Exploring Identity and Perspective Taking

Recognizing identity as it relates to oneself and others (i.e. culture, sexual orientation, religion, socio-economic status) and understanding how this affects and influences one’s worldview and perspective.

Understand and recognize one’s own identities and how they influence individual perceptions and worldview. Increase awareness about the influence of others’ identities on their own perspectives and worldview. Knowledge of tools, strategies, and resources that support exploring and understanding identities and differences.

Understanding Bias and Prejudice

Recognizing the effects of bias (i.e. an inclination, favorable or unfavorable, toward something, usually considered unreasoned) and prejudice (i.e. the affective component of bias, which include negative feelings typically based on unsupported generalizations or stereotypes) on one’s perspective and society.

Understand that everyone has biases and prejudices. Increase awareness of how biases and prejudices are reflected in our words and actions (either unconsciously or implicitly). Increase awareness of how biases and prejudice are present in organizational informal and formal procedures and policies. Knowledge of tools, resources, and strategies designed to recognize bias and prejudice in individuals and organizations.

Engaging in Dialogue

Learning to communicate across differing perspectives to build a shared understanding of a topic or idea.

Understand that conversations can touch upon sensitive and complex topics. Increase awareness to approach conversations with curiosity, respect, and empathy. Knowledge of tools, strategies, and resources to have constructive dialogues.

Addressing Inequities

Recognizing, defining, and dismantling the structures, procedures, and policies which perpetuate the unequal treatment of a category of people in relation to others.

Understand the existence of inequities in almost every culture and organization. Increase awareness of the importance to promote accountability, transparency, and clear communications when addressing inequities in organizations. Knowledge of the tools, strategies, and resources designed to reframe inequitable systems at all levels of the organization.

Creating Inclusive Environments

Building environments in which members of any group can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and empowered to fully participate.

The ability for all community members, especially leaders, to create environments in which members of any group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all social categories.