When it came time for the “output phase” of our HIA Poland fellowship, we were all excited to see what we would learn and what we would create. Upon learning our group and topic assignments, we each delved into individual research. Elżbieta Kwiecińska has studied and led workshops on the topic of anti-Semitism before, so we at first turned to her for guidance. It was after conversations with Elżbieta and other Polish fellows in the program as well as HIA staff and some of our speakers that we realized we had a unique opportunity to tackle the huge, historic issue of anti-Semitism with a new and fresh approach - through talking about the power of language. Clara Kent had studied linguistic social theory in the past, so she headed up the theoretical basis for the project, while Vera Wedekind jumped into brainstorming workshop activity ideas. When the time came for the “Training of Trainers” workshop, we were already prepared with our main ideas and themes. It was very exciting for us to learn from each other and enjoy the benefits of interdisciplinary exchange and group work, e.g. neither Vera nor Elżbieta had studied linguistic social theory before, so our different knowledge complemented each other.
The “Training of Trainers” workshop provided some valuable skills and we were able to meet together several times to build the framework for our workshop. In the last week we were all able to work together well to build towards our final result. Perhaps the most challenging thing was finding time to meet in our busy HIA schedules and dealing with issues of linguistic and academic differences. Yet it was this same diversity of experience and background that proved to be the most enjoyable for us. The opportunity to work, discuss, and plan with such a unique group of activists proved invigorating as we put the final touches on our workshop scenarios.
All in all, we learned not only about workshops or anti-Semitic language, but also how to work together in diverse teams, each using their unique background experience to make the team better.
Clara Kent, Vera Wedekind , Elżbieta Kwiecińska
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