The Danger of a Single Narrative: A Lens for Authentic Connections

As human beings, we are meaning-making organisms. To survive, to be successful, and to thrive we continually make meaning of the world around us so we may know how to negotiate our way. What we observe, together with the stories we are told and shown over and over, help us solidify that meaning.

However, what happens when a single narrative about a culture or a community and its rituals, practices, behavior, and circumstances come to be accepted as truth? What happens when this is applied as truth about a people – their capabilities, potential or limitations?

We begin with looking at ourselves, because understanding what single narratives, assumptions and biases we hold is the foundational work we get to do in service of building more equitable partnerships with communities that are not our own.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Through this session, we will achieve:

• Clarity of terms and concepts;
• Recognition of how assumptions and biases block authentic interactions;
• Self-awareness as we integrate ideas and strategies to step outside of single narratives.

Meaningful Conversations Through a Justice-Equity-Diversity-Inclusion Lens

Meaningful conversations through a Justice-Equity-Diversity-Inclusion or JEDI lens start with self-awareness and develop to include an understanding of others’ lived experiences.

❖ How do we ground ourselves in this awareness?

❖ What enables us to truly listen to others?

❖ What common understandings and ways of being do we need to engage?

❖ And what about this lens can assist us in deepening the learning experience and our classroom dynamics?

A workshop to explore, to experience, and to elevate how we show up.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Through this session we will achieve:

• Exploration of every day behaviors with heightened awareness and gained understandings;
• Perspectives on Justice-Equity-Diversity-Inclusion that connect us with others;
• Interactions that propel honest listening and communication.