Appendix 3. What you can do: suggestions for individual action to address diversity
Guideline for Individuals
- Find out about volunteer opportunities in your community, eg. literacy, citizenship, mentorship programs.
- When communicating with non-native English speakers:
- Avoid jargon, slang, and idioms
- Slow down your speech
- Use simple words
- Pronounce and enunciate clearly
- Repeat your ideas in different words
- Check for understanding
- If you are non-native English speaker, ask coworkers to slow down or repeat themselves -- your request will not be considered rude. Ask about expressions you don't understand.
- Be aware of changes taking place around you and welcome that change.
- Recognize and respect others and their individuality
- Think before you speak, and be sensitive to others.
- Talk about your differences and ask tactful questions about how people want to be treated.
- Listen more
- Recognize you own biases and prejudices.
- Eliminate stereotypes and generalizations
- Expose ourself to other cultures
- Remember that your race/gender/personality style is not the center of the universe.
- Be careful with humor.