Equity Challenge: Week 6
Welcome to week 6 of the Challenge!
 
This week, we dig more deeply into the concept of internalized racism and turn our examination inward by considering and addressing internal bias. Today’s challenge asks you to examine your own bias and ways you can take control of these unconscious constructs.
 
If you are hosting group conversations around our weekly topics, there is a group discussion guide created by our colleagues in central Iowa that can provide helpful suggestions on how to structure productive conversations. Click here to access the guide.
Week 6: Internal Bias
These are some questions to get you thinking about internal bias:

  • What are some of your biases (positive and negative)?

  • When was the last time you recognized one of your biases? What happened?

  • What will you do to be more aware of your biases moving forward?
We all have bias. But often, we are not aware of the internal or implicit biases that we subconsciously hold. Research shows that years of structural and cultural constructs and messaging have deeply embedded stereotypes into our culture, and consequently into our own subconscious.
 
However, current research also shows that we can change these neural associations by being more intentional about acknowledging our biases. 
Week 6 Challenge
For this week’s challenge, we ask you to explore your own internal bias by taking a hidden bias test. We also offer some resources to further explore implicit bias and techniques for overcoming them. 
ACT:

Take a Project Implicit Hidden Bias Test (12 minutes)
Psychologists at top universities created these tests to help people uncover their unconscious biases. Note: This link will take you to a list of tests, but you will first be asked to read and agree to a disclaimer from the Project. If you click “I wish to proceed” after reading the disclaimer, there are a variety of tests to choose from. Please select a test that makes the most sense for you.
READ:

Cognitive Biases: What They Are and How They Affect People (17-minute Read)
In this article, you will learn more about cognitive biases and understand why we experience them. The article describes different types of biases and provides ways for you to mitigate bias successfully.
WATCH:

Let’s Talk Bias (4:41)
In this Youth Collective video produced by Reel Works, five young people share stories of experiencing bias targeted at their unique identities.
 
We All Have Implicit Biases. So, What Can We Do About it? (12:00)
Dushaw Hockett, founder and Executive Director of Safe Places for the Advancement of Community and Equity, discusses characteristics of implicit biases and the reasons for all of us to recognize and address them.
 
How to Outsmart Your Own Unconscious Bias (17:23)
Author, speaker and CEO, Valerie Alexander explains how the human brain instinctively reacts when encountering the unexpected. She proposes that we examine our own behavior when faced with the unfamiliar and take control of our expectations so that we can change the world.
LISTEN:

The Mind of the Village: Understanding our Implicit Biases (50-minute listen)
This episode of Hidden Brain examines research about “the mind of the village,” exploring the connection between our minds and society.

Share your reflections or additional resources about today’s topic on social media using #EquityChallenge - or send us a note at unitedway@unitedwayracine.org
 
Learn more about the Challenge and review weekly topics by visiting
Local Resources
A weekly book discussion group reading books on race and racism.

A yearlong, faith-based series of interactive and multidimensional public events. The series goal is to increase our understanding of how we think and feel about racism, resulting in actions that can help to transform us as individuals and the systems of racism in our country. 

The YWCA of SEW Wisconsin offers a variety of trainings about different facets of equity, such as structural racism, cultural differences, social transformation and more.

Higher Expectations engages community partners, aligns efforts, and maximizes resources to promote excellence and equity in education and employment outcomes in Racine County.
Hear from Deanna Singh, Founder/Chief Change Agent of Flying Elephant and her husband Justin on how to talk to your children about race to help children develop a healthy understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Events

Join Gateway Technical College for a workshop to help you understand the deaf community and learn about their unique culture, values, and beliefs. Register here.
There is also a zoom link available.
Monday, March 8 at 6 p.m.

This is an all-ages event sponsored by the LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin. Register for the event.
Friday, March 12 at 7 p.m.

Community Safe Zone Trainings are public events that provide education on the LGBTQ+ community. Register here.
Monday, March 29 at 5 p.m.
Make your commitment to inclusion—the active, intentional and ongoing engagement with diversity—official by signing our Declaration of Inclusion Pledge. This pledge is to respect and appreciate all aspects of any person, including race, religion, skin color, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, physical abilities, age, parental status, work and behavioral styles, and the perspectives of each individual as shaped by their nation, culture and experiences. You will also receive our quarterly diversity newsletter to build your "equity muscle."