Without diversity, there can be no innovation; without innovation, there can be no new wealth. In other words, diversity is not just the right thing to do, it's your source of greatest potential.

-Joel Barker

 

To succeed internationally, we need to understand the cultures of the world; and we have all the cultures of the world represented right here - a tremendous competitive advantage.
- Ernest Thompson, Proctor and Gamble

 

When you are surrounded by sameness, you get only variations on the same.
- Kevin Sullivan, Apple Computers

 

 

Diversity Workshops

 

The Diversity Council's workshops are offered free or at discounted rates as a benefit of corporate membership. They are also available to non-members for a fee.

 

Navigating Our Diverse World

This interactive presentation gives participants an introduction to the Diversity Council and an overview of diversity and valuing human difference. The activities included may be customized to meet the needs of your business. 20 minutes - 2 ½ hours

 

A History of Prejudice in Olmsted County

This workshop presents a video produced by the Diversity Council followed by facilitated discussion. The video traces the history of various ethnic groups in our community—from Native Americans to European immigrants to refugees from Southeast Asia and Africa—and their relationships with each other. 1 hour

 

The Truth About Immigration

As with any controversial issue, the immigration debate is rife with half truths and misconceptions. This workshop does not seek to promote a political agenda, but simply to dispel some of the myths that cloud this hotly disputed topic in order to pave the way for open discussion. 1 hour

 

The New Americans

This PBS miniseries follows six modern immigrant families on their quest for the American Dream. Facilitators will lead discussion and review the history of immigration to Minnesota and current local and national information on immigration. This in-depth workshop is designed to build understanding and empathy for the challenges immigrants face in our workplaces and appreciation for what they have to offer. 12 hours

 

The Power of Words

Language is filled with subtle nuances—words can pack hurtful power even when the intent is neutral or positive. Participants in this workshop learn about making informed choices in their use of language. 1 hour

 

Same & Different

This interactive workshop guides participants in a critical examination of their own assumptions about how others are different and similar to themselves.    1 hour

 

Cultural Awareness

Worksheets and guided discussion will help participants define culture, recognize their own cultural programming, and examine their assumptions about other cultures.  75 minutes

 

Rising Above Stereotypes & Prejudice

A series of interactive activities reveals the power of stereotypes and allows participants to think critically about how to challenge and break down their own unconscious stereotypes and prejudices.   1 hour

 

When Thoughts Become Action— Discrimination

A card game, a competition, and facilitated discussion help participants understand the feelings and behaviors associated with discrimination and the effects it has on both the victim and the perpetrator. 75 minutes

 

Is the World Colorblind? Race and Racism

This interactive workshop guides participants
in a critical examination of perception. How do we “see” race? How does perception influence behavior? How can we challenge racism?  75 minutes

 

It’s All About Respect

Activities and discussion lead participants to a greater understanding of what it means to respect one’s self and others and what we can do to challenge disrespectful and limiting thoughts, actions, and words. 90 minutes

 

Race: The Power of an Illusion

Starting with DNA tests evaluating the genetic basis of race, this 3-part PBS video series challenges participants to understand race as a sociological construct. Lessons from history and sociology reveal the power of perception to divide us. Facilitated discussion helps participants examine their own definitions of race and consider how this concept continues to divide us. 7 hours

 

End Bullying!

Facilitated discussion guides participants in understanding bullying—why it happens and how we can confront it, both inside and outside of institutions. 30 - 60 minutes

 

It's Tomorrow Today

The latest demographics and trends, and an analysis of the benefits of a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. 1 hour

 

Starpower

Starpower is a game whose rules result in the creation of a three-tiered “society” modeling the privileges, misunder-standings, and abuses of power that occur in hierarchical systems. This simple and powerful simulation helps participants examine how power is distributed, shared, and abused in our nation and in our own organizations. 2 hours

 

Barnga

Barnga is a simulation activity that allows participants to experience and explore the challenges and communication barriers of life in a cross-cultural setting. 1 1/2 - 2 hours

 

White Privilege: Awareness to Action

An interactive training session helps participants understand the important role white people have to play in anti-racism, beginning with recognizing that our society unconsciously grants privileged status to “whiteness.” In the second phase of the program, a dialogue circle leads participants from an awareness of what privilege is toward developing strategies for action. Training session: 1 hour, dialogue circle: 1 hour