A question (or a variation of this) that is
often posed to me is “What can I do, if I want to reach more diverse audiences
and be more diverse?” I often experience this question as a desire
to get a “checklist” on what or what not to do when working with diverse
audience or wanting a “factsheet” on the tendencies or characteristics to be
aware of when working with these audiences.
If it were only that easy!
Building and sustaining authentic relationships across differences is
complex, takes time and can lead to wonderful and exciting opportunities. And there
are things that we can all do if we are interested in learning about
differences and working more effectively with diverse audiences.
I would suggest that one of the most important
and powerful places we can begin this journey is by “doing our own work” or
seeing this journey as an “inside out” process.
“Doing my own work” can be described as:
- Being curious, willing and excited to
explore how I have been socialized to understand and experiences differences
across race, gender, sexual orientation, class, disabilities and other
differences and how that information and experiences influence my current
relationships with others
- Being willing to explore my own cultural
background and how this informs and impacts myself and my relationships with
others
- Being willing to investigate (and own) my points of privilege and power related to my dominant identities such as being male, white, middle class, formally educated, heterosexual, or a person without a disability
- Being willing to see and articulate how forms of oppression such as racism, sexism, ableism, heterosexism and classism hurts all of us and separates us from our human tendency to want to connect and build relationships with others
Although this is not the only pathway to
working across differences, “doing my own work” recognizes that some of the
most important work that anyone can do related to diversity, inclusion or
equity starts within ourselves.
Some ideas or resources that may assist in the
process of “doing your own work” include:
- Talk with family members to explore your
family history and cultural background.
Find out what your family struggles and triumphs have been or continue
to be.
- Attending a professional development
opportunity or conference that focuses on issues of diversity or inclusion and
that challenges your thinking about differences. You may find the following conferences/workshops
helpful:
- Read this article by Dr. Valerie Batts, “Is
Reconciliation Possible: Lessons for Combating Modern Racism” (http://visions-inc.org/article/is-reconciliation-possible-lessons-from-combating-modern-racism/ ) and document your responses to her thoughts and ways that you
may directly or indirectly support modern forms of oppression
What else have
you found to be helpful on your journey to learn about yourself and others?
