Diversity presentation by Dr. Tiffany Powell.

1. The “Dynamics” of Diversity
Dr. Tiffany S Powell
The Learning Cove, LLC

2. As you are waiting to get started,
write down one question on the post-it,
that you have in regards to diversity and
park it in the “Parking Lot”

3. Welcome and Introduction

4. Walk the Room
There are different questions about diversity around
the room.
While the music is playing walk around the room and read
the different questions.
When the music stops, go the nearest question.
As a group briefly discuss the question and select one
person to record the groups’ thoughts.
When the music begins again this is your cue to make
your way back to your seat.
When the music stops you should be back at your seat.

5. Identifying Our Diversity
Who Am I?

6. Cultural Diversity of Individuals
Fickel, 2004

7. What is Culture?
Culture is the totality of ideas, beliefs, values,
activities, and knowledge of a group or individuals
who share historical, geographical, religious,
racial, linguistic, ethnic or social traditions, and
who transmit, reinforce and modify those
traditions.

8. Culture as an Iceberg
SURFACE CULTURE
Organizational Personal
Rules Accent
Policies Behavior
Mission Customs Observed
Regulations Physical Appearance
DEEP CULTURE
Benefits Structure/Organization Beliefs
Hiring Practices Channels of Communication Values
Appraisal Systems “Why” Perceptions
Assumptions Emotionally Charged Communication Styles
(Bucher, 2010)

9. Understanding Our Diversity
Dimensions of diversity may be hidden or visible
Dimensions of diversity are found within groups as
well as within individuals
Dimensions of diversity are in a constant state of
flux
Dimensions of diversity are not always clear cut or
easily identified

10. Diversity: A Paradigm Shift
The way we are (human diversity)
The way we think (cultural diversity)
The way we do things (systems
diversity)

11. Diversity Myths
Myth 1: Diversity=Women + Minorities
Myth 2: Diversity is a New Phenomenon
Myth 3: Diversity=Deficiency
Myth 4: Diversity=Divisiveness
Myth 5: Diversity is to be Feared

12. Understanding the
“Dynamics” of Diversity

13. Defensiveness and Denial
Deny
Minimize
Avoidance
Blame the victim
Call it something else
It’s better this way
It doesn’t count if you don’t mean it
I’m one of the good ones
I don’t see color
Don’t be defensive
I’m sick and tired

14. What’s the Difference?
Prejudice
Discrimination
Isms (ex: Racism)

15. Diversity Education
Diversity Skills Diversity Awareness
Diversity
Consciousness
Mentoring, Diversity Training, Internet, Study Groups,
Cultural Activities, Other Opportunities, Travel, Workshops,
Courses, Study Abroad, Study Circles

16. Diversity Education
Refers to the strategies that enable us to
develop diversity consciousness. We
develop awareness, understanding, and
a variety of skills in the area of diversity.
(Bucher, 2010)
Diversity Skills

17. The Cultural Proficiency Continuum
Cultural Cultural Blindness Cultural Competence
Destructiveness
_________________________________
Cultural Incapacity Cultural Cultural Proficiency
Pre-competence
(Lindsey, Robins, Terrell, 2009)

18. Guiding Principles
Culture is a predominant force; you cannot NOT be
influenced by culture.
People are served in varying degrees by the dominant
culture.
People have group identities that they want to have
acknowledged.
Cultures are not homogeneous; there is diversity within
groups
The unique needs of every culture must be respected.
(Lindsey, Robins, Terrell, 2009)

19. Barriers
The presumption of entitlement
Systems of oppression
Unawareness of the need to adapt
(Lindsey, Robins, Terrell, 2009)

20. Diversity Consciousness is NOT…
Simply common sense
The result of good intentions
The result of some simple formula or strategy
Importance of just some of us
Simply ignoring differences and treating everybody the
same
Some “feel good” activity
A passing fad (Bucher, 2010)

21. Developing Diversity Consciousness
Take active role in educating yourself
Put yourself in a learning mode in any
multicultural setting
Remember that your own life experiences are one
of many important sources of knowledge
Move beyond your personal comfort zone
(Bucher, 2010, p.142-143)

22. Developing Diversity Consciousness
Be modest
Don’t be too hard on yourself if misunderstandings
arise
Realize you are not alone
Never stop learning
(Bucher, 2010, p.142-143)

23. Diversity is Like…

24. Back to the Parking Lot

25. Closing Evaluations
3-Words to describe your experience during the
workshop today
2-Ideas that you are taking away with you
1-Suggestion or question that you still have

26. Contact Information
Tiffany S. Powell, Ph.D
The Learning Cove, LLC, President
REAL Scholars, President
Email: thelearningcove@gmail.com
Phone: 785.477.5264