Equity

Question 1

Activity I am, But I am not

Answer 1

“I Am, But I Am Not” is an inclusion team activity that breaks down misconceptions and stereotypes by allowing individuals to report on how they identify themselves. Another benefit is that the exercise allows them to address the stereotypes behind these identifying factors.
Instructions:
1. Everyone grab your worksheet.
2. Pair up with someone that you don’t know well. OR count off and find your group.
3. The activity called “I am, BUT I am not”?” – you have 5 minutes.
4. When the group has completed the activity, return to discuss with the larger group.

Ask:
• What are 1-2 words that describe what this activity was like for you?
• How did you choose which identities to share?
• Did anyone in the group surprise you? Why?
• How did it feel to be able to stand up and challenge stereotypes?
• (If there was any laughter during the exercise), I heard several moments of laughter. What was that about?
• Where did we learn these stereotypes?
• How can we reduce them? What role do we play in doing so?

Question 2

What is equity

Answer 2

Now that we know a little more about each other and who we are let’s establish a group definition of equity.

When we think about equity, we typically think of being equal or like those around us. Or maybe even treating people fairly.

It is also important to note that equity applies to every situation.
Personal life, work life, social life and overall

Say: Now that we understand Equity, we need to talk about how there can be confusion with the term when we speak about Equality too.

• Let’s watch a short video to gain an understanding of the terms together.

Say: Based on this short video we watched; how would you explain Equality and Equity?

• Wait for participants to give answers.
• If fairness is the goal, equality and equity are two processes through which we can achieve it. Equality simply means everyone is treated the same exact way, regardless of need or any other individual difference. Equity, on the other hand, means everyone is provided with what they need to succeed.

Ask: Now that we have defined equity in addition to understanding the term Equality; How would apply to workplace equity?
• What are a few examples of workplace equity or equity in a place you have experienced (An example: Doing the same job as someone else, but not getting the same privileges benefits compared to those who do the same role)?
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Workplace Equity means everyone receives fair treatment. There’s a transparency to cause and effect, and everyone knows what to expect in terms of consequences and rewards.

Another way to understand equity is to remember that we should treat everyone equitably or fair and impartial.

We have discussed the idea that the lack of equity can create more the social patterns of disenfranchisement and bias, but also health disparities, but what does that mean?

Ask Again: What are the differences between the two (workplace equity and human equity?
Here are how we define both?

Equity happens when people with a certain social identity are deprived of a particular right or privilege.

Workplace equity: is any unfair prejudice, either on an individual level or on a systemic level.

Ask: How can we provide a safe place for equity or treating people fairly in our workplace?
• What are some ways we can provide an equitable environment for our guests?

Question 3

Human Equity

Answer 3

Discussion: Let’s talk about understanding our actions to make sure we are providing the workplace equity we talked about. This is referred to as Human Equity.

Ask: Everyone take one minute to complete the small crossword puzzle in your handouts.
• There are only two works that will fit (hint, hint, the words are listed on the page).

Ask: Did you find the words we will talk about next?
• Compassion and Empathy

Ask: Who can give me a quick answer as to what these words mean?
• Compassion motivates people to go out of their way to help the physical, mental, or emotional pains of another and themselves.
• Empathy is the capacity to understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference, that is, the capacity to place oneself in another’s position.
• (Be open to the responses that participants give to the above answers)

Ask: Now that we understand these terms, what can we do to ensure we are offering compassion and empathy to our peers and guests to be more equitable?
• Let participants give a variety of answers.