Sharing perspectives, understanding differences

We’re all different in many ways. We all have unique perspectives. Understanding and sharing those differences and perspectives helps create an inclusive environment where we feel valued and can contribute fully to AAUW’s mission.

But it’s not easy to have what AAUW National describes as “difficult conversations.”

That’s where a series of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) discussions comes in. The AAUW FL DEI Committee has scheduled DEI Dialogues via Zoom for the second Saturday of the month, from November 2022 through March 2023.  (Dialog not scheduled on December 10, 2022.)

The dialogues aim to help you become more comfortable sharing your perspectives or having those difficult conversations – and to inspire you to consider diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of your life.

Dialogue schedule 2022 – 2023

Our DEI Dialogues are open to all members and guests. To participate in an upcoming session, contact Jonnie Mae Perry, AAUW FL DEI Committee chair.

All dialogues are being recorded and the videos posted in the Branch Resources section of the website. So, if you missed a session, you won’t miss out.

• DEI Dialogue #1 – November 12, 2022 – Gender Identity and Orientation – Special Guest: Gina Leigh Duncan, Development Leader Central Florida, Equality Florida.  Gina Duncan is a national and international advocate, corporate trainer and speaker specializing in transgender dynamics in the workplace, classroom and society. She has conducted over 400 Transgender Cultural Competency workshops for all segments of society. She has worked with major corporations, elected officials, law enforcement, the media, school boards, colleges, governmental agencies, HR Organizations, (Certified by SHRM), universities and non-profit organizations to improve awareness, knowledge and understanding of the transgender and gender non-binary community.   Link to video – DEI 2022-2023: Gina Duncan.mp4 on Vimeo
• DEI Dialog #2 – January 14, 2023 – Intersectionality of Dance as a Universal Language with Alexandria Davis.  Teaching artist, choreographer and screen dance maker Alexandria Davis shares becoming and teaching being one’s authentic self in dance.  She is a native of Gainesville, Florida.  Link to video – DEI 2022-2023: Alexandria Davis.mp4 on Vimeo
• DEI Dialog #3 – February 11, 2023 – Intersectionality 2
• DEI Dialog #4 – March 11– Appearance and Age
• DEI Dialog #5 – April 8, 2023 – Hispanic and Latino and Haitian Culture
• DEI Dialog #6 – May 13, 2023 – Reflections and Observations

• DEI Dialogue #1: October 9, 2021 – Implicit bias – the attitudes and stereotypes that we have but are not aware of. These biases may influence our thinking in ways we’re not even aware of and can’t totally control. The dialogue focuses on identifying our implicit biases and ways of addressing them.
• DEI Dialogue#2:  November 13, 2021 – Micro-aggression – a comment or action that subtly and often unconsciously or unintentionally expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group. The session focuses on how to identify and avoid micro-aggressions in our actions and language.
• DEI Dialogues #3:  December 11, 2021 – DEI chair Jonnie Mae Perry explains how both diversity and inclusion are needed in our state and branch organizations. Then seven other AAUW members share their observations, personal experiences, and questions regarding inclusion.
• DEI Dialogues #4:  January 8, 2022 – Diversity in faith – Join Dr. Lucinda Mosher for a discussion on the diversity of religions in Florida and how we may engage with one’s own faith and the beliefs of others.  Dr. Lucinda Mosher is a faculty associate in Interreligious Studies and senior scholar for Executive and Professional Education at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. She teaches courses in interreligious studies, comparative theology, leadership, and Christian-Muslim concerns.
• DEI Dialogues #5: February 12, 2022 – Florida’s History of Racism – Andrew Sorbo, a retired History Teacher and Principal. talks about the history of racism in Florida.  Andrew is an Art Collector and has Artifacts dating back to 1500 BC. He is a facilitator of Social and Racial Justice workshops, including the 1619 Project and African Civilizations.
• DEI Dialogues #6: March 12, 2022 – The Influence of Culture on Perception of Self in Girls and Young Women with Jacqueline E. Jacobs.  Dr. Jacque Jacobs, retired full professor from Western Carolina University where she was Department Head in Educational Leadership and Foundations, shares her research on such topics as the impact of self-perception of girls and young women and the implications for their development into leaders.