BIPOC Connex: An Educator Collaborative

PSA are pleased to announce  BIPOC Connex: An Educator Collective. Our new program is a bi-monthly online peer discussion group for BIPOC educators who teach Sociology courses with a concentration in race, ethnicity, class and gender, and/or lead in areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion at their respective institutions. 

Our work is intense yet gratifying. It can also be isolating and misunderstood. For example, research shows that women of color who are trained in anti-racist curriculum development/pedagogy do not readily have adequate support from their leadership in predominantly white institutions because our field is highly specialized, marginalized and diminished (Fryberg and Martínez, 2014). In addition, our social group identities (encompassing race, class, gender, sexuality, and more), significantly shape how students perceive us and whether we are embraced by our colleagues. All the while, we are striving to transform the academic environment by creating space for inclusive learning and advocating for social justice.

Considering this moment in U.S. and global history and the relevancy of our collective teaching experiences, we are offering a collaborative space. Virtually, we can convene bi-monthly online, fostering connections and cultivating a sense of community, leading-up to the PSA Annual Conference (where we can meet in-person). Our time together will include discussing promising practices, exchanging resources, reflecting and telling stories of healing and hope.

Learn more about BIPOC Connext and meet our facilitators Patricia Lara and Tanya Velasquez by watching the video from our Information session. If interested, submit an interest from by clicking here and you will recieve a calendar invite to the next meeting. 

Future BIPOC Connex Dates:

• Wed. Nov. 15, 2023, 2:00 - 3:00 PST -  “Sharing Our Gifts” - Reflection on the gifts we bring to the academy and advice for early career faculty  (facilitators: Patricia Lara and Tanya Velasquez)

• Wed. Dec. 6, 2023, 2:00 - 3:00 PST - Work-Life Balance (Is there such a thing?) 

  (facilitator: Patricia Lara)

• Tues. Jan. 16, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 PST - Inclusive and Transformative Teaching Practices (E.g. Can trauma-informed pedagogies exist with anti-racist and "discomfort" pedagogies?)

  (facilitator: Patricia Lara)

• Wed. Jan. 31, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 PST - Addressing "Post Tenure Blues" and Assessing Mid-Career Advancement  

  (facilitator: Tanya Velasquez)

• Tues. Feb. 13, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 PST - Cultivating Radical Hope, Love and Collective Community Care

  (facilitator: Patricia Lara)

• Wed. Feb. 28, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 PST - Addressing World Problems in the Classroom and with Colleagues 

  (facilitator: Tanya Velasquez)