2025 Bonner Congress Opening Engage Now.pdf

Slides for the 2025 Bonner Fall Congress Meeting: Engage Now for Our Shared Humanity. We'll be reflecting on our work on and off campus through a facilitated dialogue activity designed to build community, engage in deep listening, and consider diverse points of view.

1. All Group
Opening
October 10th
7:00–8:30 PM

2. Opening Remarks
Jeniffer Gonzalez Reyes,
Director of
Communications
& Campus Engagement

3. Theme

4. Foundation Staff Team
Liz Brandt Jen Gonzalez Reyes
Richard Harrill Ari Hoy Rachayita Shah

5. Opening Remarks
Naya Adla,
Stetson Bonner Scholar
& 2025 National Intern

6. Bring Your Authentic Self
You Only Get Out What You Put In
(YOGOWYPI)
Assume the Relationship
Step Up, Step Back
Shared Norms

7. Stand Up,
Sit Down

8. Stand up if……
You have
connected with
a Bonner Alum

9. Shout out…who
and when?

10. Stand up if……
I help organize
events on my
campus that break
down social barriers

11. Shout out…
share an event

12. Stand up if……
I believe my
service is making
an impact

13. Shout out…what
issue and
impact?

14. Stand up if……
I have gained hard
skills through the
Bonner Program

15. Shout out…what
hard skill?

16. Stand up if……
I have gained soft
skills through the
Bonner Program

17. Shout out…what
soft skill?

18. Stand up if……
I have facilitated a
campus meeting where
participants shared
their political views

19. Shout out…what
did you do?

20. Four Corners Activity
•A great way to foster dialogue on
issues and viewpoints, with the aim
of drawing out people’s differing and
similar ideas and feeling
•Intended to provide a structure for
sharing and listening

21. How It Works
•We will pass out a card with a statement.
•Reflect on how much you agree or
disagree with that statement. It’s up to
you how you interpret it.
•When we are ready, each person will
move to a corner that represents their
view. Circle up with people who also
chose that corner.

22. Additional Ground Rules
•Think about your own thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Please
use “I” statements and speak for yourself, not for any group.
•In the smaller groupings, share your own point of view and
listen to others’ points of view. Even though you are in the
same ‘corner’ you may not all have the same ideas.
•As facilitators, our role is to provide a safe space where all can
feel comfortable speaking.
•In your small groups, everyone is encouraged to speak at
least once. Yet, we won’t be enforcing anyone to speak.
•The success of this activity depends on honesty and open
minds. There are no wrong or right answers or questions.

23. Four Corners Activity
1
Disagree
Highly
2
Disagree
Somewhat
3
Agree
Somewhat
4
Agree
Highly

24. Statement 1
I am able/safe to
participate as an
activist in my
community.

25. Small Groups
•Why did you choose the response you did? How
did you interpret and respond to the statement?
Share reasoning (thoughts and feelings).
•Each person within your circle is invited to
share. So, break down into small circles.
•Keep note of common and divergent views.
We’ll ask one person to report back.

26. Report Backs
•Quick Summary
•Say Ditto
•Invite Divergent Views
•Questions

27. Statement 1
I feel hopeful about
the direction our world
is heading.

28. Small Groups
•Why did you choose the response you did? How
did you interpret and respond to the statement?
Share reasoning (thoughts and feelings).
•Each person within your circle is invited to
share. So, break down into small circles.
•Keep note of common and divergent views.
We’ll ask one person to report back.

29. Report Backs
•Quick Summary
•Say Ditto
•Invite Divergent Views
•Questions

30. Closing Reflection
•What are your insights from this experience?
•What did you learn (about yourself/others)?
•How are we or could we make our campuses and
communities safer for people to show up, express
their views, and work for shared humanity?
•What do we, as leaders, need to feel better
prepared or able to be engaged in a range of ways?
•What gives us hope, energy, motivation, etc. to
work together and to foster shared aims or values?

31. Keynote Speaker
Adrianna Aziz,
Bonner Leader at Wilkes
University, Class of 2026

32. Announcements