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Preparing for DEI Training: A Guide to Creating a Safe and Productive Space
As you prepare for DEI training, it’s important to come in with an open mind and a willingness to engage in thoughtful reflection. The training will cover complex and sometimes challenging topics, and we want to ensure that everyone feels ready to participate in a productive and respectful environment. Here are some key points to consider as you prepare:
1. Approach with Openness and Positivity
Assume Positive Intent: Everyone comes to this training with different experiences and perspectives. Approach the content and your colleagues with curiosity and a desire to learn. Mistakes or misunderstandings are part of the process—focus on growing together.
Be Willing to Be Uncomfortable: DEI discussions often require us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and society. Recognize that discomfort can be a sign of growth and that it’s okay to not have all the answers.
2. Centering Others’ Experiences
Listen Actively: DEI training isn’t just about speaking—it’s about listening. Make space for others’ voices, especially those from marginalized groups. Be present and attentive as people share their experiences.
Be Patient with Yourself and Others: It’s natural for some people to need more time to process new information. If you feel triggered or have an emotional reaction, allow yourself time to reflect on it after the session. Focus on understanding and supporting others in their learning journey as well.
3. Dealing with Emotion in DEI Work
For Marginalized Communities: If you come from a marginalized group, understand that DEI work can stir up strong emotions—whether it's frustration, anger, or even hope. It's important to honor your feelings, but also to take care of yourself during the training. Feel free to engage as much or as little as you’re comfortable with.
For Allies: If you're in a position of privilege, it’s essential to engage with humility. Recognize your role in supporting others and take responsibility for learning and unlearning patterns of bias and inequity.
4. High-Level Topics We’ll Cover
Self-Awareness and Reflection: Understanding how our personal biases shape our interactions and decisions. This includes recognizing the impact of our unconscious biases and how to challenge them.
Cultural Understanding and Sensitivity: Developing a deeper awareness of cultural differences and how they influence communication, behavior, and decision-making.
Systems of Inequity: Understanding how inequality is built into systems and structures, and learning how we can actively work to dismantle these systems.
Allyship and Accountability: Building the skills to be an effective ally to marginalized groups and taking accountability for making changes within our organization and beyond.
5. What to Expect from the Training
Interactive Discussions and Reflection: This training will be a blend of learning and dialogue. You’ll be encouraged to reflect on your own experiences, share insights, and engage in conversations that challenge current ways of thinking.
Actionable Strategies: We will provide tangible tools and strategies to help you create more inclusive behaviors and practices within your team and the organization as a whole.
6. Preparing for the Session
Come Ready to Listen and Reflect: The training is most effective when everyone is actively engaged. Approach it with an open mind, ready to learn and share.
Prepare to Commit to Change: DEI work is ongoing, and we want to inspire you to take what you learn and apply it beyond the training session. Be ready to challenge yourself and your colleagues to move from intention to action.