FUSION Inclusivity Workbook

Inclusivity Module Workbook Your name Date (if applicable) Course (if applicable)

Table of contents Workbook overview ................................................................................................................... 2 Your applied learning opportunity ............................................................................................ 3 Explore phase ............................................................................................................................ 4 Your self-assessment results ....................................................................................................... 4 Reflect and write 1 ....................................................................................................................... 4 Reflect and write 2 ....................................................................................................................... 4 Apply phase ............................................................................................................................... 6 Self-reflection questions .............................................................................................................. 6 Reflect and write 1 ....................................................................................................................... 6 Activity 1: Being attentive to your communication ........................................................................ 6 Activity 2: Challenging assumptions and biases .......................................................................... 7 Activity 3: Being aware of your privileges ..................................................................................... 8 Reflect and write 2 ....................................................................................................................... 9 Reflect phase ........................................................................................................................... 10 Reflecting on your applied learning ............................................................................................ 10 Reflect and write 1 ..................................................................................................................... 10 Your self-assessment results ..................................................................................................... 10 Reflect and write 2 ..................................................................................................................... 11 Reflect and write 3 ..................................................................................................................... 11 Skill self-assessment .............................................................................................................. 13 Self-assessment of your skills .................................................................................................... 13 Your self-assessment results ..................................................................................................... 15 1

YOUR APPLIED LEARNING OPPORTUNITY FUSION is a wraparound curriculum: skill-specific modules integrated into an applied learning experience. This experience might be a traditional academic course, a co-op placement, on- campus employment, or any other opportunity where you are actively learning by applying what you know in a setting inside or outside a traditional classroom. Before you dive into the first phase of the module, select an applied learning opportunity to participate in alongside the FUSION curriculum. Participation in your applied learning opportunity is integral to the completion of the Apply and Reflect phases.  What is your chosen applied learning opportunity? Please describe what the opportunity is, who you will be working with/reporting to (if applicable). Please write your response below: Volunteering at a Mosque,  What do you expect to gain from this applied learning opportunity? Please write your response below:  3

EXPLORE PHASE Your self-assessment results Please write your self-assessment totals for each area below: Assumptions and biases : 4.75 Embracing inclusivity : 4.75 Actions for inclusivity : 4.5 Reflect and write 1  How is inclusivity important in your work, school, community, and/or life? Please write your response below: Inclusivity ensures that a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences are represented and heard. This diversity can lead to more creative problem-solving and innovative ideas. Inclusive environments provide equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. This fosters fairness and social justice. In workplaces, diversity and inclusion can lead to economic benefits, including increased productivity, access to a broader customer base, and a more competitive edge in the global market. Inclusivity ensures that all students, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities, have an equal opportunity to access quality education. It promotes educational equity by minimizing disparities and addressing the needs of diverse learners.  What has surprised you about your inclusivity skills from these assessment results? Please write your response below: I have been pleasantly surprised by the growth and development of my inclusivity skills revealed through these assessment results. The most surprising aspect has been the significant improvement in my active listening and empathetic communication skills. I didn't realize how much progress I had made in truly engaging with others and understanding their experiences. This newfound ability has been eye-opening and inspiring.  Which areas of your inclusivity skills will you work on developing? Please write your response below: 4

APPLY PHASE Self-reflection questions Please indicate your answers for each statement below: Statement Never Sometimes Often Undertaking active listening Diversifying your communication style Avoiding using jargon or colloquialisms Revising your communications to spell out abbreviations Actively seeking many different perspectives Acknowledging own assumptions and biases Reflect and write 1  What opportunities do/will you have to use and develop your inclusivity skills in your applied learning? Please write your response below: If I have the opportunity to study abroad, I'll likely encounter people from different cultures and backgrounds. This provides a unique chance to develop my cross-cultural inclusivity skills. In a research or internship setting, I may work with a diverse group of colleagues or clients. Developing inclusivity skills in these contexts is crucial for effective teamwork and problem- solving. Activity 1: Being attentive to your communication 6

Identify a time when you have felt like you are being attentive to how you are using your communication skills, and where you felt communicating in this way had a big impact on you or others you were communicating with.  What was the communication situation? Was it personal or professional? Please write your response below: I was a volunteer in a community organization that works with at-risk youth, providing mentorship and educational support. I was assigned to mentor a teenager who had experienced significant challenges in their life, including family issues and academic struggles. My role was to provide guidance, support, and educational assistance. Through active and empathetic listening, I created a safe space for the teenager to share their feelings, concerns, and aspirations. They felt heard and valued, which allowed me to build trust and rapport. By actively engaging with the teenager in their studies, addressing their learning style and challenges, and providing the necessary resources, I helped them improve their academic performance. This had a significant impact on their future prospects. In this personal situation, my attentive communication skills made a substantial impact on the life of a young person facing adversity. It helped them overcome challenges, improve academically, and build a more hopeful future. This highlights the transformative power of empathy, active listening, and inclusivity in one-on-one mentorship situations.  Did you feel you understood all of the ways to make your communication inclusive? Why or why not? Please write your response below: I have received extensive training in communication, diversity, equity, and inclusion, which has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of inclusive communication strategies. However, inclusivity is a complex and evolving concept, I feel that there is always more to learn, and that no one can truly master every aspect of it. It's important to maintain humility and a growth mindset when it comes to inclusivity. I understand many ways to make my communication inclusive, yet being open to learning and adapting to new insights and challenges is a key aspect of becoming a more inclusive communicator.  When did you start to become aware of how you could improve the inclusivity of your communication by active listening and careful use of language? Please write your response below: I began to develop an awareness of improving the inclusivity of my communication during my senior year of high school. At that time, I was part of a school club focused on community service. The club had a diverse membership, and I was assigned to lead a project involving working with local residents in a low-income neighborhood. During the project, I realized the importance of active listening and using language that respected the perspectives and experiences of the residents. My initial approach of simply offering solutions was met with resistance, as the residents felt their voices weren't heard. However, as I actively listened to 7

I actively sought out and engaged with people who held different viewpoints or backgrounds. This allowed me to hear alternative perspectives and challenge my preconceived notions. During discussions, I practiced active listening by genuinely trying to understand others' viewpoints and experiences. This allowed me to empathize and consider their perspectives more deeply.  What stages did you go through as you responded to the task, activity, or situation? How did you reconcile your thoughts about your assumptions and biases? Please write your response below: As the discussion progressed, I started to become more curious about the various viewpoints presented by others. I actively engaged in the conversation and was genuinely interested in understanding their perspectives. During this process, I engaged in self-reflection to identify the origins of my assumptions and biases. I realized that my beliefs were shaped by personal experiences, upbringing, and societal influences.  How did you navigate from feeling uncertain or ashamed to moving towards finding meaning and acceptance? Please write your response below: I realized that uncertainty and self-doubt were natural parts of growth and learning. I started to accept that questioning my beliefs was a sign of intellectual curiosity and personal development. Instead of feeling ashamed of my biases, I acknowledged them as opportunities for improvement. Activity 3: Being aware of your privileges Identify a situation or time where you have thought deeply about privilege, especially your own privilege.  What was this experience like? Please write your response below: One significant experience where I engaged in deep reflection about privilege, particularly my own privilege, occurred during a high school diversity and inclusion class. The class focused on various aspects of privilege, including racial, gender, economic, and educational privilege. This experience was enlightening, thought-provoking, and transformative. Participating in this class provided me with a safe space to explore my own privilege and gain a deeper understanding of how it has influenced my life. It was a combination of challenging and eye-opening, as it required me to confront uncomfortable truths and acknowledge the advantages I've had in various aspects of my life. 9

 What techniques or strategies did you use to help you think about privilege? Please write your response below: I spent time in self-reflection, contemplating my own life experiences and how privilege has played a role in shaping my opportunities and perspectives. I actively listened to the experiences and stories of others in the seminar. Hearing their perspectives and lived experiences broadened my understanding of privilege.  How did you utilize the help of others? Please write your response below: I utilized the guidance and expertise of the class facilitators who were well-versed in the topic of privilege. They provided insights, resources, and a safe space for discussions. I engaged in meaningful conversations with my peers who came from diverse backgrounds. Their perspectives and personal experiences were invaluable in broadening my perspective.  What did you learn about your privilege? How will you use this learning? Please write your response below: I learned to recognize and acknowledge the various forms of privilege I have, including aspects related to race, gender, economic status, and education. This awareness was a crucial first step. I plan to use this learning by advocating for social justice and equality in my community and workplace, and using my privilege to amplify the voices of marginalized groups. Reflect and write 2  What are your main takeaways from this Apply phase? Please write your response below: I have developed a heightened awareness of the importance of inclusivity in communication and interactions. Understanding the impact of privilege and the value of diversity has been eye- opening. I've learned the significance of active listening as a tool to foster inclusivity. Listening with empathy and an open mind is key to effective communication.  What are you planning on doing to continue the successful and meaningful development of your inclusivity skills beyond your applied learning? Please write your response below: 10

REFLECT PHASE Reflecting on your applied learning Please indicate your answers for each statement below: Statement Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree My applied learning helped me to develop my skills. Participating in the FUSION curriculum helped me develop my inclusivity skills. The strategies I learned in this module contributed to helping me achieve my work and academic goals. I will use my improved skills for future applied learning, work experiences, and personal life. Reflect and write 1  Review your answers to the statements in the reflection activity. Then, write a few sentences explaining your choices. Use specific examples as much as possible. Please write your response below: Your self-assessment results Please write your self-assessment totals for each area below: Area totals from Explore phase Area totals from Reflect phase Assumptions and biases : 4.75 Assumptions and biases : 5 12

Area totals from Explore phase Area totals from Reflect phase Embracing inclusivity : 4.75 Actions for inclusivity : 4.5 Embracing inclusivity : 5 Actions for inclusivity : 5 Reflect and write 2  In what ways have your inclusivity skills changed through your participation in your applied learning experience and this skill module? Please write your response below: I have developed a deeper understanding of the importance of inclusivity, recognizing its significance in fostering positive and meaningful interactions. I've become more proactive in challenging my own assumptions and biases, leading to a more open-minded and adaptable approach to conversations.  How are these changes reflected (or not reflected) in your new self-assessment scores? Please write your response below: My scores demonstrate a higher level of understanding and awareness in areas related to inclusivity, active listening, and challenging assumptions. I've become more conscious of the significance of these skills and have improved in their application.  What will you do moving forward to continue to develop your inclusivity skills? Please write your response below: I will make a conscious effort to continue learning about inclusivity and diversity. This involves reading, attending seminars, and engaging with diverse perspectives. Moreover, I will mentor and educate others about the importance of inclusivity. By sharing what I've learned, I hope to inspire others to embark on their own journeys. Reflect and write 3 Now that you have come to the end of your experience with this skills module, take a moment to reflect on your learning and how you plan on applying your skills going forward.  What are the most important things you have learned through your participation in your applied learning and/or this skill module? 13

SKILL SELF-ASSESSMENT Self-assessment of your skills For each statement, select the choice that best reflects your thinking and behaviour in the past month. Assign a value to your frequency on the following scale:  Never – 1 point  Seldom – 2 points  Sometimes – 3 points  Usually – 4 points  Always – 5 points At the end of each strategic area of the skill, add up your points and then divide the total by the number of questions for that strategic area, to get an average score. When you have completed the entire self-assessment, please transfer your scores to your workbook. Statement Never Seldom Sometimes Usually Always Area: Assumptions and biases I effectively recognize when I am making assumptions about others based upon the way they look or sound. 1 2 3 4 5 I can distinguish between observable facts and personal interpretations. 1 2 3 4 5 I am aware of my biases, assumptions, and stereotypes for the full range of privileged and marginalized groups. 1 2 3 4 5 I understand how my various privileged and marginalized group memberships impact how I make meaning of situations, and then how I react/respond. 1 2 3 4 5 Score for this area (total points divided by number of statements) Area: Embracing inclusivity I notice what issues of diversity 1 2 3 4 5 15

Statement Never Seldom Sometimes Usually Always are discussed effectively and which ones are ignored or not addressed productively. I am aware of how people may experience and interpret comments and nonverbal behaviors differently based upon their cultural perspective, and their experiences in their multiple privileged and marginalized groups. 1 2 3 4 5 I am able to “relate in” and “see myself” in others to find compassion and make a connection with them, rather than judging them or distancing from them. 1 2 3 4 5 I continuously use an inclusion lens to self-reflect and examine my behaviors, assumptions, feelings, and attitudes and their impact on others. 1 2 3 4 5 Score for this area (total points divided by number of statements) Area: Actions for inclusivity I actively expand my understanding of issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. 1 2 3 4 5 I am aware of how people may experience and interpret comments and nonverbal behaviors differently based upon their cultural perspective, and their experiences in their multiple privileged and marginalized groups. 1 2 3 4 5 I effectively respond to negative behaviors I believe are distracting, including dominating, interrupting, side-tracking, side conversations, where some voices are 1 2 3 4 5 16