This activity asks participants to practice responding to scenarios where bias may show up.
When responding to scenarios, here are some things to consider:
- Curiosity: Asking questions to draw out how or why someone has this perspective.
- Alternative perspectives: Identify the risks or implications of a statement; offer a different way to view the situation.
- Clear boundaries: Clear boundaries that uphold youth’s safety and autonomy are especially important. This is about reasserting that you and/or your organizations are always in solidarity with youth.
- Story control: If you are a responding to something a youth has said, remember that we want youth to feel like they can name their own experience and control their story/narrative. It’s important to address internalized bias without trying to dictate the way the youth tells their story.
Feeling nervous or defensive about exploring and addressing bias? Read these Reflections on Becoming More Culturally Conscious, in which teachers recount their own experiences recognizing and addressing their biases. We all have life-long unlearning to do, it may seem intimidating or uncomfortable, but it is worth it!