DEI Corner: Week of August 22, 2022

Exploring Microaggressions
Part three in a series

In the final installment of our series “Exploring Microaggressions,” we provide a group activity designed to help members of your team recognize the impact and meaning behind microaggressive statements.

What Are You Saying: Microaggressions Activity

Ideal group size: 30 or less. Duration: 10 minutes

Directions:
●Break participants into groups

• Give each group a handout (5 different handouts)●In the handout, read each statement in Column A. Think critically about how a person could interpret the statements as a microaggression. Then, draw a line connecting the statement to what you believe is the best possible interpretation from Column B. Be ready to explain each choice.
• Have one member from the group report out to the big group and discuss the meaning and impact of the statements.

*If time permits, you can also allow each group to rewrite the microaggressive statement as an inclusive statement. For example, “You throw like a girl” can be rewritten as “Throwing used to be my pain point! I’m happy to give you some tips if you would like.”

Worksheet 1  Worksheet 2  Worksheet 3  Worksheet 4  Worksheet 5

Tips: The key to this activity is for participants to make a connection between the comment and the impact. Discuss the potential of the comments being made as a joke, or without malice intent, however the impact in the second column does not change.

Source: Breaking Prejudice – Microaggression Activity

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. To register for the course, log into the LMS and search “DEI.” Contact DEITraining@houstonmethodist.org to schedule a group session.

 

Examining Egyptian Pyramids

 

DEI Night Shift Rounding
Office of DEI staff members are conducting nightshift rounding at the community hospital campuses to meet with staff and offer thanks and appreciation for their hard work and provide insight on DEI initiatives and programs. Night shift team members are encouraged to ask questions and provide feedback as the DEI staff visit various departments—handing out snacks along the way. The rounds begin at around 10:30 p.m. Roundings have taken place at HMW, HMCCH, HMWB and HMTW. Upcoming rounds are scheduled for August 22 (HMSL), August 25 (HMCL) and August 31 (HMB). Rounding at HMH will take place in the fall. For more information, contact Anya Reed at ayreed@houstonmethodist.org.

International Day for People of African Descent
The United Nations (UN) designates August 31 as International Day for People of African Descent. The designation was established in 2020 and will be observed for the first time this year to encourage understanding and dialogue regarding longstanding structural inequalities that impact millions of people across the African diaspora. Visit the UN website for more information.
The Black Ties for Culture ERG was created to encourage, acknowledge and cultivate stronger “ties” among Black employees and incorporate the unique culture into the Houston Methodist family. Interested in joining the Black Ties for Culture ERG? Click here or email Blacktiesforculture@houstonmethodist.org.

Did You Know?

Women’s Equality Day on August 26 commemorates the date in 1920 when the 19^th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, granting many women in the U.S. the right to vote. The amendment was first introduced in 1878. The right to vote for many women of color came years later: Native American women (1924), Chinese American women (1943) and Japanese and other Asian American women (1952). The Voting Rights Act of 1965 granted black women the unrestricted right to vote. Click here for a history of the designation.
The Women’s Empowerment Alliance ERG seeks to provide development and mentorship opportunities for women employees at Houston Methodist by encouraging them to advocate for personal and professional goals while simultaneously supporting community efforts. Visit the Women’s Empowerment Alliance ERG web page or email Womensempowermentalliance@houstonmethodist.org for details on joining the group.