Spiritual Exploration of Privilege, Racism, and Allyship
Sponsored by: Unity Center for Spiritual Growth
Teacher: Rev Dr Ryan G Polly
As spiritual people we have an obligation to lead with love. Over the past few weeks, we have watched the world respond to the murder of George Floyd. We may have participated in protests or started reading a book on anti-racism, yet, we know we could be doing more. When we become faced with our own privilege it can feel paralyzing as we try to discern what is our work to do and how we can move toward being an ally versus a savior.
During this 4-week course, you will explore systemic racism and examine your role in both participating in it and dismantling it. You will take a deep dive into your own bias and privilege and you will walk away with action steps to truly show up as not only an ally but as someone who is anti-racist. We will also explore ways that Unity, as a community, can respond.
When: (4) Thursday nights starting July 2 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Where: Virtual using ZOOM… Registration Required
If the above registration button isn’t working, copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItcuyrrTMuH9FCkbRIb5qTc2qXpWgO6FpL
Bio: Rev. Ryan G. Polly, PhD is a recognized thought leader, educator and author with over 20 years professional experience in organizational and leadership development, diversity and inclusion, and college-level teaching.
Personal triumphs in the face of adversity have provided Ryan with unique insight into the complexity of the human experience. It is these experiences that Ryan draws upon to inspire people to move through challenges and achieve genuine transformation. Modeling vulnerability and perpetual growth, he connects with participants by sharing stories of failure, resilience, and victory. Ryan’s contagious passion for positive transformation leaves people feeling empowered to employ tools and techniques in their personal and professional lives for lasting impact.
Ryan serves as the head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. In addition, he serves as the Director for the Emergence Leadership Academy at One Spirit Learning Alliance and Interfaith Seminary.
Ryan is an ordained Interfaith/Interspiritual minister. He holds a Ph.D. in Transformative Studies, and a Master’s Degree in Adult Education. He has numerous certifications relating to leadership, organizational development, and Diversity & Inclusion. He has been recognized for his leadership contributions with a “Rising Star” award (2018 Vermont Business Magazine), and a Champion in Workplace Learning & Organizational Development award (Vermont Association for Talent Development, 2015). In addition, he developed a globally recognized leadership development program called Compass. (2017, HR.Com).
