Program: Community Inclusion & Fort Atkinson’s Unity Project

LOCAL AAUW BRANCH OFFERS COMMUNITY INCLUSION PRESENTATION

Featured speaker Dr. Laura Alwin and her associates will present “The Unity Project,” a Fort Atkinson project focused on community Inclusion, on Wednesday, April 20, 7:00 PM, at the Moraine Park Technical College in Beaver Dam. The program, presented for the general public by the Beaver Dam branch of AAUW, will focus on how Fort Atkinson is fulfilling its commitment to bring everyone together through cultural experience and understanding and by promoting greater opportunities for inclusiveness and tolerance.

Dr. Alwin, Unity Project Founder, holds an undergraduate degree from King’s College, NYC,  and a degree from Adler University in Chicago which offers a social justice and community program. Currently, she is a clinical psychologist and has worked in advertising, including being a community liaison for Revlon, Inc. In addition to local projects in Fort Atkinson, she has been a volunteer in Africa for the Uganda Orphan Fund agency and for Spark Ventures, an organization that helps African communities become financially and food stable.  Dr Alwin said, “My greatest wish is for both education and opportunities to be equal for all children no matter which zip codes he/she/they are designated into at birth.”

Dr. Alwin will be joined by Unity Project associates, Program Director Derek Barsaleau and Co-Chair of the Unity Project’s School Partnership Committee Whitney Townsend who will share their particular experiences in moving the project forward. Barsaleau is an aspiring leader in his community with a focus on racial justice while also encouraging cultural celebration. He is a valued team member of Green Bay Packaging, and has a passion for workers’ rights and diversity in the workplace. Townsend has a BBA degree from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and is a certified yoga teacher and holistic health coach. She weaves those two modalities into her work at Fort Community Credit Union. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson and an executive board member for Badgerland After School Enrichment program and has spearheaded community-wide efforts for health and hunger programs.

The Beaver Dam AAUW branch invited these representatives of the Unity Project to advance its commitment toward understanding and awareness regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. Branch President, Roberta Marck, said, “”By opening up this presentation to the public, we hope to involve the community along with our members in discussions about this important topic and our vision for Beaver Dam going forward. We encourage everyone to attend this special program.”

General public is welcome. Attendance is free. Masks are optional. Recommended parking in Lot K1. Use K-1 entrance for rooms K201/202 through double doors and on the left.