Saturday May 20th – 11:45 – 1:15pm – Rehearsal Hall – Sponsored by AFBS & ACTRA Toronto
Balancing Act: Understanding Power in our Teaching Spaces
Power is a dynamic force that moves in the interpersonal spaces between people, and in the spaces between people and institutions. In this workshop we will delve into this complex interplay boldly, honestly, and with open curiosity. We hope this exploration will reveal how power can be used as a tool of abuse, harm, or control, and provide ideas for you to keep your coaching and teaching spaces respectful and as safe as possible. We hope this work will encourage you to begin to recognize and share your own power with your students and mentees, so that they, and you, might feel empowered and comfortable enough to thoroughly explore the complex power dynamics in the teaching craft.
Bios
Maxine Bower graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in gender studies, and a Master of Social Work (MSW), specializing in mental health. As a licensed, registered social worker, Maxine has worked as a front-line trauma-informed counselor in shelter systems, supporting folks fleeing domestic violence and/or human trafficking. Currently, Maxine is ACTRA Toronto’s Special Advisor and works with staff and the executive council to advance efforts to prevent and manage harassment and discrimination. Afterhours, Maxine also works part-time with a network of queer and trans therapists where she counsels 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and couples. Throughout her academic studies, professional, and personal life, the concept of power, consent, and control has been an ever-present theme, not only because of her field of work, but also because of her many intersecting identities. In collaboration with Niki Landau, and AACE co-founders Theresa Tova and Jennifer Wigmore, Maxine will invite us all to explore power dynamics in interpersonal relationships at the 2023 AACE Conference.
Niki Landau
With over 25 years in the Conflict Management field, Niki has mediated family and community conflicts, has participated in peace-building missions in the Middle East, and has worked with organizations at the highest levels to help resolve disputes. She has offered training and coaching on a wide variety of workshop subjects, including conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation skills, screening for domestic violence, de-escalation, handling difficult comments, and building psychologically-safe spaces.
Niki, a professional actor, acting teacher, coach and playwright, has combined her love of theatre and dispute resolution through collaborations and training with several arts organizations in Toronto. Niki is very excited to be joining Maxine Bower and AACE to explore the complex nature of Power in our teaching/coaching spaces.