Cultural Competency and Training
Carla is an award-winning author, public speaker, curriculum developer, and workshop facilitator / trainer in areas of anti-racism, LGBTQIA+ affirmation, community advocacy and activism, trauma-informed care, diversity/equity/inclusion, and cultural competency.
Workshops
Diversity and Intersectionality Workshops
Workshops designed to encourage inclusive and productive environment for congregations, businesses and communities, focusing on diversity and intersectionality.
Activism Workshops
Workshops designed to empower individuals and groups in healthy and effective activism or community engagement.
Creative Writing Workshops
Workshops designed to inspire and guide creative processes. Available for adults, youth, or children.
Presentations of Note
- Poor People’s Campaign
- PA Early Childhood Education Summit
- Lutheran Camping Corporation
- Rutgers University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Columbia University
- Arizona State University
- Penn State University
Testimonials
Pastor Tanya Brubaker
Carla has been inspiring me with her work since she was poet laureate for the City of York. She has been committed to being a voice for the marginalized through her work with many organizations. Carla revived Juneteenth celebrations in our community, educates organizations such as ELCA and non-profits locally and nationally. Persons from LGBTQIA+, black, Hispanic and other communities whose voices have long been silenced can find hope, encouragement and truth in Carla's writings.
Pastor Pam Illick, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
I am happy and honored to tell you about my colleague, Carla Christopher. Her work in diversity training is so Christ centered. She is firm in her convictions and always speaks the truth with kindness and respect. I appreciate Carla’s wisdom and her approach to the scriptures. As a person learning how to be an ally for my siblings of color and those in the LGBTQIA+ community, Carla’s coaching and teaching encourages me to be a better listener and to see Christ in all people. I feel safe sharing my feelings and thoughts with Carla because I know that she is listening and that she will speak the truth to me in ways that help me to let go of the negative systemic messages I have been conditioned to believe are true. Her writing speaks a reality that touches my heart and moves me to become a better, more open person.
Helen Knapp, York Area Poet & Elementary School Teacher
I just love the way Carla connects with people. Some people speak, some people lecture...Carla 'communicates'. There is a passion, a concern, an interest and a fascination in her every conversation. Whether it's mentoring children and young adults, talking openly with a class of college students or a reporter or performing on stage before a handful or a hundred - Carla has the same energy, enthusiasm and total engagement.
Dan Powers, Member of Heidelberg UCC
When Carla preaches, doors open. Not just doors, but interior doors, closet doors, basement doors. Whether it's spontaneous or planned, scriptural or poetry, perhaps both, it's an invitation to personally examine and evaluate where you and your soul stand. Sometimes I feel in congruence, while at other times, challenged. Each time, a journey. And, I feel safe. I feel safe that that path I am following Carla on with all of it's traps and triggers in the end, will find me in a place of decision and direction. Carla's preaching gives us a beautiful metaphorical compass. One that empowers each and everyone of us to decide what needs to be done, and how much. And yet, Carla applies proper urgency to the continuum, and we find ourselves motivated to make heaven on Earth, knowing that we shall return for more. Carla is good for the mind, body and soul.
Sydney CH Benson, Esquire, Benson Legal Services
Challenging in love is what Carla Christopher does. She can confront someone with clear bias or racism in their heart with a compassion that overcomes, not only the individual holding bias, but those within the same space of the confrontation. Her words are carefully chosen and delicately delivered. Yes, she wants to change people views on racism and bias. More than that, she wants to create an atmosphere of unity and connectedness creating an unstoppable diverse team of compassion ninjas, loving people to change and preparing people for battle.