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February 07, 2006
Relationship building is all in a day's work for Herb
Herbert Perkins has piles of papers, fresh fruit, and tea about his small office in the Wesley Center. Different pieces of African art also adorn his walls while large windows give the room an inviting glow.
Perkins is the Theological Exploration of Vocation and Social Justice professor, and his days are full of people and relationships, simply because that’s his job. His duties include helping different organizations work together, creating programs and assisting students in establishing missions to better serve the communities in which they will live after graduation.
The Wesley Center, where Perkins’ office is located, is a place where “different programs come together╔[to] deal with issues of common interest,” Perkins said. The Center is used to widen views and create a network for organizations, students and other members of the Hamline community to collaborate and reach common goals. The Center focuses on personal growth, reflection, self exploration and leadership skills. The focus on personal growth opens discussion without being confrontational.
Perkins created the Anti-Racism Study dialogue circle, modeled off work he had done in Michigan. The circle consists of 12-18 staff, faculty, students, or members of the surrounding Hamline community area. The circle meets for 10 to 12 weeks and each session last about two and a half hours.
The meetings have an agenda, but the point is to stimulate discussion so there is no time limit on how long they spend on each point or topic. Most meetings are similar in the sense that each group creates its own set of guidelines, which include the boundaries and expectations for the members participating within the circle. The circle is also used for personal reflection on a piece selected by the leader(s) of the group. The “opportunity for people to reflect” makes the atmosphere relaxed and non-confrontational.
The group has personally reflected on the “ideas [from society] we take on that influence our relationships with others,” Perkins said. The circle’s social atmosphere is also important in developing relationships between the members. This is essential since racism is basically a “denial of relationships,” he said.
Another purpose of the circle is to give people leadership skills and better equip them to serve their communities. This includes teaching members how to begin their own circles. Students interested in participating in the circle can e-mail the Center to ensure a spot for them in the fall session.
Perkins has been at Hamline for three years and has enjoyed his time thus far. The best part of his job is coordinating and designing programs like the Anti-racism study dialogue circle. He has a doctorate in sociology, which he received from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Perkins worked at Michigan Grand Valley State University as an associate professor for Sociology and African American Studies, where he was tenured. He came to Minnesota to get his Masters in Divinity from the United Theological Seminary, so he could incorporate religious values, commitments, morality and ethics into social justice programs.
Herbert Perkins has piles of papers, fresh fruit, and tea about his small office in the Wesley Center. Different pieces of African art also adorn his walls while large windows give the room an inviting glow.
Perkins is the Theological Exploration of Vocation and Social Justice professor, and his days are full of people and relationships, simply because that’s his job. His duties include helping different organizations work together, creating programs and assisting students in establishing missions to better serve the communities in which they will live after graduation.
Posted by dwright at February 7, 2006 11:17 PM
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