Social Service Providers/Non-Profits - StirFry Seminars & Consulting

Seminars for Social Service Providers and Non-Profits

Thousands of participants from educational, government, corporate, and social service agencies have taken StirFry’s trainings and seminars. We are recognized by many of the top 500 corporations as having one of the most outstanding cross-cultural and communications training programs for managers, supervisors, H.R. and top administrative executives. Clients such as Corning, NASA, Best Buy, Whirlpool, IBM, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Postal Service, and the U.S. Department of Defense have all resounded with praise and awe at having participated in some of the most life changing and phenomenally useful trainings of their experience.

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What Makes StirFry Unique and Innovative?

What makes StirFry Seminars so unique is our approach to how we value and observe each communication. We call this “mindfully listening,” which means being attentive to the subtleties in each communication, such as intent and impact. Here’s why so many companies have chosen to work with us.

We emphasize developing inquiry skills in place of adversarial and defensive statements
We help participants acquire the art of mindfully resolving conflicts within seconds through the use of observation and responsive techniques
We demonstrate ways to create an environment where staff and administration work together as a supportive community rather than as individuals coming from an oppositional or power perspective
We develop the art of noticing ‘keywords’ throughout the communication process that unlock the needs and issues of a particular cultural group or individual
We train participants to observe differences and not just similarities through a multicultural and multi-sensory approach and perspective
We use personal stories as a way to broaden one’s understanding and compassion for the history of one’s journey and its impact on present day behaviors and attitudes
We train participants to not only listen for what is being said, but also to what is not being expressed because of discriminatory or retaliatory behaviors and attitudes
We train participants to notice the importance of intent and impact in all their communications
We use curiosity as a gateway to empathy and trust
We explore through a multicultural lens rather than a monocultural one
We help participants deepen their understanding of cross-cultural issues and values through role plays and real life vignettes so that what they are learning is practical, useful and appropriate
We create opportunities for ongoing dialogues so that different cultural groups can ask each other questions and deepen their relationships
We provide ongoing training on how to facilitate and resolve conflicts peaceably without coming from a reactive or defensive position
We use our internationally acclaimed films on diversity issues to foster dialogue and deeper understandings
Participants practice their communication and mediation skills through viewing our unique training films that mirror actual business scenarios and ongoing workplace problems and issues
StirFry Seminars provides ongoing consultation, mentoring and consultation throughout each level of our trainings and seminars
We provide a Certification Program for those wishing to advance their training and facilitation skills and cross-cultural understanding
We offer a variety of diversity workshops, as well as communications training
We work with individuals and groups, often as many as a thousand or more for our seminars or trainings
We have countless National Training Centers all over the United States
Our consultants, facilitators and trainers are from a variety of multicultural backgrounds
We provide manuals, training guides, films and books that are authored solely by StirFry Seminars & Consulting
Our clients range from the top 500 corporations to almost every major university, government and social agency in the United States
Our films and books are the foundation for most diversity trainers
Our films such as The Color of Fear (appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1995), have won international and national awards
All of our trainers and facilitators have years of diversity experience and are Certified Master Diversity Trainers
Our presenters, trainers, facilitators, and consultants come from a myriad of professions, including from educational, corporate, therapeutic and social services sectors

Select Testimonials

“Insights realized and skills honed are useful whether counseling individuals, facilitating group interactions, or delivering a speech. Since I do all of these things this training was extremely helpful. The memory of it lives on as a rich resource for the further development of my professional skills.

Stephen F. Hard, Prevention Advocate
Women and Families Center
Sexual Assault Crisis Services

Words cannot express how thrilled I was with the seminar this weekend. The overwhelming response of those in attendance was that this was a ‘life altering’ experience for them. Thank you so much for coming to this little town in Wyoming and helping us to grow.

Jean Wade, Development Director
YWCA – Sweetwater County, WY

….the essence of StirFry: providing the inspiration to do more, to make a change, to have hope that change is possible.

Kathy Leeds, Director
Wilton Library, Wilton, CT

The Girls & Youth team did their own training for themselves yesterday and used what they’ve learned from you: they put together scenarios from real life experiences in their work with youth. They role played these scenarios using mindful facilitation, followed by their own debrief. It was a powerful experience for them.

In their debrief, they said, “Asking What Would Mun Wah Do?” is the way…and they laughed together.

I thank you for the gifts of mindful inquiry that you have generously shared with us. It is making a powerful difference in our work at the YWCA.

Joyce Yamamoto, Director
YWCA – Minneapolis, MN

You (Lee Mun Wah) have a great style for leading the discussion. I learned a lot from you about using humility, love, and laughter to set up a safe environment. I also learned some techniques for facilitating this kind of discussion. It was very powerful the way you allowed people the space to voice their feelings, frustrations and sentiments one on one and then engaged us in a very controlled and powerful group dialogue that clearly demonstrated the frustration of people of color in our organization.

You have been instrumental in showing our top brass that we can have this dialogue without breaking down into hostility and negativity.

Joni Foster, Program Director
LISC

Your unique ability to create a safe space where our staff members could speak their truths and openly share their experiences has prompted us to further engage in a process of deep introspection and examination of the core issues racism and white privilege throughout all levels of our organization. Your training sowed the seeds for profound personal and institutional change. Now, we endeavor to bring those seeds to fruition.

Nancy Hite, Chief Executive Officer
YWCA – Minneapolis, MN

Lee Mun Wah is an artist in action, creating an atmosphere of safety and openness that is vital in looking at one’s own racism. In watching Lee Mun Wah I learned how to pay closer attention to the subtle nuances in language and body language when people are discussing racism and its impact on them. I learned to look for what is not said as well as what is said. I also learned to be attentive to the pain, shame and guilt that we all carry as a result of our learned racism.

I would recommend him as a speaker/facilitator to any organization that is truly committed to overcoming racism.

Jere C. Sitko, Ph.D, Clinical Psychologist
Department of Psychiatry
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center

NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center is an urban community clinic located in North Minneapolis. To better understand both the diverse staff and patient populations, NorthPoint recently engaged the services of Lee Mun Wah, director of StirFry Seminars & Consulting to facilitate two seminars, one for all staff and one for our community board.

Staff appreciated Lee Mun Wah’s unique approach in presenting information regarding racism. Through specific examples and group interactions, staff learned how it feels to be excluded from specific groups and gathered a greater appreciation of co-workers and different cultures….I would highly recommend StirFry Seminars & Consulting as an excellent resource for increasing cultural awareness.

Gary L. Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer
NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center

Forty years ago Dr. Theodore Reik wrote his famous book ‘Listening with the Third Ear’ in which he focused on his ‘extra sense’ to hear hidden meanings in what is said and unsaid. I think that you’ve (Lee Mun Wah) taken this idea one step further by having the courage to listen with your heart, and then to explore and process meaningful subtleties. And to do this in such a gentle and unobtrusive manner that invites the participants to tell the truth, as painful as it might be.

Gilberto Madrid, LCSW,
The Permanente Medical Group, Inc.

I thoroughly relished the two days I shared with you in Minneapolis; it was insightful and deeply moving. I have never experienced a “diversity” training like that in mylife. You are a treasure to this world and I am grateful to have met you.

I kinow you must receive many letters such as this, but it was important for me to express my appreciation and respect for your spirit and brilliant craft. The past experience has affirmed my passion and purpose in impacting the world, one spirit at a time as a facilitator, speaker and consultant. Thank you!

Catrice M. Jackson
Founder and Executive Mentor
Emerge Consulting

Race and racism are not easy topics to discuss and the world needs more people like you who are willing to encourage and facilitate that conversation. I look forward to working with StirFry Seminars to provide more workshops anad trainings for the Boulder community.

Janet Beardsley, Executive Director
YWCA,
Boulder CO

The training you offered our staff was moving, insightful, provocative and a catalyst for energy and shange throughout our organization. Four weeks later, staff and volunteers continue to discuss the evnet adn its impact. In fact, a small group of staff immediately took the opportunity to attend your “Mindful Facilitation” seminar.

Robyn-Jay Bage, CEO
Sharlene Kerelejza, Director of Prevention and Inervention Serivces,
Women and Families Center

Words cannot experience how thrilled I was with the seminar this weekend. The overwhleming response of those in attendance was that this was a “life attering” experience for them. Thank you so much for coming to this little town in Wyoming and helping us to grow.

Jean Wade, Development Director
Sweetwater County YWCA

Participants were enthusiastic in thie praise of the seminar. Lee Mun Wah’s skill provides a safe context in which to do the work of creating meaningful community and respectful dialogue.

Marilyn McPherson
Asst to the Chair of Best Practices
The Permanente Medical Group, Inc

On behalf of all the Kings View staff, I want to thank Lee Mun Wah for his challenging and thought/feeling provoking seminar. Through his facilitation I believe all of us learned more about ourselves, our personal prejudices and how to more effectively approach each other. For me I was reminded once again about the importance of being more now and present in my life. Thank you for sharing of yourself with us.

Jeff Gorski, LCSW, MFT
Director of Business Development
Kings View Behavioral Health

Client List

American Psychiatric Association
Americorps
Association for Humanistic Psychology
Because We Care
California Society of Clinical Social Workers
Center for Independent Living
Children’s Council of San Francisco
Family Housing Fund
Families First, Inc.
Health Partners
KPFA
Leadership Greater Chicago
Leadership Hayward
League of Women Voters
Missouri Historical Society
Nation of Men
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
National Conference on Race & Ethnicity
National Staff Development Council
Owatonna Cultural Diversity Network
Peer Assistant Services
Project Equality
Kellogg Foundation
Seneca Center
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
State Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans
Teach for America
Westchester Jewish Community Services
YWCA

Booking an Event: Common Questions

1. What kinds of programs do you offer? Which would you recommend?

We have a variety of diversity programs as well as those that we customize to meet your needs.

Our most popular workshops are our Film Presentations. Each of these is quite stimulating and educational. We encourage you, however, to also plan for follow-up seminars/trainings to allow for continued dialogue and sharing. Also, if you have any facilitators, managers, or administrators that would like to enhance or practice their communication/diversity skills, this is a great opportunity for your staff to take our Intensive Training Programs dealing with diversity conflicts and issues.

We have a catalogue of all our seminars and trainings; if interested, please ask the Director of Seminars to send you one.

2. We’ve never done a diversity event before, where do we begin?

Most companies have not participated in our type of workshops, so you have company. We customize our workshops to begin at the level of your agency and employees. We will never sell you any programs that you don’t need or want.

Our Director of Seminars will walk you through each step. We also have a checklist, audience assessment, and publicity materials that will help you have a successful diversity experience.

Our Trainers have countless exercises to meet the changing needs of each agency and audience. We have a diverse pool of trainers that represent a cross section of issues and ethnic groups.

In addition, our Director of Seminars will guide you through the contractual, travel, and technical supports that will be needed. The Director, Lee Mun Wah, and our other facilitators are available to answer any of your questions both before and after the event.

3. We don’t have much money, how can we afford you?

This is a very common concern amongst many companies that have a limited budget. StirFry Seminars makes every attempt to customize our workshops and trainings to meet the budgetary concerns and limitations of our clients. We are very receptive to working with you and your agency to be sure that our product and services are available and accessible to everyone.

What we recommend is perhaps combining a seminar or training with other agencies so you can share expenses and planning. If you look on our website’s Calendar page, you can synchronize your schedule to coincide with the dates in which we are scheduled to be in your area to save on transportation and accommodation costs. In addition, when we present a workshop and/or training, we offer a 50% discount on all of our films and products.

We try very hard at StirFry Seminars to work within your budget and to help customize the exact kind of workshop that will meet your budgetary needs and restraints. We strongly encourage you to call our Berkeley office if you are financially restrained in purchasing our films, products, and workshops.

4. How can our agency get additional training after a film presentation?

We also often recommend our Trainer of Trainers series, which teaches trainers and potential facilitators the skills that they will need to lead groups, mediate conflicts, and help others with basic skills such as listening and responsive techniques for effective communication.

If you have just completed a workshop on racism using The Color of Fear, then we recommend our film on sexism, Last Chance for Eden – Part 2. Last Chance for Eden – Part 1 (on racism) is also an excellent follow-up after The Color of Fear because it includes men and women talking together about racism and sexism.

Our Film Guides (available to supplement Last Chance for Eden 1 and Color of Fear 1) are available through our Film Department. The Film Guides provide process questions that coincide with particular scenes in our films. These questions help stimulate group discussions and are framed within a broader cultural perspective. The process questions and exercises were written by Lee Mun Wah and a team of diversity trainers.

The StirFry Seminars Seminar Catalog is also available, and lists all of our seminars and types of trainings, in addition to descriptions of our Berkeley, California, workshops and trainings on Unlearning Racism, Unlearning Sexism, Film Facilitation, and Mindful Facilitation.

5. Do you work with young people? How young?

We have facilitators that specifically work with youth on diversity issues. We also find that high school students are quite prepared to sit through our films and feel engaged. The Color of Fear 2: Walking Each Other Home, was created for high school students. The pace is faster and the dialogue is enhanced with more contemporary music. It is also a shorter than the original film – about 50 minutes in length.

6. Do you teach actual skills?

We believe that teaching skills to our audiences is essential to practicing diversity work. We teach participants ways of listening, responding and noticing what is spoken and what is not. Throughout the seminar we point out different communication techniques and ask the audience to practice them throughout the session. In that way, when the participants finish our seminars, they have a vast array of skills that will apply to their particular work and employee environments. We also provide our popular “Nine Healthy Ways to Communicate” cards to all the participants upon request.

Lee Mun Wah has written countless manuals on communication and facilitation techniques. One of his most famous writings is “The Art of Listening”. StirFry Seminars offers trainings on facilitation and film techniques as well as a 3-Day Intensive Trainings Program for Managers, Facilitators, and Trainers.

7. Which film do we use? How are they different?

Each of our films is appropriate for learning about diversity issues and provides different insights and unique cultural and social perspectives.

Stolen Ground offers audiences insight into the experiences and perceptions of Asian Americans. It demystifies the “model minority” stereotypes and replaces it with a more realistic and personal cultural portrayal. People of all ethnicities find Stolen Ground illuminating because of the remarkable similarities to their own racial experiences.

The Color of Fear is the most well known of our films. It is an intimate portrayal of what many people of color go through on a daily basis. It is confrontational, intimate and contains extremely honest dialogue. This film provides great stimulus for audience discussion. For many EuroAmericans, this film is their Racism 101 course. For many people of color this film is a perfect opening to talk about their personal experiences and the effect that racism has had on their families and communities.

The Color of Fear 2: Walking Each Other Home is the sequel. It helps answer the questions about how the men responded emotionally to each other, as well as what EuroAmericans in general can do to in their struggle against racism. The format was adapted for high school students. It moves at a faster pace and has more music to keep the energy flowing. It is a good primer for those unaccustomed to talking about racism.

The Color of Fear 3: Four Little Beds features eight men from the original cast talking frankly about the painful struggle of growing up gay in a heterosexually oriented society. In addition, a ten year retrospect is included with Roberto Almanzan and David Lee talking about gay marriages and other issues that are facing our communities, as we struggle to deal with this extremely important and relevant issue.

Last Chance for Eden Part 1, is about nine men and women talking about racism in two weekend sessions. What makes this film different from our previous films, is the inclusion of women, more examples of facilitation interventions, video diaries from each participant, withhold sessions, and a question & answer period between whites and people of color that is revealing and deeply moving.

Last Chance for Eden Part 2 is an illuminating and educational film, which describes issues of sexism in intimate, family, workplace, and societal contexts. This is a must-see film for men and women both; for women who doubt the validity of their feelings and responses to their treatment by and experiences with men; and for men regarding their issues of control and the acceptability of emotional expression.

Last Chance for Eden Part 3: For those of you who have viewed Last Chance for Eden Parts 1 & 2, this film is a perfect follow-up to the whole series. It is focused on the biographies of each of the cast members – as they struggled to understand what had happened to them in their families and eventually, their journey towards finding a healthy life as an adult.

8. Which session should we choose: the Four or the Seven Hour Workshop?

The Four Hour Seminar is useful for those agencies that have a limited time schedule. The Four Hour Seminar includes the showing of one of the above films, time for dyad discussions, and a group processing time. What the Seven Hour Seminar offers is more time for questions, answesr, team building exercises, the closing circle, and next steps declarations. Our experience has been that the Seven Hour session is more effective and allows the most time for debriefing and dealing with underlying issues. Also, the Seven Hour session allows for adequate facilitation of any conflicts that might arise.

Process Questions

9. What if someone gets upset?

We believe that getting upset about discrimination is not only healthy, but also important for healing and understanding. Our trainers are experienced in dealing with a wide range of emotions such as anger, hurt, grief, and shame.

We work with audiences not only to hear the pain and struggles of those who have experienced being discrimination, but also to listen and respond to such pain. It is our belief that conflict is a natural and inevitable part of any intimate relationship.

To build healthy relationships, we need to work though, and not avoid, conflict and power issues. The question is not whether it will happen, but rather if we are willing to stay in the room and come to a place where we can understand and accept each other’s differences.

10. Why do we just talk about racism or sexism? Aren’t there a whole lot of other isms?

Yes, there certainly are. We have identified these two issues, as well as many others. The reason we focus on these two is because they are often the most pervasive issues dividing the country and in the workplace. Many times when we don’t want to talk about racism, we switch over to sexism. When we don’t want to talk about sexism, we switch over to racism or any other ism. Our company tries to focus on one ism at a time so that a consistent dialogue can take place and questions can be asked and answered by those who are victimized by that particular issue.

11. What do you do with those participants who are in denial?

Denial often has a lot to do with fear. In our workshops we create an environment where participants can develop authentic and trusting relationships with each other. Someone once said, “The truth is always there, saying it out loud – that’s the hard part.”

We work to to dispel the myth that silence and avoidance make for safer work environments. On the contrary, they usually promote fear and are often the roots for many lawsuits and EEO complaints.

12. Our members are pretty conservative and sheltered. How do you reach them?

Our exercises are designed to allow participants to feel safe, yet intimate enough to have an authentic and honest dialogue. Safety is created by being more open and working through our differences and fears. The lack of safety comes when we are unwilling to listen. Issues of difference do not go away because we stay quiet. They dissipate and are resolved when we are willing stay in the room and to listen to each other.

One of the ways we stimulate meaningful and personal conversation is by having the participants engage in dyad and small discussion groups. We also teach the basics in communication, rather than have participants debate and compete over the “rightness” of each other’s opinions.

Another method is letting people talk about their resistances. Letting them vent about past workshops and the effect it had on them. Someone once said that the best way to tame a wild bull is to let it have a wider field. Interesting and effective. The more we resist, the greater the resistance. The more we listen, the greater possibilities for an open dialogue in which learning and change can take place.

13. We’ve heard that your workshops are merely white-bashing sessions. Is this true?

No one is the founder of racism or sexism. What we are responsible for is the cure: looking at ourselves and our own stereotypes. We often feel that racism and sexism are not about hate, but rather about fear. Lee Mun Wah often says, “I am a recovering racist and sexist. That doesn’t mean that I’m a horrible person; what it does mean is that I’ve been acculturated since I was very young to see particular groups in stereotypical ways. My work is to realize how that permeates how I see others and how I treat them on a daily basis both at work, in my community, and in my relationships.” What pertains to all of us is that we may not directly engage in racist or sexist behaviors, but we may still indirectly benefit from the oppression of others.

14. What if participants get too emotional? How do you achieve closure?

Too often we assume because someone is emotional, that they are out of control. Showing emotion is a natural and healthy part of all relationships. When we allow people to share their personal stories and experiences, what we find is that they feel relieved. Not necessarily because a solution has been found, but because they can finally share with someone who believes them and is open to understanding what they have gone through. That is the secret of closure, starting from the beginning – acknowledging what they have experienced and the effect that it has had on them. Through believing them and supporting their reality and needs, the journey towards closure begins. If we are ever going to heal from racism and sexism and all the other isms, we need to be willing to hear the stories- all the stories, however hard, because they, too, are a part of the healing and learning.

15. What if someone doesn’t want to talk?

Quite often, people don’t want to talk in front of a large group, but will do so with one other person. That is why we have the audience break up into dyads (groups of 2) by choosing someone who is different from themselves. That way they can have the privacy and the attention of one other person who they don’t know and of their own choosing.

Logistical Questions

16. Why do we have to show a film? Doesn’t it take up most of the time?

The film is used as a stimulus for participants to relive some of their past experiences. This enables them to recount what happened to them and the effect that it had on who they are today. For a meaningful dialogue to take place about a traumatic experience, a context of their experience(s) needs to take place. We often call this a “return to the scene of the crime.”

Our films are usually less than two hours long, which leaves sufficient time for personal stories and other interactive exercises. Our seven hour workshop is often recommended because it allows for more group process time, alliance groups, and question/answer exercises.

17. Who should be there at this workshop?

That is a very good question. Each agency has their reasons for making it voluntary or mandatory, staff or administration, students, teachers and/or administration. The decision should consider issues of safety, confidentiality, fear of reprisals, etc.

If we are too cautious, the people that need to be there will be conspicuously absent. Diversity issues are never easy to talk about; however, being too comfortable often means very little change because there is no sense of a crisis. Being uncomfortable is a part of growing; it can also be used as a stimulus for change.

18. Can we have two facilitators?

We recommend two facilitators for audiences of 50 or more. Generally, a pair that mirrors the audiences’ representation is best. We also recommend having a gender balance whenever possible. In the case of Last Chance for Eden, a gender balance would best mirror the film’s participants and issues.

19. What is too large a group?

When deciding how large a group, an agency should consider the size of the room, how many can stay for the entire session, and the type of seminar. For our Four Hour Film & Discussion Seminar we have had as many 2,000. Having such a large group does limit the level intimacy and time for more sharing and skill building. On the other hand, our Seven Hour Film & Discussion Seminar provides more time for alliance groups and group exercises. Two Facilitators are recommended if the Seven Hour Seminar is a larger group. This allows for adequate facilitating and observation of the audience’s needs.

20. Do your Four or Seven hour workshops include time for meals?

Our Four Hour Film & Discussion workshop has a 10-15 minute break, which is built into the 4 hours. Our Seven Hour Film & Discussion usually has two 10 minute breaks and a 30-60 minute lunch/dinner break, which can be included or exclusive to the workshop time. We leave this option open depending on the needs of the Facilitators and schedule limitations of the agency.

21. Is there anything we can do to prep our folks for your workshops?

Generally, participants want to know who the Facilitators are, who else have they worked for, and what were their reactions. Our website can answer many of these questions. Our Seminar Coordinator can provide letters of recommendation from our former clients upon request.

22. Can we use some of our people to help in the workshops?

Our Facilitators are highly trained using our Mindful Facilitation techniques. For this reason, we seldom used an agency’s trainers, except for small group discussions where a Facilitator might be needed. We offer trainings for Facilitators at our Berkeley, California, Training Center. Look on the StirFry Seminars Calendar on our website for available training dates. We offer trainings and workshops every month. We also provide trainings at your site upon request.

23. Do you need breakout rooms?

Most of the time breakout rooms are not needed. However, in our Unlearning Racism & Unlearning Sexism seminars, breakout rooms would be more conducive to small group discussions.

24. Why do you need microphones?

We use microphones so that participants who are softer-spoken or emotional can speak with their normal voice, rather than having to speak louder for the sake of the audience. We do this so participants can feel more comfortable and maintain their level of intimacy. We also prefer cordless microphones so that we can move freely throughout the audience.

25. Can we get a discount on the films and diversity products if we have a seminar?

Yes. We have a Seminar Discount of 50% on all our films and diversity products, good for 2 weeks after the seminar/training has taken place.

Trainer Questions

26. Do you have other trainers?

We have a diverse group of trainers representing many ethnic backgrounds, as well as a balance of men and women who often facilitate together. Many of our trainers are also therapists. Some have many years of diversity training experience in a variety of work settings from corporate, educational and governmental, to social, non-profit and religious settings. On the “About Us” page of our website is a listing of the names, professional, and educational backgrounds of our trainers.

27. Do you have trainers that will understand the special needs of our agency?

Our trainers are often assigned according to their specific fields of expertise. Each is trained to customize our programs to meet the needs and budget of each client.