Leave the Judging to Judy: Embracing Differences Trish Dillenbeck, alpha Lambda delta

We Are Human Our minds make quick assessments to classify information It's when we generalize and make judgments about people that we walk the line of being hurtful

Have you ever been judged? … and they've been completely wrong? Share an example. Is there anything you are repetitively judged on?

Understanding Judgments Reactions and judgments usually have to do with our own self-judgments and feelings of inadequacy or strength, not the other person. If someone makes a remark about you and it's something you also judge about yourself, it will most likely hurt. However, if it's the same remark you and you don't have that self-judgment, it likely won't bother you. Becoming aware of your judgments, and with a little understanding and work, can lead to discernment Discernment is awareness and understanding without an emotional response. Judgments that cause an emotional reactions are clues to help you find personal insight. Source: Community Advancement Network: http://www.canatx.org/CAN-initiatives/ccdi/index.php

3 Causes of Judging You wouldn't tolerate the same behavior in yourself You display the same behavior and aren't aware of it so you project your disowned behavior onto others and dislike it "out there" You are envious and resent the feelings that come up so you find something wrong with those who have what you want and end up judging them Source: Tiny Buddha, http://tinybuddha.com/blog/3-causes-for-judging-people-how-to-accept-yourself/

Understanding Cultural Competence What is cultural competence? A set of corresponding behavior, attitudes, and policies that come together in a system, agency, or among professionals that enable them to work effectively in cross-cultural situations. Competence is a combination of cultural knowledge, cultural awareness, and cultural sensitivity. What is diversity? Diversity recognizes that each person is unique and recognizes individual differences in perspectives, identity, and points of view among individuals in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. Diversity includes important and interrelated dimensions of human identity, such as race, ethnicity, color, gender, socio-economic status, nationality, citizenship, education, geographic origin, religion, sexual orientation, ability, age, political beliefs, and other ideologies. Source: Community Advancement Network: http://www.canatx.org/CAN-initiatives/ccdi/index.php

Understanding Cultural Competence What is inclusion? The practice of inclusion, sometimes also referred to as social inclusion, means that all people should feel valued, have their differences respected, and have their basic needs met. This is so that each person can live a life where they are treated with dignity and respect, where they have the opportunity to participate fully, and where they have a voice so they can influence decisions that affect them. Source: Community Advancement Network: http://www.canatx.org/CAN-initiatives/ccdi/index.php

Complete it honestly. This is for YOU. We will not be sharing them. Worksheet Complete it honestly. This is for YOU. We will not be sharing them.

Tips for Creating Inclusive Events Check the date of your event with religious holidays Ask participants about accommodation requests Choose an accessible venue Choose a flexible caterer / menu If possible, provide meeting materials in advance Provide clear signage and make name tags Keep allergies in mind (nuts, latex, etc) Be mindful of time and necessary breaks Strive to keep all related discussions within the meeting to avoid some members having an unfair advantage over others Challenge participants who "pull rank" or monopolize the conversation Source: Diversity at Work In London Inc., Spring 2013 Newsletter: The Inclusion Quarterly

Tips for Inclusive Meetings Do a go-around Everyone speaks for a short, equal time. Participants may be asked how they are feeling (also referred to as a "check- in" Make your agenda visible Whether your agenda is on a blackboard, printed, flip chart, or mind map If you alter the agenda, do so in full view Give everyone a chance to speak Create a rule that no one speaks twice until everyone has been given the chance to speak once Source: Diversity at Work In London Inc., Spring 2013 Newsletter: The Inclusion Quarterly

What does your ALD do to be inclusive? Time to Share! What does your ALD do to be inclusive?