Intentional Diversity Programming

Diversity Awareness

When we talk about diversity it is pretty much agreed by all that labels are a bad thing!  Unfortunately, when it comes to diversity awareness programs there is a stigma/label that most audience members use as an excuse for not attending.  Oh, that is going to be educational, or boring, or I have heard it all before, etc.  It’s tough to get past labels and peoples preconceived notions of what diversity awareness programming is all about.

I have seen where groups are so frustrated that they just do whatever to say they did something and that doesn’t do the group justice or the message they are trying to communicate.  Awareness can come in many forms on a campus and not with just a lecture or performance.  There is publicity campaigns like the truth ads you see on TV; displays that can be set up in libraries or lobbies; spontaneous round table discussions in dining halls by trained student facilitators; etc.

An idea that we recently tried for our diversity programming was to make it a performing arts series.  It was the same events just with a different name.  The audience still got the same message and materials.  What changed is how the programs were viewed before they arrived.  We saw an increase in the numbers of those attending and the feedback after the events was very favorable.

Do you believe that diversity awareness is locked into a mold?  Do you limit your awareness to the typical?  Do you pick awareness events on the criteria of what they need to know, what they want to know, or a combination?  Do you give awareness the same type of TLC as other events?  Do you feel forced to do diversity awareness programs?  Share your answers, your questions, and/or your successes in diversity programming.  In a meeting today I said I learn from everyone I meet no matter age, etc. and I believe that is what diversity awareness is all about learning from each other.