Building Cultural Competence

an understanding of AAUW’s mission, values, goals and strategic plan. It is meant to start the inclusion conversation. We encourage all members to seek ways to incorporate inclusive practices into their branches and daily life.

As Maya Angelou said, “In diversity, there is beauty and there is strength.” AAUW respects and celebrates the diversity of our members and those differences form the backbone of our organization. These resources are one way to show others how to bring together differences for positive change through inclusive practices.

 

DIVERSITY:

such as ethnicity, gender Identity, religious beliefs or socio-economic status. educational statues, wealth or poverty, political affiliation [ideological diversity], athletic ability, mental ability, learning styles

BECAUSE WE DO NOT HAVE RACIAL DIVERSITY IN OUR BRANCH OR IN OUR COMMUNITY, WE MAY THINK THAT THESE GUIDELINES DON’T APPLY TO US.

BUT WE HAVE OTHER KINDS OF DIVERSITY–MANY WITHIN OUR FAMILIES.  E.G. DIVERSITY OF POLITICAL VIEWS, RELIGIOUS VIEWS, APPROACHES TO TECHNOLOGY. DIRECTIONS FOR OUR BRANCH, PROGRAM IDEAS,

We should include different perspectives into what we do

e.g. someone from gender studies program as a speaker: This excludes people who don’t identify in either of these two ways. Some people use they/them pronouns or other gender neutral options such as zie/zir. It is best to always ask new people you meet what their pronouns are, rather than making an assumption based on their appearance or voice. AAUW National uses they/them for individuals in writing when their pronouns are unknown.

–Book Group

–Scribble Sisters

–Programming

 

Intersectionality