Dr. Melissa Sturm-Smith Food Bank of Iowa: Meeting the Need 2017 DiversiME: Join me on the journey to discover our role in creating diverse and inclusive spaces Dr. Melissa Sturm-Smith Food Bank of Iowa: Meeting the Need 2017

Who I am – my story I am NOT a diversity and inclusion expert I AM an educator committed to my own personal journey I HAVE made mistakes along the way I STILL make mistakes and always seek to learn from them

The Giraffe and the Elephant: A Modern Fable

Lessons to consider STOP – trying to change the elephants START – focus on changing “the house” CONTINUE – to focus on inclusion

Thought questions How can we work to make our service locations work for elephants and giraffes? In what ways do we ask giraffes to “go to a class” and just make it work?

What is Diversity? From Hug an Elephant, Kiss a Giraffe – Justin Jones-Fosu Diversity of Thought: People think differently and it is important to avoid group think (where everyone thinks the exact same way) Diversity of ACTion: Diversity is not just about what we say but what we DO The Simplest Definition of Diversity is DIFFERENCE

Diversity is being invited to the party: Inclusion is being asked to sit down and eat

Dimensions of Diversity Inner ring – internal dimensions Outer ring – external dimensions

Is our house built for elephants and giraffes? Signage available for visually impaired Options for hearing impaired Invisible disability – mental illness, learning disability, autism

This client walks into your service location. This guy walks in today, he’s a big dude. He has tattoos on his neck and arm, and even a skull tattoo the size of my entire hand on the back of his head. His nametag says “Punisher”.

His story…… The doll is his daughter’s baby doll named Davey and she wanted him to have clothes and scoks so he got in his car, and drove here and bought Davey onsies and socks.

Conversations across differences Do's and Don'ts Use affirmative listening statements “Can you tell me more..” “How did this affect you?” “What I hear you saying is..” Manage your judgments Show you are truly interested – lean in! INTENTION - Demonstrate caring, understanding, empathy and respect Hijack the story; interrupt Play one-upmanship Minimize the difference Get defensive Take it personally Discount, explain away Try to validate assumptions

Your story How have you negatively responded to people who are different than you? How have you positively responded to people who are different than you? Do you tend to focus more on people’s differences or similarities?  Why do you think that is? What is one difference that you do not know a lot about? How has one difference about you positively or negatively impacted you?

ACTIONS How can you learn more about others who are different than you?