A Fun Way to learn about the important topic of Diversity and Inclusion!
On December 15th, 2021 about 90 members of the Delaware Medical Reserve Corps attended and were active participants in a fun and educational session on Diversity and Inclusion. Tom Johnson from DHSS discussed a wide range of important and very timely topics related to our development as culturally competent leaders. The Discussion amongst the group was highly active, via voice and chat room.
Source: ElementsofCulture. https://www.quora.com/What-is-cultural-revitalization
Key takeaways from the Discussion were:
- Culture is a way of life. It includes such things as religion, lifestyle, shared interests, shared symbols
- Sometimes we are wrong with how we remember symbols. (What color is a yield sign? Answer is at the end of this article)
- Cultural awareness is an understanding of the differences between us and how it is a continuous learning process
- Communication continually evolves and includes generalizations and stereotypes that may not leave room for individual differences
- Prejudices can lead to discrimination and behaviors that cause different and negative treatment of a stereotyped group
- Diversity versus inclusion. Diversity is the recognition of the broad range of similarities and differences among us while inclusion is the practice of providing equal access to opportunities within society
- The importance of really listening to others and paying attention to the micro aggressions and bias of our actions and words
- Concept of privilege as an extension of prejudice
- Cultural norms and cultural competence in communication strategies
- Cultural competency requires that leaders communicate using understanding, empathy and really listening. Communication must be two-way
- Culturally competent leaders think culturally before they speak, respect the space of cultural identity, and embrace diversity
ANSWER: A yield sign is RED. (Not Yellow as many of us remember)
