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QUESTION #1: Reflect on the diverse roles you inhabit in your personal and professional life and consider your endeavors to enhance belonging and equity within these spaces. What challenges have you encountered in fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and allyship? Please select all that apply. *

SELECT AS MANY AS APPLY

RESISTANCE TO CHANGE: Challenges with overcoming people's resistance to altering the status quo.

MISUNDERSTANDING AND MISCOMMUNICATION: Challenges with clear communication and language around diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts.

PERFORMATIVE ACTIONS: Challenges with groups prioritizing quantity or optics over quality and real impact in belonging initiatives.

BUDGET CONSTRAINTS: Challenges with securing the necessary time and financial resources to implement belonging initiatives.

TOKENISM: Challenges with groups choosing diversity in numbers or optics over working to create true belonging and inclusion.

EMOTIONAL LABOR: Challenges with the emotional weight carried by marginalized individuals to educate others on inclusivity.

LACK OF BUY-IN FROM LEADERSHIP: Challenges with gaining the support and resources from decision makers for belonging initiatives.

SILENCE AND NON-ENGAGEMENTt: Challenges with creating an environment where people feel safe to speak up and engage in discussions related to belonging.

EXCLUSIONARY POLICIES: Challenges with changing policies that are barriers to creating a sense of belonging for everyone.

COMPETING PRIORITIES: Challenges with aligning organizational objectives and performance metrics with the work to foster a sense of belonging.

MEASURING VALUE: Challenges with quantitatively measuring the success of belonging initiatives to build a business case.

NAVIGATING INTERSECTIONALITY Challenges with the interconnected nature of social categorizations like race, class, and gender.

RISK OF OVERSIMPLIFICATION: Challenges with the tendency to resolve issues through oversimplified solutions that don't address root causes.

BURNOUT: Challenges with the exhaustion from ongoing efforts to implement and sustain systemic change.

FEAR OF MAKING MISTAKES: Challenges with overcoming the fear of you or someone else saying or doing the wrong thing.

QUESTION #2: Reflecting on the challenges you highlighted, consider the paths forward. Which of the following do you believe would be the most effective solutions to these challenges in your unique contexts? Select as many as resonate with you. *

SELECT AS MANY AS APPLY

INCREASED SELF-AWARENESS: For us to become introspective and aware of our biases and behaviors, promoting personal growth and positive interactions with diverse individuals.

ACCEPTANCE OF OTHERS AND THEIR DIFFERENCES: For us to become accepting and appreciative of the unique identities, perspectives, and experiences everyone brings, fostering a more inclusive environment.

FLUENCY AND COMFORT IN NUANCED CONVERSATIONS ABOUT IDENTITY: For us to become articulate and comfortable in navigating complex conversations about identity, ensuring respectful and thoughtful dialogue.

COMMON LANGUAGE TO DISCUSS DIVISIVE TOPICS: For us to become equipped with a shared and sensitive vocabulary for discussing sensitive topics, aiding in clarity and mutual understanding.

UNDERSTANDING DYNAMICS OF SYSTEMIC OPPRESSION: For us to become aware of our role within systems of oppression, recognizing the power dynamics we play a part in and actively seeking ways to disrupt the status quo.

COMPASSIONATE AND EMPATHETIC LISTENING: For us to become attentive and empathetic in our listening, validating and learning from others' experiences and feelings, and strengthening interpersonal relationships.

UNDERSTANDING THE NUANCES OF PEOPLE'S VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE IDENTITIES: For us to become informed about the multifaceted aspects of identity, enhancing empathy and respect for each person's unique experience.

GUIDELINES AND NORMS FOR CONSTRUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT: For us to uphold clear and respectful norms that act as guardrails for authentic and safe conversations, promoting productive and empathetic dialogue within our community.

PERSONAL CONNECTION AND AFFIRMATION: To become more positive and affirming in our interpersonal interactions, forging trusting and genuine relationships grounded in mutual appreciation and respect.

PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY AND RISK-TAKING: For us to become confident in expressing ourselves and taking risks, knowing we are in a safe and supportive environment that encourages innovation and learning from mistakes.

DEEPENED SELF-MANAGEMENT AND SELF-REFLECTION SKILLS: For us to become adept at self-reflection and managing our biases and reactions, reinforcing personal accountability in our interactions and decisions.

ENHANCED CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS: For us to become skilled in cross-cultural communication, bolstering our ability to engage respectfully and effectively with diverse individuals and groups.

ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE IN INTERRUPTING OPPRESSIVE CYCLES: For us to become proficient in identifying and interrupting the cycle of oppression, working to liberate ourselves and others.

EXPANDED CAPACITY FOR ALLYSHIP AND ANTI-OPPRESSION WORK: For us to become committed and effective allies, equipped with the knowledge and tools to actively participate in anti-oppression work across various contexts.

FOSTERING JOY: For us to experience joy, fun, and confidence, thriving in an environment where we truly belong, and where our contributions are celebrated, leading to a more vibrant and creative community.