Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different local and global cultures. Engage in anti-oppressive practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism and inequity.
Key Components
- Maintain awareness of personal biases
- Make decisions utilizing feedback from multiple perspectives and cultural backgrounds
- Advocate for, and contribute to, inclusive and equitable practices and communities
Implicit Bias
Implicit bias is an unconscious negative attitude about a group of people. These biases often form early on in our lives and can have harmful consequences to people we work with. Luckily, implicit biases can be largely unlearned. With practice, and consistent awareness, implicit bias will have a smaller impact on your interactions.
The Value of Multiple Perspectives
When people engage with different perspectives, they create more inclusive environments –– spaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences feel welcome to express themselves authentically. Such environments cultivate equity because they give value to all perspectives. That provides everyone with the chance to fully participate, regardless of their differences.
Advocacy
Self-Advocacy
- Communicate your needs, seek feedback, and know your rights.
Peer Advocacy
- Engage in mentoring or support networks, and collaborate with team members to improve policies and workplace conditions.
Organizational Advocacy
- These are groups working on behalf of employees such as unions. They negotiate contracts, listen to and address concerns, and promote policy changes.
Employer Advocacy
- Provide training opportunities to employees, and implement fair and inclusive policies that foster a welcoming environment for diverse teams.
Advocacy Strategies
- Engage in Open Communication: Ask for regular check-ins and attend feedback sessions
- Continue Learning: Utilize employer-sponsored trainings on employee rights, communication skills, and conflict resolution
- Form Connections: Get to know your coworkers and connect with community advocacy groups and unions
- Promote a Positive Culture: Workplaces that value respect, inclusivity, and collaboration encourage team members to speak up
- Encourage Feedback: Whether it’s from managers or between team members, feedback helps improve policies and maintains a culture of continuous improvement within an organization
