Monday, November 16, 2015

Donna Hicks, who has served as a facilitator during international conflicts and as a consultant to major business and government organizations, will speak about dignity at the University of North Carolina Wilmington at 6 p.m. Nov. 17. The event, part of the Women and Global Leadership series, will be in Lumina Theater, inside the Fisher Student Center. Admission is free to the public and the UNCW community.

“The seemingly simple concept Dr. Hicks promotes can have a tremendous positive impact when it becomes an integral part of an organization’s culture,” said Vibeke Olson, associate professor of art and art history and interim director of the Women’s Studies and Resource Center, which is presenting the lecture. “From a global political stage to interpersonal relationships, approaching a problem with dignity helps us see the value in each other as human beings, thereby helping us make connections and reach understanding.”

Hicks is the author of Dignity: The Essential Role it Plays in Resolving Conflict, which explores this motivating force. The book offers a set of strategies for becoming aware of dignity’s vital role in our lives and solutions to put it into practice in everyday life. Among Hicks’ “Essential Elements of Dignity” are principles familiar to many organizations: acceptance of identity, recognition of others’ contributions, inclusion, fairness and empowerment, to name a few.

The Women and Global Leadership Series is made possible by the support of Dr. Todd William McCune. Following her lecture, Hicks will take questions and will be available to sign copies of her book.

-- Tricia Vance

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