MCCGSL is excited to offer a three class series presented by DAP (Diversity Awareness Partnership) on Monday nights November 6, 13 and 27 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Participants need to commit to all three classes. Class size is limited to 35 participants so do not delay in getting registered as we expect to fill this series quickly!
Diversity Awareness Partnership (DAP) is an organization that acts as a catalyst to increase awareness, facilitate engagement, and provide education about diversity and inclusion. Its vision is inclusive communities where diversity is respected and embraced, and equity is the norm. DAP works with a wide array of organizations, from business and sports to social services nonprofits and faith communities.
Recently, DAP has been working on modifications to its key training offerings in order to add a faith lens to sessions about inclusion and related topics. DAP will be partnering with MCCGSL to pilot initial versions of these sessions in order to better serve the religious community in our region.
Class 1: Diversity & Inclusion: The Basics
This session addresses the difference between diversity and inclusion, stereotypes and biases, various aspects of identity (race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and age), and strategies for being a more inclusive church community.
Class 2: Unconscious Bias
The negative impacts of unconscious bias can be present at every level of an organization in myriad ways. Participants in this training will be exposed to current research on bias, as well as best practices for mitigating bias in ways that are specifically suited for their context. Real-world examples are provided throughout the session in order to demystify what can sometimes be an elusive concept.
Class 3: Listen. Talk. Learn.
The events that have transpired since August 9, 2014 after the shooting of Michael Brown Jr. in Ferguson, Missouri have presented all of us—as neighbors, business leaders, educators, students, and concerned citizens—with the opportunity to step forward and increase understanding of race relations and what inclusion means to St. Louis. It is vital that our communities understand each other to ensure healthy communication, trust, and respect for those that live, work, and play in our region. This session will expose participants to the debate vs. dialogue framework, provide them with needed skills to practice dialogue, and help them understand a lived experience different than their own.