How to Start Making Real Change With Those You'd Rather Cancel (Online)

In 1979, Loretta Ross was a single mother who'd had to drop out of Howard University. She was working at Washington, DC's Rape Crisis Center when she got a letter from a man in prison saying he wanted to learn how to not be a rapist anymore. At first, she was furious. As a survivor of sexual violence, she wanted to write back pouring out her rage. But instead, she made a different choice, a choice to reject the response her trauma was pushing her towards, a choice that set her on the path towards developing a philosophy that would come to guide her whole career: rather than calling people out, try to call even your unlikeliest allies in. Hold them accountable-but do so with love. 

A Black Feminist, activist, professor, and author, Loretta has spent five remarkable decades in activism. She's deprogrammed white supremacists and taught convicted rapists the principles of feminism and it's worked because the power of Loretta Ross's message comes from who she is and what she's lived through.

Join CIIS Women's Spirituality professor Dr. Alka Arora for a powerful and inspiring conversation with Loretta about her life's work and her latest book Calling In, a memoir-manifesto-handbook about how to rein in the excesses of cancel culture so we can truly communicate and solve problems together. Loretta discusses how using conversation instead of conflict-by focusing on your shared values over a desire for punishment-is the more strategic choice if you want to make real change.  

Whether in the workplace, on a college campus, or in your living room, learn how to transform frustrating and divisive conflicts that stand in the way of real connection with the people in your life.

Sliding Scale $0-$25.

Presented by CIIS Public Programs