My Story™
(Understanding Inequity)
Can you spot the signs of bias around you?
Inequity isn't always loud or obvious. It can be a quiet, heavy presence—a look, a word, a moment that leaves a lasting impact. It is felt in the subtle slights and in the glaring acts of exclusion, shaping the experiences of those who encounter it. The stories we hear and the stories we live bring to light the very real effects of prejudice, revealing how deep and personal the issue truly is.
My Story™ is a transformative training program that goes beyond statistics to explore the human experience behind inequity. Through powerful personal narratives and thought-provoking scenarios, the program opens up conversations on discrimination, bias, and the often-overlooked struggles faced by marginalized communities. Participants will learn to recognize the impact of their actions, develop meaningful allyship, and take active steps toward creating a more inclusive and equitable environment.
How does daily hate affect a person?
It breaks down their sense of safety and erodes their self-worth. Over time, it turns everyday life into something they dread.
What Did I Do to Him?
Summary: A woman faces daily harassment after work, with a man waiting to insult her and show hateful symbols. The constant encounters leave her scared, sad, and emotionally drained, eventually forcing her to leave the job.
How does family bias challenge a child's friendship?
It creates internal conflict, making the child question their values and the worth of the friendship.
That's When the Battle Began
Summary: A man recalls a summer job on a farm as a teenager, where he befriended a girl of a different race who made the hard work enjoyable. Wanting to show appreciation, he planned to buy her a gift, despite resistance from his family due to their differences.
How do racist incidents at school affect a teenager's life?
Racial offenses can profoundly impact a teenager's self-esteem and sense of belonging, making them feel marginalized and misunderstood. These experiences can shape their identity, leading them to grapple with societal biases that overshadow their individuality.
That Threw Me Off.
Summary: A coworker expresses frustration with their boss. Hearing this, a coworker advises viewer to report any potential threats immediately, emphasizing that it's not okay to take intimidating statements lightly.
Scenarios Covered
- Experiencing slurs and harassment: Employees share encounters with direct insults and hostility.
- Dealing with discrimination from colleagues and supervisors: Stories highlight challenges of bias and unfair treatment from peers and superiors.
- Navigating biases in team dynamics and leadership: Examples show how prejudices affect team interactions and decisions.
- Addressing microaggressions and subtle discrimination: Participants discuss the impact of everyday discriminatory remarks and actions.
- Managing personal and professional impacts racial inequity: Reflections on how inequity affects mental health and career progression.
- Responding to racially charged incidents: Scenarios demonstrate effective ways to handle and resolve conflicts.
Key Benefits for Trainees
- Enhanced Awareness: Gain a deeper understanding of inequity and its impact on individuals and organizations.
- Empathy Building: By hearing real-life stories, trainees develop greater empathy towards those affected by discrimination.
- Improved Communication: Learn effective strategies to discuss and address issues sensitively.
- Conflict Resolution: The program equips trainees with skills to manage and resolve conflicts arising from biases.
- Reduced Unconscious Bias: By recognizing and addressing subtle forms of bias, trainees learn how to mitigate discriminatory behaviors in the workplace.
- Cultural Competence: The training enhances trainees' appreciation for diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Positive Workplace Culture: Trainees contribute to creating a more inclusive and respectful workplace environment.
Competencies Covered
- Self-Awareness: Recognizing personal biases, behaviors, and how they affect interactions with others.
- Empathy Development: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, especially those from different cultural or racial backgrounds.
- Communication Skills: Enhancing communication skills to address and discuss racial issues effectively.
- Conflict Resolution: Learning techniques to resolve conflicts arising from racial biases.
- Inclusive Leadership: Adopting inclusive leadership practices that promote diversity and equality.
- Bias Awareness and Mitigation: Identifying conscious and unconscious biases and taking steps to reduce their impact.
- Advocacy for Inclusion: Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion actively in the workplace and challenging discriminatory practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you do if you experience racial slurs and harassment at work?
What should you do if you experience racial slurs and harassment at work?
Report the incident to HR or a trusted supervisor and seek support from colleagues or employee resource groups.
How can you support a colleague facing discrimination from a supervisor?
How can you support a colleague facing discrimination from a supervisor?
Offer emotional support, encourage them to document incidents, and guide them on reporting procedures.
What are some signs of racial biases in team dynamics?
What are some signs of racial biases in team dynamics?
Unequal distribution of tasks, exclusion from decision-making, and biased performance evaluations.
What are microaggressions, and how can I recognize them in the workplace?
What are microaggressions, and how can I recognize them in the workplace?
Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional, comments or behaviors that convey bias. Recognize them by paying attention to comments that may reinforce stereotypes or question someone’s belonging.
How can you address microaggressions in the workplace?
How can you address microaggressions in the workplace?
Politely but firmly call out the behavior, explain its impact, and suggest more inclusive language or actions.
What steps can you take to manage the personal impact of inequity?
What steps can you take to manage the personal impact of inequity?
Seek support from mentors, engage in self-care practices, and consider professional counseling if needed.
How should you respond to a racially charged incident at work?
How should you respond to a racially charged incident at work?
Stay calm, address the behavior directly if safe to do so, and report the incident to HR.
Why is cultural awareness important in the workplace?
Why is cultural awareness important in the workplace?
It fosters mutual respect, improves teamwork, and enhances overall organizational performance.
How can I respond if I’m treated with hostility in a social setting due to my appearance?
How can I respond if I’m treated with hostility in a social setting due to my appearance?
While it’s important to prioritize your safety, calmly assert your right to be treated with respect and consider reporting the incident if it occurs in a public place or organization.
How can inclusive leadership benefit an organization?
How can inclusive leadership benefit an organization?
It encourages diverse perspectives, drives innovation, and creates a more equitable workplace.
What if I don't have a training program for racial inequity prevention in place?
Here are some of the risks that may arise:
- Legal and Ethical Vulnerabilities: Failing to address discrimination could expose you and your organization to legal risks and damaging the company's reputation.
- Poor Communication: You may struggle to effectively discuss racial issues, potentially causing misunderstandings and conflicts.
- Reduced Professional Growth Opportunities: You might miss out on career advancement and leadership roles.
- Conflict Escalation: You might find it challenging to manage and resolve disputes arising from racial biases.
- Leadership Gaps: Failing to adopt inclusive leadership practices could hinder your ability to foster an equitable team environment.
- Cultural Insensitivity: Lack of cultural competence might lead to insensitive actions or remarks, damaging workplace morale.
- Negative Workplace Culture: The overall work environment may suffer, affecting employee satisfaction and productivity.
Program Options & Available Formats
RUNTIME
Video Length: 15 Minutes
Program Option: 2-Hour Instructor-Led Sessions
MATERIALS INCLUDED
Leader's Guide, Self-Study Guide, Workshop Presentation, Workplace Violence Prevention Plan
LANGUAGES
English,Spanish (NA), Portuguese (Brazilian), French, Japanese, German
TARGET AUDIENCE
Hiring Managers & Supervisors, Human Resource Professionals
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