Diversity Awareness

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Diversity Awareness



Programme

Opening Discussion

Discussion on Diversity

What does it mean to you?
What impact has diversity had on you in the workplace?
Why do you think it is important?

Review the preparation

Identify the areas of difficulty for each participant.

These might included:

Resistance
Fear
Unsure of skill set needed
Lack of understanding its importance

Are you like me?

People form into groups according to eye colour, skin colour, hobbies, and interests, sporty or not. We will look at a range of topics and notice who shares my views and who doesn't.

Terms of Reference

Using a series of visuals we explore the idea that everyone sees the world differently. Not only does everyone see the world differently, they think their view is the right one, and can't understand when someone does something that is so completely different from their own way of doing things.

Whose View Is It Anyway?

Having looked at the idea of how others see the world, we will then explore how certain groups may view Diversity.

Discussion on how we all do see the world differently and the impact this has on implementing this programme.

Assumptions

It is impossible not to make assumptions. However, it is often the case that people make things up (assumptions) and then act as though they are true. This exercise will look at some of the assumptions people made about the facilitators and how they made them.

Allowing Different Points of View

This exercise looks at how to defuse polarised arguments and turn them into conversations. It works with acknowledgment of someone else's argument even if it is diametrically opposed to yours. It is about building bridges and finding common ground.

Turning Points

Here we look at apoint, in each participant's life, when they became aware of the significance of Diversity in their life.

We also look at the recent legal developments and case studies that have been a major turning point for the current legislation.

The impact that one person or one incident can have on legislation.

Why Diversity is Important

Using a model to encourage brevity and passion, each person will prepare a 30 second presentation on valuing Diversity.

People to decide two or three things they will put into practise immediately, including setting short-term goals and long-term aspirations

Race Relations Awareness

From the preparation, we will look at the current areas within each person's remit where racism is apparent and potential difficulties exist for the implementation of the Race Relations Amendment Act.

We will also take a look at the various aspects of the Act and how it might be used as a tool of empowerment for participants.

Stereotype Issues

Each participant (including trainers) fill in little forms around different cultural groups, for example 'Americans Are...' 'Irish are...', 'Afro-Caribbeans are...' 'Whites are...' etc. It's done anonymously so encourage people to be honest.

These are then read out loud and participants discuss how they are affected by them.

We will then verbalise some of the biases and put them on flip charts.

Values

This is an exercise that looks at the individual's values.

Where do the lines cross; where are my own values matched by the values of the Act.

Where are there difficulties?
Where do my values not meet the values of the Act?
Is there any connection to the areas of difficulty and my own values?

Bridge Building

Pick one or two issues from the stereotype process that they would like to work on. We will be working with a creative brainstorming process to help people find ways to bridge the divide.

Included here are techniques for helping people deliver uncomfortable or challenging messages.

Summary and Action Plan

Participants will be asked to complete an Action Plan strategy in the room. It will also be suggested that participants buddy up with a partner who will act as a support person in completing the action steps as well as being a sounding board for issues and concerns that might arise.

Hand Outs

Documents:
Equality and Diversity - A view from Impact Factory
Web cards, which will give people access to our extensive library of helpful documents.

Diversity Awareness Open Course

   

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