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Plexus Education Foundation Presents

A Seat at the Table: Navigating Workplace Dynamics as an Ally

Description

In today's diverse and interconnected world, being an ally is not just about not doing harm. The practice of allyship in action is crucial, including in the workplace. However, navigating allyship within workplace dynamics can present unique challenges and complexities. An interactive session designed to address challenges head-on, offering participants the opportunity to engage in facilitated conversations and problem-solving exercises while learning how to speak up and create a welcoming space for all.

Objectives

  1. Deepen understanding of what allyship is and looks like in everyday interactions
  2. Identify common workplace situations requiring allyship
  3. Review strategies that will address workplace situations

Components

  1. Explore the complexities of allyship within workplace dynamics: Participants will delve into the various factors that influence allyship within the workplace context, including power dynamics, intergenerational differences, cultural backgrounds, and personal relationships.
  2. Identify common workplace situations requiring allyship: Through interactive discussions and real-life scenarios, participants will identify and analyze common situations where allyship is needed within workplace settings. These scenarios may include addressing microaggressions, supporting LGBTQ+ employees, challenging discriminatory beliefs, and more.
  3. Develop strategies for effective allyship: Participants will collaborate to develop practical strategies and action plans for navigating challenging workplace situations as allies. They will explore communication techniques, boundary setting, conflict resolution strategies, and ways to foster empathy and understanding within the family unit.
  4. Foster a supportive and inclusive workplace culture: Through reflective exercises and group discussions, participants will explore ways to cultivate a culture of inclusivity, respect, and acceptance within their work environments. They will brainstorm ideas for promoting open dialogue, celebrating diversity, and creating safe spaces for all employees to thrive.
Plexus workplace inclusion trainings

Recommended Reading

Barker, M.-J. & Scheele, J. (2016). Queer: A graphic history. Icon Books.​

Bauman, J. (2019). The Stonewall reader. Penguin Classics.​

Bourne, S. (2021). Allies: Real Talk About Showing Up, Screwing Up, and Trying Again. DK, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

Chen, A. (2020). Ace: What asexuality reveals about desire, society, and the meaning of sex. Beacon Press.​

Dawson, J. (2015). This book is gay. Sourcebooks Fire.​

Gainsburg, J. (2020). The savvy ally: A guide for becoming a skilled LGBTQ+ advocate. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.​

Getty, S. (2020). How to They/Them: A Visual Guide to Nonbinary Pronouns and the World of Gender Fluidity. Sasquatch Books.

Givisser, M. (2020). The pink line: Journeys across the world's queer frontiers. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.​

Habib, S. (2019). We have always been here: A queer Muslim memoir. Viking.​

Hall, D. M. (2009). Allies at work: Creating a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender inclusive work environment. Out & Equal Workplace Advocates.​

Kobabe, M. (2019). Gender queer: A memoir. Oni Press.​

Koenecke, L. (2021). Be an Inclusion Ally: ABCs of LGBTQ+. Lisa Koenecke, LLC.