Michael Obsatz to speak at VCSU

Michael Obsatz, nationally known author, family counselor and leader of workshops on parenting and mentoring skills, will speak at 7:30 p.m. Monday in Vangstad Auditorium on the VCSU campus.

Obsatz, professor emeritus at Macalester College, is the author of the books “Raising Nonviolent Children in a Violent Works,” “From Stalemate to Soulmate” and “Healing Our Anger.” He is the producer of the bullying prevention film, “That’s Enough,” and co-producer of the one hour documentary, “Journeyman,” a film about mentoring adolescent boys. He also conducts parenting workshops around the country on a variety of family issues.

His presentation Monday night is titled, “What Do Kids Need? Raising Healthy, Compassionate, Mature Kids Amidst a ‘Culture of Disrespect’.”

He will focus on exploring some of the pressures and messages affecting American youth. Participants will learn strategies to encourage and empower youth by helping them:

Set clear boundaries.

Learn Interpersonal skills.

Overcome gender role and racial stereotypes.

Resist temptations such as sexual promiscuity, violence, and drugs.

Develop a clear sense of personal meaning and purpose.

Be able to navigate the systems in which they live – school, work, family.

Develop an effective “feeling” vocabulary.

Focus on building community rather than being self-absorbed.

Learn empathy skills.

Experience positive self-esteem and respect for others.

Obsatz will be in Valley City for two days conducting sessions for a variety of groups including teachers and support staff of the Valley City Public Schools and pre-service teachers at VCSU.

The Monday night presentation is sponsored by the campus/community group, “What in the World Is Going On?” There is no admission charge and public is invited to attend. For more information, call 701-845-7310.

Tags: news, vcsu, obsatz, author, speaker