Understanding Microaggressions, calling them out and calling them in — with Abi Adamson
Continuing our collaborative exploration of the DEI conversations live among our community right now, we're delighted to be teaming up with Abi Adamson, founder of The Diversity Partnership, to explore the concept of microaggressions, our responsibilities to both 'call them out' and 'call them in' — and to learn practical ways to do so.
Abi founded The Diversity Partnership to help turn organisations' DEI intent into reality; through activity, reporting and training that stimulates engagement and creates accountability across all levels of team. We've been partnering with Abi as part of DEI programmes delivered directly into our partners teams, and are delighted to be bringing Abi's infectious energy and enlightening expertise into our cross-organisational programme in 2022;
In this social, conversational and really practical 90 minute session, Abi will hold a safe and inclusive space in which examples of microaggressions in relation to different characteristics, will be introduced and unpacked. She'll facilitate conversation around the subtext, meaning and problematic nature of such interactions, those that leave marginalised groups feeling uncomfortable or insulted.
Microaggressions are more than insensitive comments. They're something very specific — comments, questions, or actions typically tied to someone's membership in a group that's discriminated against or subject to stereotypes. And a key part of what makes them so problematic is the frequency with which they happen in everyday life.
Within the session we'll also discover the distinction between 'calling out' and 'calling in'; and arm ourselves with practical and intentional language for pressing a pause button on the potentially damaging momentum that microaggressions cause, while developing our vocabulary for creating mutual understanding within contexts of difference.
We'll leave the session feeling enlightened, and equipped with tangible takeouts on how to engage and address situations where friends, family members or colleagues may have used a microaggression.
We'd love to have you along.