Chris Hooten

Chris Hooten Speaking Topics

• Creating an Affirming Space for Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

  Description:

  In this keynote speech, we will explore the importance of providing an affirming space in the workplace for healthy dialogue and collaboration. Our NBAC (Needs-Based Affirming Communities) Framework will be highlighted as a tool for creating conditions that enable diverse perspectives to coexist harmoniously while modeling empathy and encouraging deep reflection.

  We will discuss the impact of fostering an environment where individuals feel respected, valued, and heard and how this facilitates open discussions and meaningful exchanges of ideas. By challenging biases, bridging gaps, and cultivating mutual respect, leaders, teams, and organizations can work toward creating a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate culture.

  Join us for this informative and thought-provoking keynote speech, where we will explore the power of creating an affirming space in the workplace and its impact on promoting diversity and inclusion.

  Outcomes:

  • Understanding the importance of creating an affirming space for diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
  • Learning about the NBAC Framework and how it can be applied to facilitate healthy dialogue and collaboration.
  • Gaining insight into the impact of fostering an environment where individuals feel respected, valued, and heard.
  • Discovering strategies for challenging biases, bridging gaps, and cultivating mutual respect in the workplace.
  • Inspiring commitment towards creating a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate culture.

• The Commitment Continuum: A Non-Hierarchical Process of Affirming Core Needs

  Description:

  In this keynote speech, we will explore the Commitment Continuum and its importance in affirming the core needs of Trust, Self-esteem, Agency, Belonging, Mastery, and Purpose. The Commitment Continuum is a framework demonstrating the continuous and dynamic non-hierarchical process of meeting core needs within the community. Each person can and should work to build their knowledge and understanding, test out different methods or approaches, and adapt to better meet the needs of those they are in the community with.

  This interactive session will encourage community members to embody the commitment continuum and receive support in doing so from the creator of this resource, Chris Hooten, equity advocate, educator, and writer.

  Outcomes:

  • By the end of this keynote speech, attendees will have a better understanding of the Commitment Continuum and how it can be applied in their personal and professional lives.
  • Attendees will also learn strategies to affirm their core needs and the core needs of those around them.
  • Attendees will be motivated to embody the commitment continuum and receive support from community leaders to maintain conditions that allow for our core needs to be met consistently.

• The Challenger Model: A Powerful Alternative to Ally Ship

  Description:

  The traditional Bystander-Ally Framework has been used for some time now to address issues of harm and injustice. However, it has been observed that this framework is limited and needs to fully recognize the needs and experiences of those impacted by injustice. The Challenger Model is a new and innovative approach that addresses this limitation. This model recognizes the role of conditioning and culture in shaping our understanding and response to witnessed harm.

  In this keynote speech, attendees will be introduced to the Challenger Model and learn how it can be used to challenge conditions of injustice. They will also gain deeper insight into power dynamics and how this awareness can be used to create change. Participants will leave the session with practical strategies for applying the Challenger Model in their personal and professional lives.

  Outcomes:

  • Understanding of the limitations of the Bystander-Ally Framework.
  • Knowledge of the Challenger Model and its implications for addressing harm.
  • A deeper awareness of power dynamics and how to challenge conditions of injustice.
  • Practical strategies for applying the Challenger Model in various settings.

• Beyond Good Intentions: A Practical Guide to Acknowledging and Addressing Bias

  Description:

  Bias is a pervasive issue in our communities that can impact stakeholder success in countless ways. It can manifest in various forms, including implicit and explicit biases, leading to discrimination, marginalization, and other negative outcomes. In this session, we will explore practical strategies for identifying and responding to bias using an outcomes-based approach.

  During this session, participants will learn how to notice and name bias when it arises and develop skills to respond thoughtfully rather than reactively. We will also discuss the importance of acknowledging our biases and how they can impact community stakeholders. Ultimately, participants will leave this session with a greater understanding of creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all members.

  Outcomes:

  • Identify strategies to notice how bias impacts community members.

  • Develop skills to respond thoughtfully (not react) to bias.

  • Practice how to name when bias surfaces within our communities.

• You Down with G.N.P.? Affirming Gender, Names, and Pronouns on Day 1

  Description:

  In this highly interactive training, we will delve into the world of gender, names, and pronouns and learn key strategies, tools, and practices that affirm the identity of our community members.

  At times, it can be challenging to navigate the diverse range of gender identities and expressions in our society. Many of us may feel unsure about how to use neo-pronouns or may struggle with using they/them pronouns. Some of us may feel anxious about respectfully asking someone about their gender identifiers (names, pronouns, gender expression).

  This event is designed to address those concerns and equip you with the knowledge and skills to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

  By the end of this training, you will have:

  • Learned about the different gender identities and expressions that exist.
  • Gained an understanding of the importance of using correct pronouns and gender identifiers.
  • Learned how to use neo-pronouns and they/them pronouns correctly.
  • Gained confidence in respectfully asking someone about their gender identifiers.
  • Acquired tools and strategies to create an inclusive community that values diversity and promotes equity.

  So, if you are ready to affirm the gender, names, and pronouns of your community members, join us for this exciting event!