Hello, Diversity Champions!
It was wonderful to see you at our team meeting earlier this month. For your reference, the slides from the meeting are linked at the top of this post.
Once again, the group had a deep and interesting conversation around how to incorporate OSU’s values of equity and inclusion into our work. We were joined by Allison Davis-White Eyes, OSU’s Director of Community Diversity Relations. Allison engaged us in a conversation about what it means to lead within our realm of influence in such a challenging and unexpected year. We used the following prompts to reflect as a group:
- What are the main challenges you are experiencing in your work when trying to have conversations about racial equity? What specific barriers are you encountering?
- What support is needed to address and overcome these barriers?
- Where have you found the power and agency to make change?
The group exchanged examples of specific struggles and also very empowering strategies that have led to find solutions and strength. One of the main conclusions was the power of community. As a group, we talked about the importance of caring for ourselves and each other while being aware of the environment we live and work in.
Another topic that arose was the importance of being mindful of the difference between debate, lecture and dialogue. Remembering that often the most productive spaces of growth reside in the ability to engage and keep in dialogue striving to understand and stay curious while knowing OSU´s commitment to social justice.
I am looking forward to our next meeting on Tuesday, October 6th. We will have our very own Extension Regional Director, Angela Sandino, who will share with us key learnings and insights from her experience building an equity plan in the North Willamette Region.
Take care until then!
In partnership,
Ana Lu Fonseca, Extension DEI Specialist
