ABA to Present Two Sessions From the Center for Anti-Violence Education

In April, the American Booksellers Association is offering two free sessions to member booksellers from the Center for Anti-Violence Education (CAE). All booksellers are invited to sign up for one or both sessions.

On Thursday, April 15, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET, CAE Program Manager Rej Joo will lead a workshop on a range of de-escalation techniques as well as safety considerations during such unpredictable moments. Participants will have an opportunity to pool their own expertise of lived experiences and practice de-escalation skills individually and as a team through scenarios that are relevant during the pandemic. The workshop leaders will be available post-workshop for booksellers who would like to address specific concerns. This session will include: 

• Before de-escalating (B.A.P.P. reminders)
• De-escalation (“G.A.M.B.L.I.N” strategies)
• Scenarios to practice these tools (breakout groups)
• Self-care exercise

Booksellers can register for the De-escalation Workshop here.

On Thursday, April 22, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET, CAE Community Upstander Coordinator Donnay Edmund will lead a workshop on unpacking microaggressions that are racist, ageist, transphobic, xenophobic, etc. Participants will be asked to dive deep into the oppressive legacies that lead to microaggressions and reflect on how we can disrupt these systems in our workplace and everyday lives. We will learn strategies for calling people in to acknowledge and shift their behavior. The workshop leaders will be available post-workshop for booksellers who would like to address specific concerns.

Booksellers can register for Microaggressions in the Workplace here.