The purpose of UIRB is to build capacity to recognize and reduce implicit racial bias by providing participants with a Brave Space environment in which to explore and challenge their own beliefs and attitudes about bias, to practice better ways of talking to one another about microaggressions and stereotypes, and to begin to have conversations with one another about how implicit racial bias affects our attitudes, beliefs and behaviors.

Defined as a learning exchange, rather than as a training, UIRB is both a guided educational experience which uses a standard curriculum and a facilitated discussion that encourages and supports participants’ active involvement in the learning exchange. A team of intensively-trained facilitators with a background in child and family welfare and a commitment to understanding and reducing implicit racial bias lead the learning exchange.

LOCATION:
Iowa School for the Deaf - Careers Building
3501 Harry Langdon Blvd.
Council Bluffs, IA

TRAINERS:
Ashley Hopkins - Ashley is the Training Coordinator for Race: The Power of an Illusion (RPI) and Understanding Implicit Racial Bias (UIRB) Learning Exchanges through Iowa State University’s Child Welfare Research and Training Project.  Ashley received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Wartburg College in 2002.  It was while attending college she began working in Iowa’s child welfare system and her career has spanned over twenty years.  Helping to ensure all children have a safe and nurturing home has always been Ashley’s main purpose, however her passion lies in advocating for equitable treatment for children and families of color.  For the past seven years Ashley has facilitated both RPI and UIRB Learning Exchanges promoting having courageous conversations and examining one’s perspectives about race; specifically as it relates to outcomes for children and families.  
Jody Unsen - Jody received her AA degree from Kirkwood Community College in Human Services and has also studied psychology and social work at Mount Mercy University.  She currently is a Training Specialist with Covenant Family Solutions.  Prior to this she was employed with Four Oaks for 29 years as a Training and Development Manager for the organization.  Through her various roles Jody has been able to provide essential training and support for educational staff, community based and bed programs, and in therapeutic settings.  She helped develop trauma-based curriculum and programming and has been an Understanding Trauma facilitator with the Child Welfare Provider Training Academy since 2012.  Being able to collaborate with others and break down silos to better serve her community is a passion of Jody’s.  She believes that in partnering together we can have a greater impact on those we support.

Registration will begin at 8:30AM. Training will begin promptly at 9:00AM. This training is scheduled until 4pm. Lunch is on your own

Please note: Priority seating is provided to staff working within one of the current DHS child welfare service contracts, including: Family Centered Services (FCS); Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) / Group Foster Care; Child Welfare Emergency Services (CWES): Aftercare Services; Supervised Apartment Living (SAL); Recruitment, Retention, Training and Support Services (RRTS); Parent Partners; Foster Care Youth Council. If you do not work within one of the current DHS child welfare service contracts, you may be bumped from the course and placed on a wait list.

At each training, participants will receive a certificate of completion, based on hours attended. For more information, please click here.

If you have questions regarding seating for the training or if you are unable to participate for any reason, please contact Katie Henry, [email protected].

Click HERE to Register