This opening session sets the stage for a dynamic and informative conference focused on driving positive social change. We'll be inspired and rooted in a sense of place by President Floyd and our student speakers then dive into two frameworks focused on equipping individuals to be change agents in their communities. Participants can expect to gain valuable insights, engage in thought-provoking discussions and be inspired by the stories of those who work towards moving the metaphorical mountains of social inequality, injustice, and systemic challenges.

1. BonnerCongress2023
YMCA Blue Ridge, Bl
a
ck Mount
a
in, NC
October 27-29

2. RollCall

3. CommunityNorms:
•Everyone here has something to learn
•Reflect on your views and the views of others
•This is a safe space to explore and PLAY (ask
questions, take risks)
•Utilize empathy constantly

4. LandAcknowledgement
The Bonner Congress acknowledges, with respect, that the
land we are on today was originally known as Grey Eagle
and was home to the Cherokee and Catawba Native
Americans. We recognize the Cherokee and Catawba native
people and original stewards of this land.

5. CenteringPractice

6. WelcomeRemarks
Tony Floyd,
Mars Hill
University
President

7. StudentKeynote
Kelton Bloxham,
Maryville College
SGA President
and Bonner
Scholar Class of
2024

8. KeltonBloxham,StudentKeynote

9. KeltonBloxham,StudentKeynote

10. KeltonBloxham,StudentKeynote

11. KeltonBloxham,StudentKeynote

12. KeltonBloxham,StudentKeynote

13. KeltonBloxham,StudentKeynote

14. KeltonBloxham,StudentKeynote

15. KeltonBloxham,StudentKeynote

16. KeltonBloxham,StudentKeynote

17. KeltonBloxham,StudentKeynote

18. KeltonBloxham,StudentKeynote

19. SocialChangeEcosystemFramework
Deepa Iyer,
South Asian
American
writer, lawyer,
strategist,
facilitator, &
activist

20. The framework
has three
components to
it: ecosystems,
values, and
roles.

21. An ecosystem is a community, a home, or a
place and space where we feel a sense of
belonging, familiarity, and alignment around our
values, goals, and strategies for the future, and
where we emphasize the importance of
cultivating, nurturing, and sustaining
relationships, connections, and solidarity.
Ecosystems

22. Our values are the beliefs and convictions that we
pass on from generation to generation.
The reason that the values circle appears in the
middle of the framework is to indicate how our
principles and beliefs are the backbone and
foundation for goal setting, clarifying external
messages, and taking next steps.
Values

23. • Being “in right relationship” with our values is found in
many spiritual or religious traditions.
• Clashes of values are quite common in social change
movements.
Consider: What are the needs and demands of the
people who face historic and current marginalization by
systems and policies?
WhenValuesAlignorClash

24. As individuals, we show up
in certain roles when we
engage in social change.
Each of us has innate gifts,
lived experiences, learned
skills, and formal and
informal knowledge that
we bring to ecosystems in
order to propel social
change.
Roles

25. Roles
WEAVERS
“We see the through-lines of connectivity between people, places,
organizations, ideas, and movements.”
EXPERIMENTERS
“We innovate, pioneer, and invent. We take risks and course-
correct as needed.”
FRONTLINE RESPONDERS
“We address community crisis by marshaling and organizing
resources, networks, and messages.”

26. Roles
VISIONARIES
“We imagine and generate our boldest possibilities, hopes, and dreams, and remind us
of our direction.”
BUILDERS
“We develop, organize, and implement ideas, practices, people, and resources in service
of a collective vision.”
CAREGIVERS
“We nurture and nourish the people around me by creating and sustaining a community
of care, joy, and connection.”
DISRUPTORS
“We take uncomfortable and risky actions to shake up the status quo, to raise
awareness, and to build power.”

27. Roles
HEALERS
“We recognize and tend to the generational and current traumas
caused by oppressive systems, institutions, policies, and practices.”
STORYTELLERS
“We craft and share our community stories, cultures, experiences,
histories, and possibilities through art, music, media, and movement.”
GUIDES
“We teach, counsel, and advise, using my gifts of well-earned
discernment and wisdom.”

28. WhatisyourSocialChange
EcosystemRole(s)?
https://uquiz.com/quiz/GqPXK1?p=777127
TaketheQuiz!

29. Form groups based on your role.
Then as a group, discuss the
questions on your worksheet.
MappingSocialChangeRoles

30. LargeGroupSharing
What prominent role or
approach do you have?
Why do you think you
fi
t this role?
What other role(s)
interest you?
We don’t have to play all the
roles, and we shouldn’t feel the
need to if we are part of an
ecosystem.
In many situations and over
time, our roles shift and
change, and we work closely
with others to complement and
amplify each others’
contributions.

31. LargeGroupSharing
Do you have opportunities in your
Bonner Program or in the summer to
learn and try different roles?
Why is it important to understand our
approach and others’ approaches to
social change?

32. PathwaysofPublicService&Civic
Engagement

33. PathwaysofPublicService&Civic
Engagement
Community Engaged Learning and
Research: Connecting coursework and
academic research to community-
identified concerns to enrich knowledge
and inform action on social issues.
Community Organizing and Activism:
Involving, educating, and mobilizing
individual or collective action to
influence or persuade others.
Direct Service: Working to address the
immediate needs of individuals or a
community, often involving contact with
the people or places being served.
Philanthropy: Donating or using private
funds or charitable contributions from
individuals or institutions to contribute
to the public good.
Policy and Governance: Participating in
political processes, policymaking, and
public governance.
Social Entrepreneurship and
Corporate Social Responsibility: Using
ethical business or private sector
approaches to create or expand market-
oriented responses to social or
environmental problems.

34. Exercise
Find someone you haven’t met yet.
Share....
•Which pathway(s) you have
participated in already and
•Which ones you would like to
experience and why.

35. MomentofSilence

36. Wi
f
iInformation
Network Name:
Blue Ridge Assembly

37. SocialActivities
Icebreakers @ 9pm in Eureka Hall Lobby
S'mores & Fun @ 9:30pm at Whittington
Amphitheater Campfire
Arts & Crafts @ 9:30pm in Eureka Hall
Lobby