About
Some people would have you believe we’re too hardened to care about reaching any kind of cross cultural understanding and harmony. Some would say we’re too selfish or too busy. I don’t believe any of that. Often, we simply don’t recognize the subtle ways we separate ourselves from others – through judgment, through blind spots and through unconscious discriminations. And, most importantly, even if we have an inkling that something’s not quite right, we don’t have any idea what to do to change it.
My name is Susan O’Halloran and I am passionate about one of the most uncomfortable, polarized subjects in our society today – diversity and, in particular, racial justice. I know what you’re thinking when you look at my picture. What can a white Irish-Catholic woman who grew up in Chicago tell you about diversity?
Plenty. My history of growing up in a segregated neighborhood in Chicago taught me firsthand lessons of how we relate (or don’t relate) to other communities. I can help you or your organization by shining a light on the unconscious, unintentional things we all do. I lay out the issues in a non-threatening and entertaining way. People leave my presentations and workshops feeling uplifted and empowered to make a difference.
Imagine all of us coming together to dissolve the injustices of our society. Imagine moving from fear, guilt and confusion to feeling comfortable and relaxed with each other. We have that power within us. We can transform our communities and our world.
How?
One of the most effective tools we have is sharing our stories. Through the power of story, humans have passed on wisdom from generation to generation to create common bonds.
Stories help build bridges between communities. Language is a universal way to share our dreams and challenges. It is said that once you hear someone’s story it’s impossible to hate that person. In fact, the most common response upon hearing someone’s story is, “Me, too.” How does change come about? Well, we can talk to those who already agree with us or yell at those who don’t. Or we can find common ground within our experiences.
At O’Halloran Diversity Productions we experience and celebrate our differences and our common humanity through:
- Storytelling Performances – solo shows and multi-voiced productions
- Story Gathering – guiding people and organizations to discover and share their stories
- Keynotes – fun, uplifting and motivational speeches
- Workshops – interactive seminars using the best of “super learning” techniques
- Online classes – professional and graduate credit available
- Social Networking – an opportunity to meet, dialogue with and learn from people who care – just like you.
Can you imagine a world where everybody wins? Where our teams and communities are even more effective and successful? Where we live our best lives in harmony with each other?
I can. And I want to share with you and your organization entertaining and meaningful programs plus practical tools and action steps that will help us get there.
