Diversity Awareness Partnership

As our shared spaces grow in the direction of liberation for all marginalized people, we will always have more to learn, more to share, more to explore, and more to innovate around. DAP’s D&I Seminars aim to be a part of that collective learning; the program consists of 1.5-hour educational sessions that focus on different aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Together we can tackle nuanced topics with humility and excitement – topics that have a huge impact on our everyday lived experiences.

Seminar 1: DEI Mythbusting

The field of diversity, equity, and inclusion is continually growing and changing, and differentiating what is helpful vs. harmful in the midst of fast-moving information can be challenging. Fact can all too easily morph into myth. In this seminar, we will unpack pervasive DEI myths and in doing so reflect on how these myths can influence your organizational culture. Examples of common misconceptions are that DEI only benefits minoritized people, that DEI is the same as affirmative action, and more. Join us as we delve into how these myths came about and why they are a distraction from truly transformational DEI work.

Objectives:

1. Discuss common DEI myths and their origins
2. Understand the impact of misconceptions on organizational culture

Speaker:

Christina Meneses, MSW, CDFT

Christina Meneses (she/her/hers) is the Professional Development Program Manager for NCCJ St. Louis, and has been facilitating conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion for a wide range of audiences for more than 15 years.

Thank you to DAP partner COCA (Center of Creative Arts) for hosting this event!

Seminar 2: Beyond Buzzwords: Connecting DEI Terminology to Action

As dialogue around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging becomes more widespread, understanding related terminology is more crucial than ever. Expanding our shared vocabularies makes space for learning, sharing, understanding, and acting on the important truths within people’s lived experiences. In this seminar, we head back to the basics to expand your DEI glossary and revitalize buzzwords that are commonly misunderstood. Participants will leave with strategies to define and explain essential concepts like privilege, diversity, pronouns, and prejudice. Participants will also discuss ways to maintain knowledge of evolving terminology going forward. As we deepen our personal and collective interpretations of DEI terms, we can use this clarity to push DEI forward in our spaces and bring our vision for the future into focus.

Objectives:

1. Revisit key DEI related definitions
2. Utilize strategies to explain DEI terminology in a digestible manner
3. Discuss the relationship between DEI words and actions

Thank you to DAP partner Spire for hosting this event!

Registration for Seminar 2 will open soon.