Page 22 - Anti-Racism Pocketbook for Schools and Academies

Tips for Making a Difference in the Workplace as an Individual

As an individual in the workplace, there are many things that you

can do to build a more inclusive community.

One of the most important things that you can do as an

individual, is to release yourself from your echo chambers. Often

times, we tend to gravitate towards people who look, act, and
think the same way that we do. Although that sense of

comfortability might be attractive for many people, it is

necessary to always widen your work circle.

Meeting people outside of your ordinary circle of people is an

opportunity to learn about new cultures, lived experiences, and

networks for development.

In order to grow as a trusted ally, you should always question and
recognise your own biases. We all have unconscious biases

towards people that manifest in different ways, whether we like

to acknowledge it or not.

It is always okay to ask questions when you are unsure how to

address uncomfortable topics like race and racism.

Just remember to be aware of an individual’s boundaries and to

actively listen without judgement or minimising their experience.

When approaching an uncomfortable conversation, always rely

on facts and hard evidence. Do not rely on speculation and

emotions to get your ideas across. When discussing the effects of
racism with an ethnically diverse individual, always know that

they are speaking from their own lived experience. Although not

every ethnically diverse individual has had the same experience

throughout their lives, racism has affected them all regardless.

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