New Series Focuses on Strengthening Employee Connection

About

St. John’s University’s Office of Employee Belonging is pleased to announce a new initiative called the Let’s Get Talking Series. In today’s fast-paced, educational environment, fostering a culture of authenticity, connection, and continuous learning is more important than ever. The Let’s Get Talking Series offers a unique platform for all employees to explore their thoughts, share experiences, and grow together.

The series is designed to create spaces where employees can be their true selves, express their ideas, and learn from one another. Each monthly gathering lasts one hour and is structured as a learning module, ensuring that participants not only receive knowledge, but also contribute their insights.

Key Components

• Community-Based: Together We Rise

  • This forum is a vibrant space for employees to engage in discussions about career development.Participants can share their experiences, seek advice, and build a supportive network.  
     

• Spiritual-Based: Pause and Connect

  • This forum is in partnership with Campus Ministry. It focuses on mindfulness and reflection. Employees gather to connect with peers and reset their minds through poetry readings and thought-provoking articles. This space encourages personal growth and emotional well-being. 
     

• Training-Based: Gurus for Growth

  • Aimed at demystifying equity and inclusion, this forum provides accessible resources.Participants explore foundational concepts through Vernā Myers’ book, What If I Say the Wrong Thing? 25 Habits for Culturally Effective People.This initiative empowers employees to engage in meaningful conversations about diversity. 
     

• B-Suite

  • Tailored for managers and supervisors, this forum offers practical strategies for effective leadership.  

Look for more offerings soon!

Engaging in these forums provides numerous benefits:

• Authenticity: Participants can express their true selves in a supportive environment.

• Connection: These gatherings foster relationships among colleagues, enhancing teamwork and collaboration. 

• Learning: Each session is an opportunity to gain new insights and skills that can be applied in the workplace.

• Empowerment: Employees are encouraged to take charge of their professional development and contribute to a culture of inclusivity. 

The Let’s Get Talking Series is more than just a collection of forums; it’s a movement toward creating a more connected, informed, and empowered workforce. By participating in these gatherings, employees can embrace their authenticity, learn from one another, and contribute to a thriving community.

Spring 2025 Offerings 

• Together We Rise: “Cultivating Truths in Teams Through Healing Circles”
  Facilitated by RESPECT (RESpond and Partner to Engage our Community Team)
  Tuesday, February 4
   

• Together We Rise: “Team Dynamics at its Finest”
  Facilitator: TBA
  Tuesday, April 1
   

• Exploring “What If I Say the Wrong Thing? 25 Habits for Culturally Effective People by Vernā Myers

  • Gurus for Growth Habit 3: “I am farm; be aware of your own culture and how it shapes your interactions.”
    Dialogue circle facilitated by Leticia Romero, Associate Director, Office of Employee Belonging
    Thursday, February 6
     

  • Gurus for Growth Habit 5: “Don’t mourn the good old days; accept diversity will actually look and sound different.”
    Dialogue circle facilitated by Leticia Romero
    Thursday, March 13
     

  • Gurus for Growth Habit 9: “Take people out of the boxes you put them in, resist elitism, and embrace human value.”
    Dialogue circle facilitated by Leticia Romero
    Thursday, April 10
     

All sessions will be held from noon to 1 p.m. in the Inclusivity Resource Center in Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall (you are welcome to bring your lunch). The Office of Employee Belonging looks forward to taking this journey with you. Remember, you belong here! Register now.