White Privilege Symposium 2021

We're so excited that La Crosse is planning to host a White Privilege Symposium in 2021!
​Debby Irving, author of Waking Up White, will be one of our Keynote Speakers. We hope you'll join us!

What is White Privilege?

Unfamiliar with the term "white privilege"? 

Take a look at the short article White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack​ by Peggy McIntosh, originally published in 1989, which popularized this term. This version of the article includes notes from Peggy, a white women, that explain how the article can be shared in groups in respectful, sensitive ways that encourage self-reflection, insight, and community-building actions. 
Watch and Learn! ​​White Privilege Conference founder Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr., speaks about the meaning of the term white privilege.
Is white privilege really an issue in this region?

Listen to these UW-La Crosse students of color describe their recent experiences in the La Crosse community with racism, prejudice, and bias. This student-produced video is entitled "Inclusive Negligence - Helping Educators Address Racial Inequality at UWL."

Read more about the creation of this video.

What is a White Privilege Symposium?

White Privilege Symposiums are day-and-a-half regional gatherings held all over the country every year, allowing communities to come together to discuss what white privilege is, how it is systematized in our culture, and how we can work together to eliminate race-based privilege and create more equitable, welcoming communities. For example, Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, held a September 2018 White Privilege Symposium that, because of its proximity, was attended and well-received by a number of La Crosse residents. Read more about White Privilege Symposiums on The Privilege Institute website.

Mark your calendars! La Crosse's White Privilege Symposium will be held at the
​La Crosse Center on Dec. 3rd and 4th, 2021. 
​Watch and Learn! One of many popular culture explanations of white privilege on Youtube.
Yes, white privilege really is an issue -- across the country, and in our own communities, too. 

​Read this February 2019 La Crosse Tribune news article entitled La Crosse rally decries hate crime targetting Muslim business owner.
Symposium Host Planning Committee Members (responsibilities bolded): 
  • Kristi Bechtel (She/Her/Hers) is a Comprehensive Community Services Program Service Facilitator at La Crosse County. WPS Marketing/Advertising/Outreach and Volunteer Coordination, Sponsorship
  • Carrie Bergum is a Retired Spanish Teacher in the Holmen School District. Carrie attended WPC in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2009. 
    WPS Scheduling and Sponsorship
  • Amanda Dotson ​(She/Her/Hers) is the Director of Program Development at the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault in Madison, WI. WPS Social Media, Dane County & Madison Area Marketing Liaison, Scheduling
  • Alyssa Gostonczik (She/Her/Hers) is the Intern and Employer Relations Coordinator in the Career Services Office at Viterbo University. 
    WPS On-stage Announcer, Sponsorship, Scheduling
  • Thomas Harris (He/Him/His) is Assistant Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Services at University of Wisconsin – La Crosse (UWL). Thomas has attended every WPC since 2004. WPS Host Committee Leader
  • Josh Hertel (He/Him/His) is an Associate Professor in the Mathematics and Statistics Department at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse (UWL) with expertise in the teaching and learning of mathematics. WPS Facility Coordination, Budget, Sponsorship
  • Ebony Hyter (She/Her/Hers) is a Community Health Worker at St. Claire Mission. 
    WPS Program Booklet and Workshop Presenter Outreach
  • ​Elizabeth Janvrin (She/Her/Hers) is an Educator Coach at Head Start. 
    WPS Program Booklet and     Workshop Presenter Outreach
  • Steve Minnema is a retired Presbyterian minister. WPS Workshop Presenter Outreach
  • Melissa Murray (She/Her/Hers) is the principal at Lincoln Middle School in La Crosse.
    WPS Youth Action Project (YAP) Coordinator
  • Arlette Rodriguez-Miller (She/Her/Hers) is the Executive Director at the Greater La Crosse Area Diversity Council (GLADC). 
    WPS On-stage Announcer, Volunteer and Hotel Accomodation Coordination
  • Pat Ruda (She/Her/Hers) is the Justice & Peace Promoter at Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA).Pat attended WPC in 2019. WPS Food & Beverage and Volunteer Coordination
  • Karissa Sanchez Traun (She/Her/Hers) is a Family Medicine resident at Gundersen Health System. WPS Administrative Manager & Organizer
  • Michael Slevin (He/Him/His) is the University Centers Assistant Director at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse (UWL). Michael attended WPC in 2010. WPS Facility Coordination, Budget, Sponsorship, Scheduling, AV, Workshop Presenter Outreach
  • Mark Solyst (He/Him/His) is a Senior Pastor at English Lutheran Church in La Crosse. 
    WPS Complimentary Logistics and     Workshop Presenter Outreach
  • ​Bridget Todd-Robbins (She/Her/Hers) is the Youth System of Care Administrator at La Crosse County’s Washburn Corner. Bridget attended WPC in 2014. WPS Youth Action Project (YAP) Coordinator
  • Scott Tyink (He/Him/His) is a Consultant for Educators Specializing on Classroom Equity, Social and Emotional Learning at The Origins Program in MPLS, MN. WPS Personal and Professional Development Coordination, Sponsorship
  • Dodie Whitaker (She/Her/Hers) is a Singer/Educator/Song Activist. WPS Entertainment Coordination
  • The Privilege Institute (TPI) Symposium Owners: Dr. Eddie Moore Jr. and Jenni Oliver