DEI Checklist
A thorough checklist to help improve the effectiveness and engagement of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility professional development events.
Download pdf handout on DEI here ----->
Session Administration
1
General Principles
Integrate training that develops specific levels of awareness about systemic issues such as:
Whiteness, racism, power differentials, and microaggressions
Experiences by specific groups
Address intersectionality and intersectional identities
Address the "us versus them" mentality
Be sensitive to and address external, contextual, or current events in the training, such as political events, news, social and cultural happenings, and legislative developments
Make PDEs practical and make sure that participants leave with concrete take-aways
Advance Communication with Attendees
2
Communicate intended outcomes in advance
Provide training material in advance
Solicit questions from the audience in advance anonymously
Psychologically prepare participants that conversations will be uncomfortable
Take a differential approach to session design and delivery based on different levels of knowledge, awareness, and preparedness of participants - try to gauge this beforehand
For the most effective reflection, provide prompts so that participants are equipped to speak on these matters
3
Communication and Dynamics During the Session
Acceptance - try to understand different ways of thinking and expression instead of prescribing "right" ways of approaching DEI issues; expose participants to alternative ways of thinking
Relatability - design engagements and exercises that allow participants to relate to DEI issues from the standpoint of their own life experiences
4
Specific Engagement Techniques
Cultural knowledge and sensitivity - approach sessions with the understanding of specific cultural backgrounds
Marathon, not a sprint - devote a significant amount of time to the topic instead of holding one-shot brief sessions, with the related emphasis on repetition, reinforcement, and scalability, persistence, and creativity
Variety - combine multiple pedagogical techniques, e.g. recommended readings provided in advance; lectures; videos; individual and group reflections sessions; balance of formal and informal engagements; balance of interactive and instructive content; relevant activities and concepts; role-playing; small group discussions; kinetic exercises. See our list of exercises here
Power of personal narratives - use narrative techniques and storytelling as personal stories are a way to reach and engage people on an emotional level
Event Organization
1
Facilitators
Invite individuals with firsthand experience in DEI in their personal and professional lives as facilitators and presenters; also include them in sessions as participants
Invite experts from outside of LIS who specialize in DEI training
In PDEs related to race and racism, invite facilitators who are skilled at leading uncomfortable conversations instead of keeping the white majority in their comfort zone
Ensure that facilitators have a good deal of experiential and expert reflection on DEIand on their role as facilitators and are able to intervene effectively if the situation escalates or becomes harmful to some participants
Ensure fair compensation to BIPOC facilitators who are often not only asked to participate and lead but also overextended by requests for PDEs facilitation
2
Safe (and Brave) Spaces
Ensure safe spaces through codes of conduct and other measures for BIPOC and other minoritized participants in order to allow them to:
Leave threatening conversations as needed
Have a chance to discuss issues of relevance and concern in a safe environment
Have the opportunity to get centered and build rapport
3
Other
Be intentional in developing networking opportunities at PDEs
Integrate mindfulness sessions into PDEs
Policy-Related Suggestions
Make More DEI-related PDEs Mandatory, Not Optional
1
Be Acutely Aware That BIPOC and Other Minoritized Colleagues Shoulder the Burden and Responsibility of DEI Training Facilitation and Factor This in Decision-Making
Hold Managers and Leaders Accountable for Ensuring DEI Training Opportunities and their Effectiveness
Accessibility for Participants with Disabilities
Demonstrate Accessible and Inclusive Practices
Use the microphone
Ask whether people have dietary restrictions
Use accessible materials for people with low vision