Purdue to host community forums on ostracism

October 15, 2013  


WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Parents, teachers and others who work with children can learn about the lasting effects of ostracism in a series of community forums sponsored by Purdue Extension that begins Oct 30.

"All In: Building a Positive Community" is a three-part series that will address ostracism and other negative behaviors that hurt and exclude others, and how to develop a community action plan.

"People aren't aware of the devastating impact ostracism can have on others," said Janet Ayres, professor of agricultural economics, who will lead the forums. "We want to move people from 'I wasn't aware' to 'what can I do?'"

The series kicks off Oct. 30 with the screening of the documentary "Reject" (for adults 19 and over). The film features Kipling D. Williams, a Purdue professor of psychological sciences, who has researched ostracism for 20 years, and tells the story of two American families affected by social rejection. A discussion on awareness, which includes Williams and film producer Ruth Thomas-Suh, will follow. The first session will be held at Delphi Community High School Little Theater, 301 Armory Road, Delphi.

Other sessions include:

Nov. 6; Williams discusses research about inclusion/exclusion and strategies for handling ostracism and rejection. Carroll Junior-Senior High School cafeteria, 2362 E. state Route 18, Flora.

Nov. 13: Participants will discuss actions that individuals and organizations can take to build more inclusive relationships. Wabash and Erie Canal Conference Center, 1030 N Washington St., Delphi.

Prior to the sessions, a light supper will be served at 6 p.m.; programs begin at 6:30 p.m. Children's activities will be provided. The series is free of charge, and registration is not required.

The program will be held in other communities around the state in 2014.

"Reject" will also be shown this month at the Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis.

For more information, contact Joanne Lytton at 765-564-3169 or lytton@purdue.edu, or Janet Ayres at 765-494-4215 or ayres@purdue.edu 

Writer: Olivia Maddox, 765-496-3207, maddoxol@purdue.ed u

Source: Janet Ayres, 765-494-4215, ayres@purdue.edu 

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page

Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907, (765) 494-4600

© 2014-18 Purdue University | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Integrity Statement | Copyright Complaints | Brand Toolkit | Maintained by Marketing and Media

Trouble with this page? Disability-related accessibility issue? Please contact us at online@purdue.edu so we can help.