Overall Series Description:

Crafting Your Story is a signature series  from the Center for Social Justice Dialogue with programs designed and facilitated by Social Justice Dialogue Facilitation Fellows. Programs in this series explore storytelling as a powerful practice rooted in identity, culture, and community. At CYS events, participants will reflect upon and share their own cultural stories, create their own craft project, and learn how cultures around the world have used crafting, such as stitching, beading, quilting, and other art forms, to tell and preserve stories. 

Session Descriptions:

1. The Significance of Clay

Monday March 30, 2025 · 3:30-5:00pm Commons 331 

Event Link: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/csjd/events/152167

Join us for an evening of crafting, storytelling, and connection! We will learn about clay's significance to various cultures, and discuss the role of culture in modern-day society. Discussion will be accompanied by a clay tile decorating craft. All are welcome! 

1. Crochet & Connect 

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 · 12:00 – 2:00 PM Commons 329

Event Link: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/csjd/events/152300

Join us for a creative and reflective afternoon of crochet, storytelling, and dialogue! Together, we'll learn crochet basics while engaging in guided conversation about identity, growth, challenges, and community. Each round of crochet will introduce a reflection prompt, creating space to craft not just yarn, but meaningful connection. No crochet experience is necessary. All materials, snacks, and refreshments will be provided. Come craft your story, connect with others, and build community stitch by stitch.

To request accommodation(s) or inquire about accessibility, please contact csjdialogue@umbc.edu with "Crafting Your Story" in the subject line. This event is open for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy."

The Social Justice Dialogues Cohort Experience (SJDCE) at UMBC invites participants from all perspectives and experiences to engage in meaningful conversations across difference. Rooted in intergroup dialogue theory, SJDCE provides a space to learn and practice the skills, tools, and mindsets necessary for effective communication across diverse identities and lived experiences — with courage, empathy, and openness.

The Social Justice Dialogue Cohort Experiences at UMBC are 8 two-hour dialogue circles that bring together students, faculty, and staff, to engage in sustained, facilitated dialogue across difference. Each cohort meets weekly within one of UMBC's vibrant cultural centers: The Mosaic, The Pride Center, and The Gathering Space.

In a time of growing polarization and deepening social divides, and fear surrounding living authentically, the Social Justice Dialogues Cohort Experience (SJDCE) offers a way forward, not through debate or persuasion, but through connection, listening, and shared learning.

Cohorts will be split between faculty/staff and students (both undergraduate and graduate), allowing participants to forge meaningful relationships with peers similarly passionate about social change, leadership and humanizing pedagogies. 

Students interested in applying for the pilot program can do so here. Additionally, faculty and staff can nominate students by emailing csjdialogue@umbc.edu by March 10.

Faculty and staff can apply here. Applications are due by March 12.

This is a pilot that is a part of a larger research project, meaning cohort sizes are limited and the 2026 sessions will be used to collect data for assessment purposes.

These events are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.

Critical social justice has a history in the Women's, Gender, & Equity Center, and we are excited to bring back this work now within the Community & Culture unit in the Division of Institutional Equity.

All events are open for participation from students (grad and undergrad), staff, and faculty!

The events apart of Critical Social Justice Week are as follows: 

Cup-Filling Activism: Supporting Student Organizers Through Community, Care, and Capacity Building

McNair x Critical Social Justice Week

Saturday, February 7, 2026 · 1 - 2:30 PM

Sondheim Hall: 101

Racial Healing Discussion Panel

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 · 3 - 5 PM

Library and Gallery, Albin O. Kuhn

On Caring for Community

The Pursuit of Equity and Justice at UMBC with University Leadership

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 · 4:30-6 PM

SKYLIGHT in the Commons

Chat and Chew: All About Love

Read with us and engage in discussion

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 · 12 - 1 PM

Library and Gallery, Albin O. Kuhn

More details about each event can be found on the WGEC or CSJD myUMBC Page. 

These event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.