, “On The Fence”, offers fertile ground for experiential and transformative learning through multiple methods. The  “On the Fence: Then and Now” training event is comprised of three parts: 1) showing a digitally created video of the 1-hour play, 2) analysis, and 3) integration. Note that the play can also be performed live with workshop participants. The workshop demonstrates and encourages the practice of effective methods for personal insight. Hands-on skills are taught for countering oppression because the curriculum offers participants a chance to try new skills and experiences in a safe situation.

The “On The Fence” workshop offers an overview of how the play dealt with systemic racism and prejudice nearly 50 years ago in relation to the same social justice issues today. Characteristics of the play are explored, such as the psychology of the characters, plot, structure, and central social and historical themes. There are opportunities for script readings. The workshop features role-playing exercises, small group breakouts, and written reflection.

The following other aspects of the play, and how they relate to DIE goals will be addressed, depending on time and format:
  • How characters navigate the social, legal, and historical environment they inhabit.
  • How the choices they make and the consequences of their actions are examined in the light of present-day sociology.
  • Consideration of the broader vision of the contribution of all art as a way of countering oppression.

Creating Awareness
The "On The Fence" workshop teaches Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in several ways. By drawing on the themes and messages of the play, such programs create a supportive and empowering learning environment that fosters understanding, empathy, and social justice. This program teaches about racism and how to counter oppression using a transformative and embodied approach. The vehicle for instruction offers rich and varied ways to engage the subject.

The DEI training generated by the “On The Fence” play are ideal for intergenerational learning. Here are some ways in which this is achieved:
  • Storytelling
  • Dialogue
  • Cultural Competence
  • Intergenerational Learning
  • Action

Measuring Workshop Success
Successful DEI training programs, like the "On The Fence" workshop have several key characteristics. These include:
  • Relevance
  • Clear objectives
  • Hands-on
  • Concrete examples
  • Guidance
  • Evaluation and Feedback

The following assessment types will be employed for each workshop:
  • Informal Assessment
  • Dynamic Assessment
  • Outcome Assessment
  • Evaluation Format
  • Survey

The innovative and “artistic” nature of the "On The Fence" workshop invites people, both in government and in the public, to participate in an event that can be transformative while being highly informative and thought-provoking.

Accessibility
Accessibility to the "On The Fence" workshops is a fundamental requirement that we take seriously. We will ensure that the following steps will be taken:
  • The “On The Fence” video is subtitled.
  • We provide clear and easily understood information on our website and and other digital media about how to access the host facility. This information is available in multiple formats at the workshop, including written and spoken formats, and is communicated in a way that is tailored to the individual's needs.
  •  We ensure that facilities where we present (governmental and private) are be physically accessible. This means providing ramps or lifts for wheelchair users, accessible parking spaces, wide doors and corridors, and accessible toilets. These facilities must be located in easily accessible areas, and any obstacles such as steps, uneven surfaces or narrow doorways must be eliminated.
  • We ensure that staff at government facilities must be trained in disability awareness, and should be equipped with the skills and knowledge to communicate effectively with people with disabilities. We present our workshops at times and places where staff are able to provide appropriate support and assistance when needed, and should be able to recognize and respond to the needs of individual disabled people.
  • Finally, providing accessibility for all people at both government and private facilities requires a holistic approach, which includes physical accessibility, communication accessibility, and disability awareness training for staff.

Rev. Lewis' Background as an Educator

Clovice started teaching cello to other students when he was 15 years old. Before attending the University of California at Santa Barbara, at the age of 17, he composed his first symphony “Portraits of the Gulf Coast“. Because of this rather unusual accomplishment, he was admitted to the prestigious College of Creative Studies. (Clovice was recognized as one of its star student alumni in an article written for a November 1985 edition of OMNI magazine by William K. Stuckey entitled “Encouraging Creativity in Students“).

The College considers students to be the most important people involved, not the faculty or administration. One of the unusual aspects of CCS is that students are encouraged to teach, as well as learn. So, at the age of 18, as an undergraduate Freshman, Clovice began teaching courses at CCS. During his four years as an undergraduate, he taught music theory, calligraphy and notation, 20th Century Techniques, and, ear training. By the time he finished as an undergraduate in June 1978, he was a seasoned college instructor. in August, 1978 he made a proposal to teach Computer Music based on the research he had done in the field as an undergraduate. On August 18, 1978 he was appointed as a Lecturer at the College of Creative Studies. Click here for a pdf copy of the letter from Robert Michaelsen, Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs. That letter started an association with the CCS that would last for seven years. Over time, he was promoted to the position of Associate Professor. He was the first professor of computer music at UC Santa Barbara.

Clovice went on to found Technology Media Enterprises, a pioneering Silicon Valley company that specialized in multimedia production, technical writing, training, and 3D modeling and animation.