Program Information

Join us for an exciting program at the 2010 PoCC, Catching the Tides of Change and Riding the Waves of Opportunity: 23 Years of Empowering People of Color in Independent Schools, and SDLC, Coast 2 Coast, Seek to See: Anchoring Ourselves in the Community Harbor, in San Diego, CA.

Interested in submitting a workshop proposal for the 2010 People of Color Conference? Click here to find out more information and to submit your proposal.  The deadine for submitting workshop proposals is Friday, May 14, 2010.

People of Color Conference (PoCC)
Conference Mission: The National Association of Independent Schools produces an annual People of Color Conference as the flagship of NAIS's equity and justice initiatives. The mission of the conference is to provide a safe space for networking and a professional development opportunity for people, who, by virtue of their race or ethnicity, comprise a form of diversity termed "people of color" in independent schools. PoCC serves as an energizing, revitalizing gathering for people who experience independent schools differently. In November 2006, the NAIS board reaffirmed the mission and purpose of the People of Color Conference (PoCC) and Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) by passing a new resolution: "The NAIS Board affirms the following for the People of Color Conference (PoCC) sponsored by NAIS: PoCC should be designed for people of color as it relates to their roles in independent schools. Its programming should include offerings that support people of color as they pursue strategies for success and leadership. Its focus should be on providing a sanctuary and networking opportunities for people of color and allies in independent schools as we build and sustain inclusive school communities."

Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC)
SDLC is a multiracial, multicultural gathering of upper school student leaders (grades 9-12) from around the country. SDLC focuses on self reflecting, forming allies, and building community. Led by a diverse team of trained adult and peer facilitators, participants will develop effective cross-cultural communication skills, better understand the nature and development of effective strategies for social justice, practice expression through the arts, and learn networking principles and strategies. In addition to large group sessions, SDLC "family groups" and "home groups" allow for intense dialogue and sharing. SDLC and PoCC participants also interact in regional and intergenerational dialogue sessions.

Registration for the 2010 People of Color Conference/Student Diversity Leadership Conference will open September 1, 2010.

Contact Information

Please contact our Member Services Center at (202) 973-9700.