Calendar of Events

Presented by Joe Gerstandt

Are you a "good person," or a "bad person?" 

We cling to a very antiquated and binary idea regarding bias; that there are "good people" in the world and they are open-minded, nonjudgmental and free of bias, and then there are "bad people," and they are closed-minded, judgmental and dripping with bias. This approach to bias conveniently leaves most of us, as "good people," with nothing to do but maybe help to point out the "bad people." Fun, at times, sure, but not terribly effective. And fundamentally flawed, as we know enough today about human behavior and specifically the human brain to know that there is no such thing as a non-judgmental human being. We are naturally, even automatically, judgmental. This is not inherently a good thing or a bad thing, but more importantly it is a true thing.

The great value of what new research tells us about bias is that it now gives us a framework for talking about bias without intentionally or unintentionally challenging anyone's intentions, values or beliefs. It also informs individual and collective action, rather than walking around quite proud of how non-judgmental we are, we are reminded that we each have work to do. We may all be part of the problem, but that only means we all get to be a part of the solution. This session will help you get started.

This eye-opening, insightful and actionable session draws on insights from a variety of fields, including social cognition and psychology, behavioral economics, and neuroscience.

Participants will:

• Have working definitions for bias and unconscious bias.
• Understand why humans are naturally biased, and where it comes from.
• Explore individual and collective practices to reduce the impact of unconscious bias.
• Have access to additional resources for further learning and exploration.

**Special Offer**
Non-profit attendees receive half off the program meeting if registered before October 20th!
Please use the code npdiscount2015 when registering.

Immediately following the October Program Meeting, Joe will conduct a 3 hour workshop on Inclusion by Design. This event will also be held at the Renaissance from 1:30pm - 4:30pm.

The fee for the Inclusion by Design Workshop is $30 per person and registration is separate from the program meeting.

Click here for more information and to register for the Workshop.

Raised on a family farm in Iowa, Joe Gerstandt has that certain kind of sensibility you can't help but notice. His unique approach to speaking, extensive community involvement, and personal experiences illustrate Joe's passion for reaching out to and relating to people.

Listen to Joe speak, and you'll see that he draws from his days as a United States Marine and Gulf War Veteran and his insightful time in sales.

Prior to becoming a celebrated one-man institute, Joe held positions as the Program Director of Education for the Nebraska AIDS Project and the Director of Diversity for Alegent Health.  He has served on the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities, the Young Professionals Council, and Midlands Community Planning Group.  Additionally, Joe has worked with several organizations including Big Brothers, Big Sisters, the National Conference for Community and Justice, and Boys and Girls Club.

Click here to see Joe in action!