Page 22 - Anti-Racism Pocketbook for Schools and Academies
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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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