Spread the Word: Inclusion

When was the last time you went All In(clusive)–totally committed to something, took a chance and bet everything, or stood up for something you believed in? People with a variety of disabilities still face exclusion, social abuse, and social isolation in schools, workplaces and communities; preventing us from building truly inclusive societal structures where we can grow and learn from one another.

So…what can you do to be more inclusive?

• Be respectful of others’ unique abilities
• Stand up for yourself and others
• Create opportunities for inclusive activities in your school or community
• Be brave, take action and lead a change
• Give others a voice
• Celebrate differences

Show your support on Moraine Park’s campuses from 12-2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1 by signing the “I Pledge to Spread Inclusion” banner and make a personal commitment to “go all in” by being more inclusive and receive an “I PLEDGED” sticker.

MPTC banner locations:

Fond du Lac/West Bend Campuses – Cafeteria entrance

Beaver Dam Campus – Front Entrance

Together, let’s show our support for inclusion.

Moraine Park Technical College’s Diversity Relations Office raised funds for ASTOP Sexual Abuse Center by decorating a holiday tree for the Festival of Trees at THELMA Sadoff Center for the Arts. The event was December 9th and 10th, and all who attended could vote for their favorite decorated tree!

The event showcased local nonprofits that decorated a unique tree for display around the THELMA facility. The decorated trees were listed for silent auction bidding and funds raised supported the nonprofit.

The Diversity Relations tree, Candy Cane Lane, was one of over 35 trees decorated for the event! In support of MPTC’s mission of growing minds, businesses, and communities through innovative learning experiences, attendees were to encouraged to view our tree and envision students from all ages and walks of life choosing their path/lane to learn a trade, earn a degree, obtain a certificate, participate in training or simply gain knowledge. White signified an opportunity for a new beginning, a blank page of a notebook that waits to be written upon. Red signified the chance to take action to pursue a professional or personal passion with energy and confidence.

“Moraine Park’s students and employees are active in the community and dedicated to volunteerism. I am proud to work for a organization that is so involved and to work on a team that rises to the occasion when there is a need or want in the community,” said Leslie Laster, director of diversity, accessibility and support services.

Take a book. Start a conversation. Change our world.

Moraine Park is bringing the Little Free Library (LFL) – Read in Color initiative to all three campus libraries. The initiative brings diverse books to LFL boxes across the country, creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all.

At Moraine Park, the launch of the Little Free Library will feature books that provide perspectives on racism and social justice; celebrate BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized voices; and experiences from many identities for readers.

This project was inspired by MPTC’s Innovation 2025 values of collaboration, continuous improvement, impactful learning, and inclusivity, and is brought to the College by Moraine Park’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cross-Functional team in partnership with Student Services.

“Little Free Library believes everyone should be able to see themselves in the pages of a book,” said LFL Executive Director Greig Metzger. “We also believe a broader awareness of the diverse life experiences in America can break down barriers and nurture a deeper understanding of our society’s inequities.”

The books can be found on the Fond du Lac campus near the library. This initiative will be brought to the Beaver Dam and West Bend campuses by the end of the summer.

Need a little break from all that studying? Have you heard that stressed is really desserts spelled backwards? Your MPTC Campus Library is the place to get a little relief during this crazy finals time end of the semester! Stop in during regular library hours from May 2 – 20 for a tasty bite of Fair Trade chocolate and grab an Alta Gracia Fair Trade MPTC t-shirt (while supplies last). Our libraries will also have extra resources available for study skills and stress management.

Did you know Moraine Park is a Fair Trade College? Actually we are the very first Fair Trade technical college in the U.S. Way to go MPTC! We are now celebrating 7 years as a Fair Trade College! World Fair Trade Day is May 14. Let’s all celebrate and choose FAIR! You can find Fair Trade coffee and Honest Tea at MPTC cafeterias.

Fair trade supports farmers and artisans in developing countries who are socially and economically marginalized. Fair Trade is about making a tremendous impact on artisan and farmer communities while offering great products to the public all around the world. Fair Trade certification promises quality products, fair pay for producers, environmentally sustainable practices, safe and empowering working conditions, no child labor, no human trafficking and more.

Moraine Park is a recipient of a $2,500 grant from the United Way of Dodge County to help support Dodge County students experiencing financial emergencies.

“I am grateful for the United Way of Dodge County’s generosity to award MPTC funding to help our Dodge County and Beaver Dam campus students who experience financial hardships. These dollars make an impact and help keep these students enrolled in school during times of need,” Jackie Morgan, Moraine Park’s Student Community, Equity and Engagement Specialist, said.

The grant dollars will support students in the form of gas cards, grocery store cards, and meals from the on-campus food service.

“Working with our campus food service partner is yet another way we can ensure students’ basic needs are met,” Morgan said.

Find more about the United Way of Dodge County and the work they do to improve lives and empower caring.

Moraine Park Technical College has partnered with Legal Action of Wisconsin and Ascendium Education Group to offer students and community members free, confidential legal assistance. Upcoming virtual legal clinics provide driver’s license recovery, bankruptcy, and criminal record expungement help. Other legal help is also provided at any time. Simply scan the QR code or call (920) 393-9352 and set up your time to discuss a legal issue!

Lawyers for Learners is also offering a free tax season tips learning session on February 10, 2022, at 11 a.m.

Tax season is quickly approaching. Lawyers for Learners wants to help ensure you have the information needed to prepare taxes and take advantage of any eligible benefits or credits. This Lawyers for Learners Learning Session is meant to do just that!

Attorneys Andrew Belter from Wisconsin Judicare and Jay Miller from Legal Action Wisconsin will provide information about taxes, tax credits, and self-help resources. They will also share information about how Lawyers for Learners can help with family law, immigration, or other issues that may arise during tax season (or anytime).

Join on February 10, 2022, at 11 a.m. CST and register using the link below. https://www.accelevents.com/e/l4ltaxseasontips.

Learn more about Lawyers for Learners at www.lawyersforlearners.org. Reach out to Legal@AscendiumEducation.org with any questions.

Edi Gbordzi came to Fond du Lac looking to find a place to call home and an extended family of friends and supporters. In 2001, he immigrated from Ghana, West Africa, to Madison, Wisconsin. There he taught and performed African dance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and throughout the community.

“A goal in coming to the U.S. was to go back to school and become connected in my community,” Gbordzi said. “Teaching the art of African dance allowed me to be surrounded with others who had those same goals. This support group continued to motivate me.”

Gbordzi later relocated to California and welcomed his two children. In 2011, they moved to Fond du Lac to be closer to family. Once Gbordzi got settled in the area, he decided it was time to act upon his goal to pursue higher education. He connected with the Student Success Center at Moraine Park to begin his journey.

I learned that my transcripts from Africa didn’t cover all the areas needed for a GED diploma here in the United States,” he said. “At first, that was frustrating, but the staff were so helpful and great to work with. I ended up learning too much and that prepared me to further my education.”

In spring 2019, Gbordzi earned his GED diploma and decided to enroll in the Business Management associate degree program at the College.

“My parents owned their own business in Africa for many years,” Gbordzi said. “Their years of hard work inspired me to follow in their footsteps and pursue a business degree.”

Gbordzi is embracing the full college experience and has become a familiar face on the Fond du Lac campus.

“I enjoy being involved,” he said. “I am a member of student senate, diversity club and the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Club. I also enjoy volunteering and participating in student life events.”

Gbordzi is a dedicated student and was awarded the Basic Education Scholarship for the 2020-21 school year.

“I’m grateful Moraine Park offered me a place to learn and grow,” Gbordzi said. “My overall goal is to find a good job so I can support my family. It is also important to me to continue learning. Moraine Park is helping to prepare me for both my future career and higher educational opportunities.”

Gbordzi is scheduled to graduate in May 2022 and looks forward to influencing the local communities.

Read more stories like Edi’s in our Fall 2021 Next Magazine.

MPTC is a recipient of a $2,500 grant from the Fond du Lac Area Women’s Fund to help support our Fond du Lac County female students experiencing financial emergencies. MPTC was one of 15 area local nonprofits to receive grant funding.

“I am grateful for the Fond du Lac Area Women’s Fund’s generosity to award MPTC funding to help our Fond du Lac area female students who experience financial hardships. These dollars make an impact and help keep these students enrolled in school during times of need,” said Jackie Morgan, student community, equity and engagement specialist.

A recent Women’s Fund grant recipient wrote:

“I am so honored to be a recipient of your generous donation. I am in my last semester of the nursing program and will be graduating in December, 2021. I am planning on specializing as a lactation nurse. When I received the unexpected bill, I wasn’t sure how I could pay for it without sacrificing study time to work extra shifts. Thank you for lifting this financial burden off and enabling me to keep focused on my studies. Hopefully, one day, I’ll be able to give back to the student emergency fund and help someone just like you had helped me.”

Moraine Park Technical College’s Diversity Relations Office is raising funds for the Solutions Center of Fond du Lac by decorating a holiday tree for the Festival of Trees at the Galloway House and Village in Fond du Lac. The event is December 11th and 12th, and all who attend the event can vote for their favorite decorated tree!

The Diversity Relations tree, Merry McSnowflake, is one of over 30 trees decorated for the event. The event showcases local nonprofits that decorated a unique tree for display around the historic village. These decorated trees are listed for silent auction bidding, and funds raised support the nonprofit.

Tree bidding is occurring now through December 16th. Visit the donation website for more information or contact the Galloway House at 920-922-1166 or info@fdlhistory.com.

“Moraine Park’s students and employees are active in the community and dedicated to volunteerism. I am proud to work for a organization that is so involved and to work on a team that rises to the occasion when there is a need or want in the community,” said Leslie Laster, associate director of Diversity Relations.