(89) DEI Committee Presents: Why, What, And How of Connecting Conversations

Abstract: This interactive workshop will guide attendees through the why and how of challenging conversations that bring us together as human beings. The goal of this session is to equip CSD professionals with the skills and confidence to facilitate conversations about topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion at their places of employment, so that we can continue to support meaningful communication in our communities, in every sense. DEI Committee members will present some information and background on this topic, and then attendees will have the opportunity to experience and practice participation and facilitation within small-group breakouts and large-group discussion.

Summary of Presentation : As communication professionals, we play a critical role in helping our world develop an ever-deeper understanding of the meaning of words like "diversity", "equity", and "inclusion". These conversations are often challenging, as they require us to be vulnerable, reflect on our own human shortcomings, and expand our perspectives.

The ISHA DEI Committee has been hosting our "Connecting Conversation" series since 2020, discussing important topics like implicit bias and representation, how this impacts us as individual professionals, and those we serve. In this workshop, we will break down the principles of facilitated conversations, how to create a safe space for strangers to meet and share, how to use structure to moderate productive conversations, and how to facilitate genuine human connection. This session is appropriate for all levels of professionals, from students to seasoned retirees, and all are welcome! Whether you are an experienced champion of DEI, or new to the field and wondering how you might be able to contribute, we hope you will join us for this conversation about conversations!