Creating Space: Wellness Reflection Series
Uplift Oregon’s six-part wellness series for state employees of color
Employees of the state of Oregon play a critical role in moving Oregon forward. State employees care for our green spaces, our roads, our schools, and so much more. And when the state is facing a crisis like we did with the Coronavirus pandemic, state employees are on the frontlines keeping our communities safe.
The state of Oregon workforce is vibrant and diverse, but often, state employees of color feel underrepresented, marginalized, and even unsafe in their work environment. In the places we live, work, and play there is a false narrative that healing must be done outside of the workplace. That professionalism does not have space for healing or room for wellness. And for many people of color, that false narrative can be experienced as “there is no room for me,” creating a culture of silence, isolation, and fear.
That’s why Uplift Oregon is hosting a six-part education and support series for state employees of color in Oregon, to provide the space and opportunity to reflect on the fullness of their identity. The six workshops will focus on physical, emotional, and spiritual health, utilizing trauma-informed and anti-racist lenses. Our hope is that attendees will leave the workshop with increased knowledge about wellness and a larger community of support.
If you are a state employee of color and in a position represented by a union, please fill out the interest form to attend the series and someone from Uplift Oregon will be in touch soon:
Through education and connection, the workshop series will begin to help guide the attendees to foster their own wellness rooted in their individual culture, heritage, and community. The six sessions will take place over the course of six weeks starting in September. Attendees are asked to attend all six sessions.
Part 1: Tuesday, September 13 from 5:00pm – 6:30pm – Welcome, Introductions & Overview
Part 2: Tuesday, September 20 from 5:00pm – 6:30pm – Emotional Wellness
Part 3: Tuesday, September 27 from 5:00pm – 6:30pm – Physical Wellness
Part 4: Tuesday, October 3 from 5:00pm – 6:30pm – Spiritual Wellness
Part 5: Tuesday, October 10 from 5:00pm – 6:30pm – Community Wellness
Part 6: Tuesday, October 17 from 5:00pm – 6:30pm – Continuing My Wellness Journey
Participation in the workshops may involve engaging in challenging topics and conversations. The expectation is that you can remain in a place of grace for yourselves and others during the workshop. We ask that you keep all conversations and discussions in the workshop confidential. However, one of the hosts is a mandated reporter, so be aware that confidentiality does not apply in situations of serious harm to self, others, or vulnerable populations.
Facilitators
The workshops will be facilitated by Andrea Redeau, a licensed professional counselor who specializes in the treatment of individuals who suffer from emotional disconnection, addiction, and mental health issues, and Dr. General Johnson, the Wellness and Education Coordinator for Uplift Oregon. You can read more about them below.
Andrea Redeau
Andrea Redeau, MA, LPC, is a licensed mental therapist, drug and alcohol counselor, and clinical supervisor for those seeking supervision in the state of Oregon. She currently stands as an appointed board member on the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists, fostering representation in all aspects of the mental health field.
Her practice Uniquely You Counseling, LLC primarily serves BIPOC individuals and those desiring to explore the intersectionality between race, privilege, and presenting mental health conditions. Andrea strives to use a lens of equity and social justice, ensuring that all clients are served from a place of understanding and healing. With a little humor, Andrea is focused on providing education in a collaborative and inviting approach.
Dr. General Johnson
Dr. General has spent years working in Higher Education as a Director/Program Manager, Health Studies/Public Health Professor, and Developer of Equity-Based Educational Programs and Mentoring Initiatives. He was a trainer for the Oregon Health Authority’s Covid-19 Rapid Response Training Team. In his role as Uplift’s Wellness Education and Training Coordinator, Dr. General leads collaborative efforts to improve equitable and engaging educational materials focused on individual and community wellness for state employees.
He holds a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from the National University of Natural Medicine. He is nearing completion of his Educational Doctorate in Leadership for Change from Fielding Graduate University and the Public Policy and Leadership Credential from Harvard University.
He is originally from Washington, DC, and currently resides in Portland, where he enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Uplift Oregon is a program of RISE Partnership that provides workshops and training that are rooted in equity, so that all state employees contribute to, and benefit from, a healthy, inclusive, and empowering workplace. As a first-of-its-kind labor-management partnership, the founding partners — the state of Oregon, SEIU 503, and AFSCME Council 75 — sought to address key issues facing the state workforce and charged the program with providing training and education in benefits, wellness, and equity.