Why are we here Unpacking the invisible knapsack Discuss perception, that we are designed and conditioned to feel first and then make meaning. First Occipital lope to the thalamus and hypothalamus To the cerebral cortex to make meaning Our cultural perspective, your worldview, our lenses effect how we engage with God, how we engage with our selves, and how we engage with the world. Or others What is diversity: slide Understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along. the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It's important to start with a scope of reality. The reality being that The United States is no longer a melting pot. At some point there was a realization that assimilation discredited, devalued, and striped away the identity of the individual. The metaphors now are that of being a vegetable soup or a salad. There is no melting or mixing. Each part of the dish is emphasized. How did you come to know Jesus? How about you? Quick responses 1st Corinthians 3 Each story unique, each different. Each having its own purpose, yet God is in control. God is the focus.
So what do we do? If we're challenged to dialogue in this realm of diversity, who will be doing the talking? People of the same experience? What will they learn? Get response One of my favorite professors said this to me once. Mike Nichols "Everyone is walking cultural library, read them, learn them. If you disregard them, you are burning down an entire library." If we burn libraries, we won't learn anything. We can start by : Making sure our words are bathed in grace and sprinkled with salt. So we may know how to answer everyone. I'm not making this up. The university of North Carolina, Ohio state, among others, have policies in place, and campus wide goals to increase diversity. They say:
In the 21 st century, an increasingly diverse society and a global economy are drivers for diversity in higher education. As North Carolina and the Charlotte region undergo rapid population growth and demographic change, UNC Charlotte must respond to the needs of a more diverse student population. It is imperative that the University prepare its students to become leaders and thriving citizens in a pluralistic and multicultural society (It is true isn't it? That our society is pluralistic and multicultural). At its fullest potential, higher education allows students to interact with people from different backgrounds and
to intellectually engage a range of ideas and perspectives. This educational experience cultivates the skills that graduates will need to function adeptly in a global society. Objective 3: Increase the recruitment of underrepresented faculty and advance their progression through the faculty ranks. Objective 4: Increase the representation of staff from underrepresented groups. Objective 5: Ensure the presence of institutional environments and course development that enhance learning and appreciation for the full range of diversity. Objective 6: Develop external relationships with the community to enhance diversity on and off campus. Most importantly, measure yourself, as a campus, be held accountable. Observant slide examples of cultural/ generational What keeps us? Not only are we to be observant? But active!! Levels to consider, EEO, Affirmative Action, Diversity and inclusion, Define cultural competence You get to decide, groups. When we become diverse.