Brilliant.
-bell hooks, Acclaimed Intellectual, Feminist Theorist, Cultural Critic, Artist, and Writer
Natalie,
Today's class was amazing! It was an incredible learning experience. Because of the inviting and engaging way you and Jason facilitated the game and conveyed the associated facts, the students were willing to share their perspectives, ask insightful questions, and reflect on how the game related to them and their teaching. I have been hearing from them, they are charged up and inspired. They also felt so safe and welcomed, it was highly meaningful for them. I encouraged them to become more involved by participating in activities and events sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Experience, and I shared the website address.
Thanks again to you and Jason for a rewarding class session.
-Dr. David Nicholson, Professor of Education, Stevenson University
I am a creature full of ignorance but hungry for knowledge. Factuality met me where I was at, taught me, and left me inspired to seek a deeper understanding of American (and perhaps global) structural inequality. I played in a group of extraordinarily "woke" young people, which reminded me that, as a white man, I must continually pursue an understanding of the struggles of my compatriots of diverse colors, creeds, and perspectives. I spent several days feeling embarrassed that I had not thought deeply about whether people of Asian descent ought to be considered people of color. But then I realized, that's why Natalie developed this game. It's an instrument of powerful, much-needed education. I think it belongs in all our public institutions-- schools, government offices, libraries-- and with luck, private ones too. I wish Natalie & Factuality all the the success they most heartily deserve.
-Jacob Scharfman, 18-24, Freelance Singer,
Happy 2017! I know I already wrote you a heartfelt testimonial, BUT the Obama’s asked us all to share a story about an American who inspires us, as they develop their Foundation... so I did... and I wanted to give you the chance to read it!
MY INSPIRATION: Natalie Gillard. Nat has developed a board game, that operates similar to Monopoly, called "Factuality," as a tool for educational activism. Per her website (factualitythegame.com), it's a "90-minute crash course on structural inequality in America." Instead of thimbles and top hats, the 8 tokens are men and women from America's largest racial categories. They all possess differing race and gender based privileges.
What I like best about "Factuality" is that it's non-judgmental. Facts are presented. Discussions are facilitated. No one is directly victimized or vilified. Someone recently said to me, "modern liberalism is the only church that makes you feel bad the first time you show up." But "Factuality" forgoes moral accusations, hand-wringing, or guilt-laying. And that's why I think it could be a major instrument in creating conversation in this deeply divided America.
-Jacob Scharfman, 18-24, Freelance Singer
Thank you for coming to College Board yesterday! Those of us who participated are still talking about it today!
-Andrea Bowdon, 25-34, The College Board
Working with you was such a blast. I grew a lot and I have so much to learn from you. Your presence in large groups and the way you use your own experiences for teaching shows a deep commitment for social change and the amount of work you've done to create such an amazing tool for educating people on institutionalized oppression is astounding. The gender and sexual orientation aspects of the game were also amazing. Also, when you said this is the most genuine thing you've ever made makes so much sense. You are CRUSHING IT!
Okay I'm going to stop fangirling now you rule.
-Megan Gilbert, 18-24, Skill Set Facilitator
Finally got a chance to catch my breath and enter all the feedback data so here it is! And I will gladly tell any institution interested that it is the best program we've ever had and the ONLY program where our RAs are asking for it to be longer. Thanks again!!!
-Katy Mangold, 35-44, Associate Director of Residential Services, Muhlenberg College
Natalie's FACTUALITY was an eye opener into learning more about socioeconomic diversity in an innovative way. During January Community Assistant training, Natalie introduced us to the game and I really did not expect the game to give us such an emotional reaction. Some of the Community Assistants cried because it was heartbreaking to see how race impacts your life financially and socially. To see life through another person's shoes changes your perspective on how prejudices may affect others. FACTUALITY was a great way to expose stereotypes and prejudices that we do not always pay attention to. I played FACTUALITY three times and each time was a social awakening to prejudices held by the students at Notre Dame of Maryland.
-Janae Perry, 18-24, Student at Notre Dame of Maryland University
Factuality is a great way to bring light to many issues and inequalities in our systems. I played Factuality for the first time with peers I worked with daily. We all were able to see how different people are treated within the same system. I would recommend this tool to any organization with a diverse array of audiences, employees/staff, and members. It is important to be aware of the issues and this is an easy way to speak about them without calling people out specifically and making it tense.
-Bek M, 18-24, Student 15', Notre Dame of Maryland University
I wanted to let you know that I thought last week’s sessions went great; it was a meaningful experience for me both to partake and bear witness to the transformations and conversations that also took place among the faculty participants. It was truly an honor being called upon to help you out with such an amazing teaching tool that you yourself created. If you do generate a facilitator training system as you move the program forward, please consider enlisting my help in any capacity you see fit.
-Kristin Pinkowski, 25-34, Assistant Director, Operation Teach
I enjoyed Factuality and believe it will be incredibly useful in helping educate about inequalities in America. It's format makes it easy to play, and the content is presented in a thoughtful manner. Factuality will provide educators with the opportunity to navigate important subjects in the classroom and beyond.
-Rei Champion, 25-34, Program Director, The DREAM Program, Inc.
We played this game with our admissions and financial aid team as an educational and bonding experience. This was one of the best training exercises I have ever done with my staff. It helped to open people's eyes and hearts to the students we serve. I believe that it also enabled us to expand and change the lenses with which we view the world. Natalie Gillard has done a wonderful job of creating something that helps to awaken you to disparities and injustice while making the experience engaging and a springboard for discussion. Great job!
-Angela Baumler, Director of Admissions, 35-44
-bell hooks, Acclaimed Intellectual, Feminist Theorist, Cultural Critic, Artist, and Writer
Natalie,
Today's class was amazing! It was an incredible learning experience. Because of the inviting and engaging way you and Jason facilitated the game and conveyed the associated facts, the students were willing to share their perspectives, ask insightful questions, and reflect on how the game related to them and their teaching. I have been hearing from them, they are charged up and inspired. They also felt so safe and welcomed, it was highly meaningful for them. I encouraged them to become more involved by participating in activities and events sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Experience, and I shared the website address.
Thanks again to you and Jason for a rewarding class session.
-Dr. David Nicholson, Professor of Education, Stevenson University
I am a creature full of ignorance but hungry for knowledge. Factuality met me where I was at, taught me, and left me inspired to seek a deeper understanding of American (and perhaps global) structural inequality. I played in a group of extraordinarily "woke" young people, which reminded me that, as a white man, I must continually pursue an understanding of the struggles of my compatriots of diverse colors, creeds, and perspectives. I spent several days feeling embarrassed that I had not thought deeply about whether people of Asian descent ought to be considered people of color. But then I realized, that's why Natalie developed this game. It's an instrument of powerful, much-needed education. I think it belongs in all our public institutions-- schools, government offices, libraries-- and with luck, private ones too. I wish Natalie & Factuality all the the success they most heartily deserve.
-Jacob Scharfman, 18-24, Freelance Singer,
Happy 2017! I know I already wrote you a heartfelt testimonial, BUT the Obama’s asked us all to share a story about an American who inspires us, as they develop their Foundation... so I did... and I wanted to give you the chance to read it!
MY INSPIRATION: Natalie Gillard. Nat has developed a board game, that operates similar to Monopoly, called "Factuality," as a tool for educational activism. Per her website (factualitythegame.com), it's a "90-minute crash course on structural inequality in America." Instead of thimbles and top hats, the 8 tokens are men and women from America's largest racial categories. They all possess differing race and gender based privileges.
What I like best about "Factuality" is that it's non-judgmental. Facts are presented. Discussions are facilitated. No one is directly victimized or vilified. Someone recently said to me, "modern liberalism is the only church that makes you feel bad the first time you show up." But "Factuality" forgoes moral accusations, hand-wringing, or guilt-laying. And that's why I think it could be a major instrument in creating conversation in this deeply divided America.
-Jacob Scharfman, 18-24, Freelance Singer
Thank you for coming to College Board yesterday! Those of us who participated are still talking about it today!
-Andrea Bowdon, 25-34, The College Board
Working with you was such a blast. I grew a lot and I have so much to learn from you. Your presence in large groups and the way you use your own experiences for teaching shows a deep commitment for social change and the amount of work you've done to create such an amazing tool for educating people on institutionalized oppression is astounding. The gender and sexual orientation aspects of the game were also amazing. Also, when you said this is the most genuine thing you've ever made makes so much sense. You are CRUSHING IT!
Okay I'm going to stop fangirling now you rule.
-Megan Gilbert, 18-24, Skill Set Facilitator
Finally got a chance to catch my breath and enter all the feedback data so here it is! And I will gladly tell any institution interested that it is the best program we've ever had and the ONLY program where our RAs are asking for it to be longer. Thanks again!!!
-Katy Mangold, 35-44, Associate Director of Residential Services, Muhlenberg College
Natalie's FACTUALITY was an eye opener into learning more about socioeconomic diversity in an innovative way. During January Community Assistant training, Natalie introduced us to the game and I really did not expect the game to give us such an emotional reaction. Some of the Community Assistants cried because it was heartbreaking to see how race impacts your life financially and socially. To see life through another person's shoes changes your perspective on how prejudices may affect others. FACTUALITY was a great way to expose stereotypes and prejudices that we do not always pay attention to. I played FACTUALITY three times and each time was a social awakening to prejudices held by the students at Notre Dame of Maryland.
-Janae Perry, 18-24, Student at Notre Dame of Maryland University
Factuality is a great way to bring light to many issues and inequalities in our systems. I played Factuality for the first time with peers I worked with daily. We all were able to see how different people are treated within the same system. I would recommend this tool to any organization with a diverse array of audiences, employees/staff, and members. It is important to be aware of the issues and this is an easy way to speak about them without calling people out specifically and making it tense.
-Bek M, 18-24, Student 15', Notre Dame of Maryland University
I wanted to let you know that I thought last week’s sessions went great; it was a meaningful experience for me both to partake and bear witness to the transformations and conversations that also took place among the faculty participants. It was truly an honor being called upon to help you out with such an amazing teaching tool that you yourself created. If you do generate a facilitator training system as you move the program forward, please consider enlisting my help in any capacity you see fit.
-Kristin Pinkowski, 25-34, Assistant Director, Operation Teach
I enjoyed Factuality and believe it will be incredibly useful in helping educate about inequalities in America. It's format makes it easy to play, and the content is presented in a thoughtful manner. Factuality will provide educators with the opportunity to navigate important subjects in the classroom and beyond.
-Rei Champion, 25-34, Program Director, The DREAM Program, Inc.
We played this game with our admissions and financial aid team as an educational and bonding experience. This was one of the best training exercises I have ever done with my staff. It helped to open people's eyes and hearts to the students we serve. I believe that it also enabled us to expand and change the lenses with which we view the world. Natalie Gillard has done a wonderful job of creating something that helps to awaken you to disparities and injustice while making the experience engaging and a springboard for discussion. Great job!
-Angela Baumler, Director of Admissions, 35-44