Awareness of differences leads to deeper understanding (Inquiry) and connection across identities (Interconnectedness).
Building DEI competence involves learning (Inquiry) and applying that knowledge over time (Perseverance).
Appreciating diversity supports social wellness (Vitality) and fosters inclusive communities (Interconnectedness).
REFLECT
Self-Reflection Questions
EXPLORE
Core Principles and Concepts
EXAMINE - Awareness
Supporting Principles and Concepts
EXAMINE - Competence
Supporting Principles and Concepts
EXAMINE - Appreciation
Supporting Principles and Concepts
EMPOWER
Discussing and Considering New Perspectives and Ideas
ENGAGE
Engaging New Ideas and Applying Them in Daily Life
Self-reflection is a powerful tool to increase self-awareness, prepare mentally and emotionally to engage new ideas, and connect this lesson to principles in your own life!
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As you begin to think about your involvement in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, ask yourself the following questions.
How often do I interact with people who have backgrounds, life experiences, or beliefs, different from my own?
What can I gain by being open to new viewpoints and experiences?
How do these concepts connect to my experience as a student-athlete at FLCC?
Exploration sparks curiosity and builds emotional and practical connections to new ideas!
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College brings together people from many different backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs. As a student-athlete, you will share classrooms, teams, and campus spaces with individuals who may see the world differently than you do. Learning to navigate these differences with respect and openness is a skill that will serve you far beyond your time at school.
Diversity means recognizing and appreciating the wide range of experiences, identities, and perspectives that people bring. This includes differences in race, gender, religion, culture, socioeconomic background, abilities, and personal experiences. Diversity makes a community stronger by introducing new ideas, encouraging creative problem-solving, and helping individuals learn and grow from each other.
Equity focuses on fairness. Not everyone starts from the same place or faces the same challenges. Equity means recognizing that people may need different kinds of support in order to have opportunities to succeed. This does not mean lowering standards or giving special treatment. It means creating a learning environment where everyone has a real chance to grow and thrive.
Inclusion means making sure everyone feels welcome, valued, and able to participate fully in campus life. Inclusion requires effort to recognize, listen, adapt, and create spaces where people’s voices are heard and respected. On your team, in your classes, or at events, your willingness to include others strengthens your group and helps individuals feel like they belong.
Sometimes conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion can feel uncomfortable or politically charged. You may not always know the right words to say, or you may fear saying something wrong. What matters most is your willingness to listen, learn, and grow. Nobody expects you to be perfect, but approaching these topics with respect and humility allows you to improve your understanding over time.
Bias can also influence how people interact, even when they do not intend to do harm. Bias includes assumptions, stereotypes, or unfair judgments about individuals or groups. Being aware of your own biases takes perspective, reflection, and honesty. When you recognize these biases, you can work to correct them and treat people more fairly. Small adjustments in language, actions, or decisions can make a big difference in your life.
You may encounter moments where you witness unfair treatment of others. In these moments, being an ally means offering support, speaking up when appropriate, and encouraging a respectful environment. You do not have to have all the answers, but your presence and your willingness to stand alongside others who are standing alone can make someone feel safer and more valued.
As a student-athlete, your role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion extends to your team as well. Encouraging open communication, respecting different perspectives, and creating an environment where everyone feels welcome will help your entire group perform at a higher level. Teams built on trust and mutual respect are often stronger and play better.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just about following policies or checking boxes. They are about how you treat people every day. When you approach others with empathy, fairness, and openness you prepare yourself to thrive in your campus community and in an increasingly diverse world.
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Cultural humility involves recognizing the limits of one's own cultural perspective and being open to learning about and respecting other cultures. Work to recognize and challenge stereotypes, biases, and prejudices, and engage in self-reflection and self-education to develop cultural self-awareness.
Cultivate a genuine curious interest in learning about different cultures and traditions. Approach cultural diversity with an open mind and a willingness to explore and understand perspectives different from your own.
Take advantage of resources available to you, such as books, documentaries, online courses, or cultural events on campus to educate yourself about other cultures and peoples. Learn about different countries, their histories, customs, traditions, values, and social norms. Stay updated on current global issues and cross-cultural interactions.
Actively seek out opportunities to engage and interact with people from different cultural backgrounds. Join multicultural clubs, attend cultural festivals, participate in international student programs, or engage in community service activities that involve diverse populations.
When engaging in conversations with individuals from different cultures, listen actively, attentively, and be genuinely interested in their experiences. Avoid making assumptions or judgments based on stereotypes. Ask open-ended questions and show empathy to foster a deeper understanding.
Purposefully surround yourself with friends and acquaintances from diverse cultural backgrounds. Engaging in meaningful conversations and sharing experiences will expand your perspective and provide opportunities for cultural exchange.
Recognize that everyone has their own cultural biases and preconceived notions. Reflect on your own beliefs and attitudes, and challenge any stereotypes or prejudices you may hold. Cultivate self-awareness and strive to overcome cultural biases to foster a more inclusive mindset.
Be mindful and respectful of cultural differences and avoid imposing your own values or beliefs on others. Pay attention to nonverbal cues, gestures, and body language to ensure effective communication. Learn appropriate greetings, dining etiquette, and customs when interacting with individuals from different cultures.
Learning about different cultures can sometimes be challenging and uncomfortable. Seek out and embrace these moments of discomfort as opportunities for personal growth and learning. Challenge your own assumptions and be open to having your perspectives challenged.
Building genuine relationships with individuals from different cultures can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation for their perspectives and experiences. Engage in activities together, share meals, and participate in cultural events to foster mutual respect and understanding.
Regularly reflect on your own cultural awareness journey. Assess your progress, identify areas for improvement, and set goals for further development. Cultivating cultural awareness is a lifelong process, so commit to continuous learning and growth in this area.
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Cultural competence is the ability to understand, appreciate, and effectively interact with people from diverse backgrounds and identities. This includes building awareness of one’s own cultural lens, recognizing differences without judgment, and adapting behaviors to foster inclusive and respectful environments.
Cultural competence refers to the ability to effectively interact and communicate with individuals from different cultures. It involves gaining knowledge, developing skills, and adopting attitudes that promote effective cross-cultural interactions.
Start by examining your own cultural background, beliefs, and biases. Reflect on how your cultural upbringing has shaped your perspectives and interactions with others. Recognize that cultural competence starts with self-awareness.
Expand your knowledge of diverse cultures by studying their history, customs, traditions, values, and social norms. Read books, watch documentaries, or take courses that focus on cultural studies. Pay attention to the nuances and diversity within each culture.
Actively seek opportunities to engage with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. This could involve participating in cultural exchange programs, studying abroad, or volunteering with diverse communities. Engage in meaningful interactions to learn from others and broaden your worldview.
Put yourself in others' shoes and try to understand their perspectives and experiences. Cultivate empathy by actively listening, being nonjudgmental, and recognizing the impact of cultural differences on people's lives. Seek to understand before seeking to be understood.
Recognize that communication styles may vary across cultures. Learn to adapt your communication approach to be more effective in cross-cultural interactions. Pay attention to nonverbal cues, ask clarifying questions, and be mindful of language barriers.
Be aware of your own biases and challenge stereotypes that may hinder your ability to be culturally competent. Recognize that diversity exists within cultures and avoid making generalizations. Challenge assumptions and preconceived notions through exposure to different perspectives.
Show respect for diverse cultures by valuing their practices, beliefs, and traditions. Avoid imposing your own cultural values or beliefs on others. Treat everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their cultural background.
Promote inclusivity in your college and community by actively supporting diversity initiatives. Encourage open dialogue and create spaces where individuals from different cultures feel welcome and valued. Challenge discriminatory practices and advocate for equality.
Cultural competence is an ongoing journey. Stay informed about global issues, cultural trends, and advancements in cultural competence practices. Seek out professional development opportunities, attend workshops, and engage in discussions to further enhance your cultural competence skills.
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Embracing diversity prepares you to navigate the complexities of an interconnected world, providing you with the tools to become responsible global citizens. Exposure to different cultures, traditions, and perspectives nurtures cross-cultural competence and equips you to confront real-world issues with sensitivity, adaptability, and compassion.
Understand that diversity encompasses a range of differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, abilities, and beliefs. Appreciating diversity means valuing the unique perspectives and experiences that individuals from diverse backgrounds bring to the table.
Reflect on your own biases and prejudices. Acknowledge that everyone has biases, but it's important to actively work on recognizing and challenging them. Be open to self-reflection and consider how your biases might impact your interactions with others.
Seek opportunities to learn about different cultures, histories, and identities. Take courses, attend workshops, and engage in conversations that broaden your understanding of diversity and inclusion. Read books, articles, or watch documentaries that explore various perspectives.
Practice empathy by putting yourself in others' shoes and seeking to understand their experiences. Actively listen to others without judgment and with genuine interest. Pay attention to their perspectives and validate their feelings.
Create spaces for open and respectful dialogue where individuals can share their experiences, thoughts, and concerns. Be open to listening to perspectives that differ from your own. Engage in discussions with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Recognize that individuals have multiple identities that intersect and influence their experiences. Understand that experiences of discrimination and privilege can vary based on these intersecting identities. Appreciate the complexity and interconnections of diverse identities.
Get involved in campus or community organizations that promote diversity and inclusion. Attend events, workshops, or guest lectures that raise awareness and celebrate diversity. Actively support and participate in initiatives that foster inclusivity.
Take a stand against discrimination and prejudice. If you witness discriminatory behavior or hear offensive remarks, address them respectfully and assertively. Advocate for equality, fairness, and justice for all individuals.
Seek out opportunities to connect with individuals from different backgrounds. Engage in conversations, collaborate on projects, and participate in activities that bring together diverse perspectives. Foster genuine relationships that allow for mutual learning and growth.
Actively support and advocate for marginalized communities. Educate yourself about the challenges they face and work to create inclusive environments. Use your privilege and voice to amplify the voices of others and contribute to positive change.
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Now that you have reviewed all of the lesson content, it’s time to see how new perspectives work in your daily life!
Either in a journal or notebook of your own choosing, or on a document provided to you, write short but thoughtful responses to the following questions. Your responses will not be collected or graded. Be open and honest with yourself as you consider each of the questions.
Then find 1 Program Director, Coach, Assistant Coach, Team Manager, or Team Captain. Find a time to speak with them briefly, but with minimal distractions. Ask them about their perspectives and ideas based on the following questions. Write down responses to the best of your ability!
You’ll be asked to participate in a short discussion about what you have learned, either individually or in a group, with a REBOOT Coach. The REBOOT Coach will discuss the following questions with you, and discuss the impact of these concepts in your daily life.
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ASK YOURSELF :
[Awareness]
When did you first become aware that people around you may experience the world differently based on their race, gender, identity, or background? How did that moment shape your understanding?
[Competence]
Think about a time you interacted with someone from a different culture, background, or perspective. How did you approach that moment, and what did you learn from it?
[Appreciation]
What qualities or differences in others do you admire most? How do you show appreciation for the unique experiences that others bring to your team or class
ASK OTHERS :
[Awareness]
How do you raise awareness and promote understanding of differences within our team or program?
[Competence]
What practices help you become a more inclusive leader when working with people from diverse backgrounds or identities?
[Appreciation]
How do you create a culture where all team members feel seen, respected, and valued for who they are?
Michael Van Etten - REBOOT - Didactic Tactics LLC - All Rights Reserved
