Thank you for your interest in the 16th 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 2025 Tidewater Diversity Dialogue Day program will be held at Old Dominion University on March 12, 2025 from 8:30 am–1:30 PM.

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 7, 2025.

Please read the Frequently Asked Questions below. If you have any additional questions or would like more details about this program, please contact Meagan Starks by email at [email protected].  We hope to see you on March 12th!

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?

  • 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 directions. All students and staff members attending Diversity Dialogue Day will be provided with lunch according to the dietary restrictions listed on their respective registration forms.

How does VCIC make DDD accessible to all?

The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities strives to make Peninsula 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 14. 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 7, 2025.

        How to Apply

        School Registration Link

        Use this link to register up to 12 students

        School registration must be received by 5:00 pm February 7, 2025.

        Questions:

        Meagan Starks
        Director of Hampton Roads Programs

        757-390-0720  |  [email protected]

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