Creating Inclusive Spaces For Dialogue And Healing: 11 Points From Harvard Publication
Today, while researching our LinkedIn audio event scheduled for tomorrow, “Creating Inclusive Spaces For Dialogue, Healing, And Reconciliation”, I came across 11 insightful points from Harvard University’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDIB) initiative. I believe it’s essential to expand on these points in the context of our goal to create inclusive spaces for dialogue and healing within the African diaspora community.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
I would like to start by saying that creating inclusive spaces requires intentional actions that foster respect, understanding, and collective growth. Below are the 11 points inspired by Harvard’s publication, each followed by actionable tips to help us in our efforts:
1. Challenge Ideas, Not People
At the heart of productive discussions lies the ability to critique ideas without attacking individuals. This principle encourages an environment where participants can express differing opinions without fear of personal backlash.
During community forums, members often bring diverse perspectives on cultural issues. Instead of dismissing a viewpoint outright, participants can frame their responses around the idea itself, promoting a respectful exchange.
Make sure to use “I” statements to express differing opinions, such as, “I see it differently because…” This shifts the focus from personal attacks to constructive debate, enabling a healthier dialogue.
2. Listen Actively
Active listening is a cornerstone of effective communication. It requires participants to fully engage with what others are saying, ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued.
See also From Listeners to Loyalists – Building a Community Around Your Story-Driven Brand
In group discussions, one could implement a “listening circle,” where each participant shares their thoughts uninterrupted, fostering an atmosphere of respect and attentiveness.
This has been very useful to me in the Obehi Podcast and has remained a key strategy since I first started to apply it.
You too can do the same by practicing reflective listening and summarizing what others have said before responding. This demonstrates respect and encourages a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.
3. Recognize Personal Expertise
Each member of the community brings unique experiences and insights. Acknowledging that individuals are the experts in their own lives fosters respect and encourages meaningful contributions to discussions.
As a practical example, consider organizing storytelling sessions like the one we are having tomorrow where community members can share their personal journeys, highlighting the diverse experiences within the diaspora and enriching the conversation.
To be effective, make sure to create peer-led workshops where individuals can share their knowledge and skills. This not only empowers participants but also reinforces the value of personal expertise within the community.
4. Be Open to Being Wrong
Embracing the possibility of being mistaken is vital for personal growth and collective learning. This principle encourages humility and a willingness to adapt one’s views in light of new information.
In community workshops, facilitators can share their own learning experiences where they realized they were wrong, creating a safe space for others to acknowledge their mistakes as well.
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What should you do? Well, encourage participants to ask questions and express uncertainty during discussions. Phrases like “I’m not sure” or “I may be wrong about this” can open up dialogue and invite others to share their insights.
For example, the full meaning of my surname, “Ewanfoh,” which originates from the Esan people in southern Nigeria, translates to “no one knows it all.”
5. Limit Personal Sharing
While sharing personal experiences can be powerful, it’s essential to keep the focus on collective issues. Oversharing can detract from the larger conversation and shift the spotlight away from the community’s needs.
You can consider establishing guidelines for discussions that prioritize group goals over individual narratives. It will be good to remind participants to stay focused on the collective experience.
A good actionable tip about that can be to introduce timed sharing slots during discussions to ensure everyone has an opportunity to contribute without dominating the conversation. This structure keeps the focus on moving forward together.
6. Call In, Not Out
A constructive approach to disagreement emphasizes understanding rather than condemnation. This principle encourages participants to engage with differing opinions through questions, fostering a more supportive dialogue.
During a community discussion, rather than publicly dismissing a differing viewpoint, a participant might ask, “Can you help me understand your perspective better?” This opens a channel for dialogue instead of confrontation.
Especially if you are a leader, you can consider training community members in conflict resolution techniques that emphasize asking clarifying questions. This can lead to deeper understanding and a more respectful exchange of ideas.
7. Avoid Steering Conversations
In inclusive dialogues, it’s important to resist the urge to guide discussions toward personal viewpoints. This principle nurtures an environment where all voices are valued equally, allowing for a rich fabric of opinions.
If you are a facilitator, you can create discussion prompts that encourage the exploration of various perspectives rather than framing questions that lead to a predetermined answer.
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You can do this by establishing ground rules for discussions that promote open-ended questions and discourage leading the conversation toward one’s own views. This ensures that diverse opinions can emerge naturally.
8. Pause for Processing
Taking time to reflect during discussions can enhance understanding and reduce misunderstandings. Pausing allows participants to process complex emotions and ideas, creating space for deeper engagement.
In longer meetings, such as what you might see on LinkedIn audio rooms and other places too, try to incorporate “processing breaks” where participants can reflect on what has been discussed. This can either be done individually or in small groups, before continuing the dialogue.
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You can consider utilizing a “parking lot” technique to jot down off-topic but important points that arise. This will allow the main conversation to flow while acknowledging other critical issues for later discussion.
9. Practice Empathy
Empathy is a powerful tool in fostering connection and understanding. Showing genuine care and concern for one another encourages vulnerability and strengthens community bonds.
I remember we talked about this on several occasions, especially on our LinkedIn audio live events both in The Diaspora Storytelling Series and in The AClasses Business Storytelling Series. So, pay attention.
To this effect, it will be a good idea to organize empathy-building activities, such as role-playing exercises, where participants experience different perspectives within the diaspora. This will help to cultivate a deeper sense of connection within the community.
As an actionable tip, consider implementing regular community service projects that encourage collaboration and understanding among members. It has been proven that working together on shared goals can foster empathy and strengthen relationships.
10. Share Responsibility
Creating an inclusive dialogue is a shared endeavor. Encouraging collective ownership of discussions and outcomes empowers community members and fosters a sense of belonging.
It will help to establish small working groups focused on specific issues within the community. This allows members to contribute actively to solutions and take ownership of the process.
Make sure to utilize collaborative platforms, such as shared documents or group chats, to keep everyone informed and engaged in ongoing projects. This will help reinforce the idea that everyone has a role to play.
11. Know When to Condemn
While fostering open dialogue is essential, there are moments when it’s crucial to be clear about unacceptable behaviors. Setting boundaries helps to maintain a safe environment for all participants.
Create a community charter outlining acceptable behaviors and the consequences for crossing those boundaries. This helps establish a standard that all members can refer to.
You can provide training on recognizing harmful behaviors and effective ways to address them. Empower community members to speak out against intolerance while still fostering a culture of respect.
By integrating these principles into our community practices, we can cultivate a space that honors diverse voices and experiences. Most importantly they can go a long way in facilitating healing and reconciliation within the African diaspora. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
