DDD Tidewater – Schools Registration
Thank you for your interest in the 17th annual Tidewater Diversity Dialogue Day (DDD)! The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities has proudly conducted this program for high school students in Tidewater for over a decade, and you can find reports from previous programs here.
The 2026 Tidewater Diversity Dialogue Day program will be held at Old Dominion University on March 18, 2026 from 8:30 am–1:30 PM. This year’s theme is “Standing Up to Stereotypes.”
Thanks to support from Dominion Energy, there is no cost for your school to attend! We are asking that schools indicate their interest and nominate student participants by February 13, 2026.
Please read the Frequently Asked Questions below. If you have any additional questions or would like more details about this program, please contact Haley Taylor by email at [email protected]. We hope to see you on March 18th!
Frequently Asked Questions
What will my students do at the Program?
- This one-day youth leadership forum takes participants through a process of awareness to action. Students will learn to recognize prejudice and intolerance, and to respect others. They will work closely with their peers from a wide range of ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Trained facilitators will guide the students through small group learning activities that explore personal experiences with discrimination and develop conflict resolution skills.
What is my role during the Program?
- We are pleased to offer two special opportunities for educators who attend the Diversity Dialogue Day. Educators in attendance will participate in a professional development session while students are in breakout sessions. And, all educators will be added to the recipient list for VCIC’s “Building Inclusive Schools” Monthly Email Update.
What do I need to know about lunch and transportation?
- All students and educators attending Diversity Dialogue Day will be provided with lunch according to the dietary restrictions listed on their respective registration forms (pizza, chips, and water unless other needs are specified).
- Each school will be responsible for their own transportation to Diversity Dialogue Day. Once you have registered, you will receive more information with directions to Old Dominion University and specific parking instructions.
- Please note that if a student is not utilizing transportation arranged by VCIC, it is the joint responsibility of the student, guardian, and the school to ensure that transportation arrangements align with district policies and safety standards. VCIC is not liable for any accidents, incidents, or issues that may occur if not utilizing transportation arranged by VCIC.
How does VCIC make DDD accessible to all?
The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities strives to make Tidewater DDD as accessible and inclusive as possible while acknowledging the existence of external barriers that may prevent 100% accessibility. VCIC leans into our core values of integrity and openness as we work to provide the most accessible experience for all, while welcoming feedback about what we can do better.
Upon request made at least four (4) weeks before the event, VCIC commits to:
- Provide venue layout information including nearest parking and accessible entrances.
- Provide large-print handouts and/or support interpreters brought by schools to accompany student participants.
- Offer a meal accommodating dietary restrictions.
How can I register?
- Click here to register your school. You can register up to 12 students from your school to attend on March 18. Once school registration is complete, an additional link will be sent to you to be sent to the parents/guardians of your registered students to ensure that your team is fully registered for our program. School registration is due by February 13, 2026.
How to Apply
Use this link to register up to 10 students
School registration must be received by 5:00 pm February 13, 2026.
Questions:
Haley Taylor
Administrative Programs Coordinator
804-515-7950 ext. 113 | [email protected]