Diversity Training with Kathy Lechman Dec. 3, 2008

FAHRP will be having an DIVERSITY training - and everyone is expected to attend - on Dec. 3 at 10:30 am followed by an International Luncheon. Because this is the day after our Christmas party - please bring things that are easy to make ahead of time! Thank you in advance!

Our topic is COMMUNICATION and Kathy Lechman sent the description you see below.
We are a diverse group and we need to be respectful of our differences.
Diversity is something to CELEBRATE - and not something that separates us.
We believe having a conversation on communication will help us build community in our unit.

Please plan on attending a week from Wednesday on Dec. 3, at 10:30 am in the large conference room in FAHRP.

From Kathy L.:

Most of us have heard the children's expression "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me". If only this were true. Very often, we doubt the power of our words by downplaying what we say as a joke or indicating that the people are "over sensitive" or, are just into being "politically correct". Words have power; they can build people up, tear them down, bring them together, or ensure that they stay separate. Not understanding the power that we have can lead to cultural conflicts and broken relationships or partnerships. By building awareness of language that we use and developing skills that can help us be effective communicators, we can help nurture an organizational climate that is welcoming and inclusive. This interactive session will examine the power of words and provide information on "fair and accurate language" to use when writing about and speaking to diverse groups.