Bystander Intervention for Bias

Bystander Intervention is recognizing a potentially harmful situation or interaction and choosing to respond in a way that could positively influence the outcome. Bystander intervention is a type of training used in educational institutions to prevent sexual assault or rape, binge drinking and harassment and unwanted comments of a racist, homophobic, or transphobic nature.

How to Have Difficult Conversations

Having any kind of conversation is an art and like any art, you need to practice acquiring the skill and ease in having dialogue that involves conflict. This session provides a series of action items to think about and practice before going into conversations. Participants will explore useful concepts, tips, and suggestions to help keep dialogue focused and flowing. This session will also include an opportunity for participants to respond anonymously to a series of questions related to group dynamics and things that facilitate/hinder communication.

Implicit Bias and Microaggressions

Implicit bias is described as thinking and acting negatively towards certain groups without conscious knowledge. Science shows that everyone has implicit biases and that these biases affect how we understand situations, make decisions, and behave. Participants in this workshop will learn how to recognize their own implicit biases, discuss how those biases may impact their decision-making and actions, and develop strategies for ensuring inclusive environments.

Structured Listening Session

This is an opportunity for members of the team to come together and share experiences, with an emphasis on racial and cultural identity, in hopes of deepening understanding, building trust, and moving forward. The session includes an activity where participants are invited to respond (anonymously) to a series of questions about personal experiences and overall team dynamics. The session will also include testimonials – brief remarks from any participants who wish to share their thoughts and feelings – following a debrief of the first activity.