National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI)

What is NCBI
The National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) is an internationally recognized non-profit leadership organization working with agencies and institutions to build inclusive campuses and communities.  Founded in 1984, NCBI has provided countless workshops, in-depth trainings, and resources to help individuals and groups address issues of power and oppression to promote cross-cultural understanding and social change. Rooted in an understanding of individual, community, and systematic change, NCBI leaders work with public and private organizations to further: cultural competence, collaboration and partnerships, and building effective relationships within and across group identities.

About the UAA NCBI Team
In early 2007, the UAA Faculty Senate Diversity Committee and the Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence (CAFÉ) worked collaboratively to devise a plan to create a Diversity Team at UAA in an effort to create an inclusive and supportive campus environment.  Working with the National Coalition Building Institute was part of the charge for the creation of a long-range action plan for the institution. This effort became the catalyst for several training efforts and the establishment of our UAA NCBI Campus Affiliate in January 2008 (following our first “Train-the-Trainer” session).

UAA's team consists of a talented mix of faculty, students, and staff from varying disciplines who are committed to advancing the mission of NCBI and using its methodology both inside and outside the classroom to respond to issues of discrimination, oppression, and controversial issues that may occur on-campus.

Team Members
Faculty: Robert Boeckmann, P.T. Chang, Robert Crosman, Diane Erickson,Patricia Fagan, Dave Fitzgerald, Nancy Furlow & Natasa Masanovic
Staff: JeNae Christensen, Karen Haddock, Theresa Lyons, Diane Taylor &      Marva Watson
Students: Rhonda Easley, Randi Madison-Jacobs & Kyle Yan

What Workshops Are Provided
Welcoming Diversity / Prejudice Reduction Workshop (one day)
Shows how participants have been taught to think and act as members of their racial, gender, and other identity groups and provides skills for bridging differences.

Welcoming Diversity Train-the-Trainer (three days)
Teaches participants how to lead the Welcoming Diversity Workshop.

Those interested in additional information or details on the next training should refer to the workshop descriptions link (left drop down menu) or contact the Office of Campus Diversity & Compliance.

Involvement with Our NCBI Affiliate
Monthly chapter meetings are opportunities for NCBI UAA members to develop their individual leadership skills in a cooperative setting. Led by the Director, chapter meetings focus on learning new information about oppression, practicing pieces of the workshop model, strategizing, and individual growth while gaining support and suggestions from peer leaders. Chapter meetings are open to anyone who has attended a 3-day Train-the-Trainer (TTT). If you have attended a daylong workshop and are interested in joining the UAA NCBI Campus Affiliate, contact Team Director, Marva Watson at anmjs@uaa.alaska.edu or call 786-1424.