AMAECHI PERFORMANCE SYSTEMS

Diversity Day Feedback

Paul N. Mayo, Director of Diversity, New Canaan Country School collated the following feedback from faculty and coaches who attended the Organisational Harmony event:

I LOVED IT! I thought he was “real” to steal the 8th graders’ words. I like that he was honest and approachable and that he has real life experience through the center. The things I took away were the we don’t have to understand everything, but I respect you and what he said about the small things making the big difference, like the look from a teacher or a kind word. Lastly, I did appreciate what he said about being gay isn’t a lifestyle, it’s a life. I think that was he most powerful statement.

Mr. Amaechi’s presentation was valuable in to NCCS’s effort to discuss sexual orientation and gender issues in our school. He was able to address some of the fears and misperceptions. The parents and teachers that attended the evening workshop walked away with some solid tools on how to address this facet of diversity at our school. His demeanour and ability to address the issues of inclusion were informative for our faculty and Board members. His presentation has already made an impact in our Multicultural Committee and Board Diversity Committee.

Organisational Harmony Workshop Feedback

Here is a collection of testimonials, feedback, thoughts and questions prompted by the “Organisational Harmony Diversity Day”

We miss John here already! I think he underestimates how powerful, bright and open he is in a way that resonates with so many. I am tremendously pleased with what he brought to this community and "how" he brought it.
Lynn Sullivan MS Ed.
Dean of Community Affairs
King Low-Heywood Thomas School

Lynn Sullivan, Dean of Community affairs, King Low-Heywood Thomas School collated the following feedback from faculty and coaches who attended an Organisational Harmony event:

I was really impressed with how our Middle School students responded to Dr. Amaechi's words. To hear them speak of how they could relate to him was impressive. When asked for further explanation, the students talked about how "real" he was. He spoke to them using imagery that they understood. One young man very succinctly stated, "He spoke to us about these important issues. He did not talk down to us like other adults do." I am appreciative of how well Dr. Amaechi's words resonated with these teens.
Bobby Walker, Jr.
Head of Middle School
King Low-Heywood Thomas School

I was very glad to meet you, and truly believe that your day here at King left us in such a better place regarding diversity, identity and inclusion. I spoke with many students and coaches and all commented on the positiveness of your visit. One coach in particular expressed how different the day went than he thought it would, and how he realized how perceptions really are perceived from his/our actions, both verbal and expressive, when we speak to our students/athletes. Another example was from a student who expressed how he appreciated your talk as it helped him to have more confidence to be able to stand up to others and be more supportive of all of our students...it was great for him, myself, and others.
Thomas I. Decker
Director of Athletics and Physical Education
King Low-Heywood Thomas School

I think John Amaechi gave a great presentation by telling us his stories. His personal narrative of himself is not what one or the norm would expect just by looking at him. Once hearing him speak, it's lets us know that we shouldn't put people inside of a box nor have preconceived notions before really getting to know the person. His ability to be very blunt, honest and open is often what is needed to create dialogue. The last point that hit home is not allowing our children's environment to be toxic, especially with our own preconceive notions.