Diversity and Inclusion Seminar Series

Both recent and historical events reveal the need for continued work on issues of diversity, inclusion and social justice. The NIH OITE is offering a series of webinars and small group discussions focused on helping postbacs, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows address these issues as they impact individuals, groups, and communities, as well as the larger society – including the world of science. This will be an opportunity to deeply reflect and consider the role we all can play In supporting equitable access to valuable societal resources, including healthcare, and advancing relevant and needed healthcare research. We will also discuss our own previous experiences and unconscious biases with the goal of becoming better allies and advocates for diversity and inclusion within our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and the broader science community.

Trainees who complete five of the small groups and who participate in all of the webinars will receive a certificate upon completion of the series. This material is helpful for trainees just starting out, those contemplating their next educational move, and those who are mentoring others.

To participate in the series, please register for the webinars using the links provided below or visit our website (https://www.training.nih.gov) and check under “upcoming events”. Due to the interactive nature of this series, it will not be recorded. We will be offering more sessions throughout the year. To receive weekly reminders, invitations to the small groups and other events, please join our info listserv at: https://www.training.nih.gov/sas/_20/426/.

In the Fall of 2022, the Diversity and Inclusion Seminar Series will be offered to NIH Academy on Health Disparities participants only. If you are an NIH Academy participant, you can access the NIH Academy specific D&I Seminar Series schedule here:
https://www.training.nih.gov/diversity_and_inclusion_seminar_series_schedule

The Spring 2023 session of the Diversity and Inclusion Seminar will start in January 2023 and is open to all NIH trainees and for others who wish to participate.

If you have any questions regarding the series, please contact Dr. Anna Han (anna.han@nih.gov)

SEMINARS ARE ON FROM 2:00 TO 4:30 PM (ET) UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

Sign language interpreting services and live captioning will be provided upon request.
Individuals who need reasonable accommodations to participate in this event or would like a sign language interpreter should contact Dr. Anna Han (anna.han@nih.gov) or the Federal Relay Service @ 800-877-8339. Requests should be made as soon as possible. 

Session Descriptions:

Part 1: Diversity and Inclusion in a Multicultural Society
This online, interactive workshop explore diversity, inclusion, and social justice in a multicultural society.  Topics will include how difference is defined; how it is experienced; and how it impacts individuals, groups, communities, and the larger society.  Mindfulness and compassion towards self and others will also be discussed, including the role they can play in enhancing understanding, empathy, and the capacity to build an inclusive and welcoming society.  Participants will be able to participate in a small group discussion during the workshop. 

Part 2: The Science of Diversity (Why and How?)
This online, interactive workshop will provide a comprehensive survey into the conceptions of “diversity.” The topics covered will include group identities, including majority, minority, and intersectional identities, how various identities react to increases in diversity, and how diversity affects intergroup relations. It will also discuss applications of diversity in multiple domains, including health, academia, and organizations. Participants will be able to participate in a small group discussion during the workshop.

Part 3: Building Belonging in a Time of Othering
This online, interactive workshop will examine the phenomenon of “othering,” which occurs across race, ethnicity, immigrant status, religion, sex and gender, sexual orientation, disability, age and socioeconomic status. Building on content presented in Celebrating & Embracing Diversity I and II, we will unpack how this tendency is developed within individuals and larger collectives, as well as how we can begin to move beyond “othering” toward “belonging” – or truly seeing, hearing and welcoming others as their full, authentic selves. We will address the benefits of belonging for both individuals and the larger society, as well as how each of us can play a role in creating a more inclusive environment for all of us.  Participants will also have the opportunity to share in small group discussions their own experiences with “othering” and “belonging” and talk about ideas for positive change.

Part 4: Reflecting on Biases: From Awareness to Engaging in Action, NOTE: This lecture fulfills the NIH Implicit Bias Training Requirement.
This online workshop will examine how biases, whether conscious or unconscious, influence our judgments, decisions, and behaviors. We will discuss the science of bias – why we have biases, why we are motivated to keep them, and the impact of bias in the workforce, academia, and science. We will also reflect on our own beliefs and biases. The good news is that bias can be mitigated with awareness, motivation, and we will explore evidence-based strategies to reduce the impact of bias on overall decision-making. Participants will be able to participate in a small group discussion during the workshop.

Part 5: Bystander Intervention and Allyship
This online workshop explores what do we do when we are a bystander to bullying, harassment, and/or violence? We will cover 5-steps of bystander intervention, including when and how to recognize a problem, how to overcome our reluctance to step-in and be a part of the solution by learning to intervene safely. Then we will discuss moving from a bystander to becoming an ally, a proactive bystander.  All of us can be a part of the solution and step in to become active bystanders when we witness bullying, harassment, and/or violence. Participants will be able to participate in a small group discussion during the workshop.