Exploring Microaggressions
Part two in a series
Any marginalized group can be the object of microaggressions, defined as slights or snubs that are the result of an individual’s conscious or unconscious bias. They are often automatic or unintentional and may communicate hostile, derogatory or negative viewpoints.
The Office of DEI’s Recognizing the Impact of Microaggressions-Staff and Physicians training course provides tools to create inclusive language and enhance positive interactions to promote positive change.
In part two of our series “Exploring Microaggressions,” Sasha Pejerrey, PhD, lead scientific writer, manager of the Pathology Office of Academic Development, reflects on key takeaways after completing the course.
“I really enjoyed taking the course. The presenters instantly set a tone of genuine caring and openness and offered specific and ready-to-use information with a concern, passion and expertise that I truly appreciate. They answered my questions with empathy and determination; giving me the language to deal with specific instances I have been pondering for several years.
I think everyone, even those of us who consider ourselves knowledgeable about the current conversations around bias/microaggression/inclusion, would benefit from taking this course. If we all have common language to address these big issues, I believe we will get further in our efforts to truly correct our own biases, remove microaggressions from our vocabulary, courageously call out bias when we see it, and move our society towards true inclusion and equity.”
To register for the course, log into the LMS and search “DEI.” Contact DEITraining@houstonmethodist.org to schedule a group session. Visit the DEI Toolkit for more resources on understanding and avoiding microaggressions.
Next week in the final installment in the “Exploring Microaggressions” series, we will provide an activity designed to encourage awareness on how microaggressions can impact teamwork.
MOM ERG Helps Kids Return to School
Members of our MOMS of Methodist ERG volunteered to fill 100 backpacks with school supplies for elementary school students around the Houston area at the DePelchin Children’s Center on August 3. DePelchin Children’s Center, founded in 1892, provides resources that support adoptive children and those in foster care and their families. (Pictured from left) Sara Carr, Shari Birch, Gracie Sativa and Jocelyn Jackson.
DEI Page on Intranet
You can now access information and resources provided by the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion on the Houston Methodist Intranet.
Celebrate Special Observances With Your DEI Personal Day
Aracely Martin, patient relations representative at Houston Methodist Baytown, used her DEI Personal Day to visit the 10th Organ Festival of the Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral in Brussels, Belgium with her partner, Carlos, during their European vacation in July.
Houston Methodist provides eligible employees with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) personal day hours to celebrate days that are special to them and other members of their faith, race, nationality or anything else that makes them unique.
DEI personal day hours can be used for any reason and in combination with a PTO request, but unlike PTO, it does not roll over to the next year. Please note that employees who moved to a benefits eligible status or were hired after July 1, 2022 will not be eligible for a DEI day until 2023. For more details, see HR Policy 71.
Have you used your DEI Personal Day? We would love to see how you’ve spent your DEI Personal Day. Please forward photos of you enjoying your DEI personal day to theofficeofdei@houstonmethodist.org.
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