2018 ESA Annual Meeting (August 5 -- 10)

SS 10 - Inclusive Communication to Promote Diversity, Inclusion and Equity

Monday, August 6, 2018: 10:15 AM-11:30 AM
240-241, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Organizer:
Tiffany S. Carey
Co-organizers:
Wilnelia Recart , A. M. Aramati Casper , Sam Davis and Caitlin N. McDonough MacKenzie
Inclusive communication should be approached through the lens of awareness, consideration and responsiveness to any component of a person’s identity, including but not limited to, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, language, political affiliation, spiritual beliefs, socioeconomic status and disability. Inclusive communication is essential to being an effective and responsible ecologist, educator and advocate which in turn fosters a more diverse and inclusive community and society. We often assume that these communication skills develop intuitively; however, that assumption leads into one of two extremes: either disregarding a person’s identity or centering the relationship on that person’s identity. The Inclusive Ecology Section has designed an “inclusive communication” special session in which participants will learn about tools and resources to improve their communication skills, as well as take an active role in practicing these skills in and out of academia.

We will begin our session with a brief introduction to inclusive communication. This introduction will cover topics including: 1) a basic understanding of approaching identities, 2) addressing misconceptions, and 3) concrete tools for effective dialogue and interactions with all people. We will follow this presentation with two hands-on activities that facilitate practice and application of this content to real-life situations. These activities will take the majority of our time. By the end of this special session participants will be more comfortable and better-prepared to communicate constructively and respectfully with non traditional individuals throughout this ESA Meeting and beyond.

See more of: Special Sessions