UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE
2000 Edgehill Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 37212-2198

 Colleagues and Friends:

You are invited and encouraged to send a team of students to the Mid-South Student Diversity Leadership Summit ,” being offered by University School’s Office of Multicultural Affairs.  The event will take place Saturday, March 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Space is limited.

The goal of this summit is twofold: to bring together in community students who value and support diversity and inclusion, and to equip these students with necessary leadership skills to improve the cultural climate in their schools.  I am particularly pleased to announce that Rodney Glasgow, Co-Chair of the NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) will keynote this special event.

Mr. Glasgow, Director of Diversity and Community Relations at Worchester Academy (MA), is a graduate of Gilman School and Harvard University.  A noted conference speaker, educator, and workshop presenter, Rodney is also one of the founders of the SDLC, a national training ground that draws more than 1,000 students nationwide to the annual three-day gathering.

The theme of this regional summit, The Power of One: Diversity Leadership Begins with Me, was selected by students to acknowledge and reinforce each individual’s capacity to contribute to a more just and inclusive society.  The summit will engage students in large and small-group sessions focused on racial and cultural self-awareness, cross-cultural communication, and privilege in school and community.  Students will also consider and discuss opportunities and challenges related to religious and spiritual diversity in their schools.

The cost for a school team—up to 8 students—is $240 and includes lunch, snacks, and a summit theme t-shirt.  Schools may send up to 12 students, at additional fee of $30 each.   Your ideal school team would include both formal and informal student leaders and emerging leaders who by their friendships and school activities demonstrate openness, egalitarianism, respect for differences, and social concern. Students of all racial and cultural backgrounds—Black, White, Asian, Latino, Hispanic, and the like—are welcomed and encouraged to attend.   Schools must also send at least one adult chaperone per 12 students.  Chaperones need pay only for lunch--$15 per person. 

Student Diversity Leadership Summit     
SCHEDULE IN BRIEF

8:30 – 9:30
Keynote Presentation featuring Rodney Glasgow, Co-chair of the NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference

9:40 – 10:15
Community Building

10:30 – 12:00
Diversity Leadership Skills Workshops

Noon – 1:45
LUNCH & a Movie:  “What Do You Believe?” (followed by small-group reflection on religious and spiritual diversity in schools)

2:00 – 3:00
Affinity Group Sessions

3:15- 4:15
School Team Meetings

4:30 -5:00
Summit Insights & Closing