Quaker Exceptionalism - Exploring Race & Demystifying Racism
Awareness to Action Workshop
Wanda Thomas and Jessica Tellez (bios below) and are pleased to invite you to register for the above mentioned workshop . “Quaker Exceptionalism” appears in the title of the workshop, however, exceptionalism is not restricted to Quakers and will be explored in its broader context.
DESCRIPTION
This workshop is co-developed and co-facilitated respecting principles of adult, experiential and participatory learning . This approach acknowledges the wisdom inherent in every group and encourages individuals to use their own experience, observations and knowledge about race and racism. The workshop provides participants with knowledge and skills to address racism from personal and shared pathways, while raising awareness of historical race based injustices within Quakers and in Canada. This workshop constantly asks participants to re-examine themselves so as to not allow for ambivalent but intellectually stimulating dialogue that proactively supports actions for retrospective justice.
We hope that this workshop will be a valued part of your continuous learning journey which you apply, adapt and integrate into your spiritual and on-going social actions.
DATES: September 5th - 7th, 2025
WHERE: Camp Geddie - Highway 245 Merigomish, NS
WHO: Quakers and friends of Quakers
COST: $155.000 (accommodations and catered meals included)
REGISTRATION: (email Wanda Thomas thwanda58@gmail.com no later than August 16; copy and paste Quaker Exceptionalism-Exploring Race & Demystifying Racism in the subject line.)
Name/s:
Address:
Email: Phone:
Dietary restrictions:
Note: Please let us know by August 16, 2025 if you plan to attend so we can reserve your seat. Joining instructions to follow with confirmation of participation.
Facilitators
Wanda Thomas and Jessica Tellez are skilled facilitators using principles of experiential learning to explore social justice issues . Wanda Thomas held positions in a number of departments and agencies in the Federal Public Service. She was an advisor in the areas of learning and training with Service Canada, she was responsible for the employment equity and diversity portfolio with Canada Customs and Revenue Agency and the Atlantic Regional Coordinator with Treasury Board Secretariat of Canada Joint Learning Program. Wanda has been involved in anti-racism, environmental racism, equality and equity rights within community, the workplace and the Union. She developed workshops and learning events advocating for "reparatory justice" for the wrongs of past enslavement, segregation, and racial exploitation of people and presented to the United Nations Special Envoy on the International Decade for People of African Descent. Jessica Tellez has a background in community development, and alternative dispute resolution, and was a mediator with the Human Rights Commission. Jessica was a guest lecturer on the topic of Justice for Migrant Workers at the University of Windsor Law School. She is a member of the Nova Scotia Barristers Society and a member of the Labrador Institute for Indigenous Justice Inc.