Implicit Bias and Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Training Overview
Implicit bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner. Thoughts and feelings are “implicit” if we are unaware of them or mistaken about their reality. We have a “bias” when we have a preference for (or aversion to) a person or group of people. The term “implicit bias” describes when we have attitudes towards people or associate stereotypes with them without our conscious knowledge.
These unconscious feelings and attitudes towards other people may be based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, age, and appearance. The associations we have with these characteristics are learned over the course of a lifetime, beginning at a very early age, through exposure to direct and indirect messages from those around us, the media and the norms of the groups we most closely associate with.
Research shows that implicit biases are a factor in creating and maintaining social inequalities.
“Definitely eye opening for me. It was interesting to stop and think about what my personal biases are. I look forward to applying what I have learned here today in both my professional and personal situations.”
OC Human Relations offers a tailored, interactive, engaging training that focuses on:
- key implicit bias concepts,
- how the influence of bias may affect interactions and decision-making, and
- effective interpersonal approaches to minimize and begin exploring and addressing implicit biases.
“Thank you! Great training. Very thought provoking. I enjoyed the mix of discussion, lecture, and group activities. The moderators were terrific – very respectful and thoughtful.”
Training Goals
- Defining and understanding explicit, implicit and confirmation bias.
- Understanding that acknowledging these biases is the first step towards addressing them.
- Identifying tools to address implicit biases.
“I very much appreciate that this training did not espouse any particular agendas! I enjoyed the sharing. Thank you!”
For more information and to discuss your or your organization’s specific needs please contact Seema Shah at seema@splash.ochumanrelations.org, phone 714-480-6578.
“I really enjoyed the day. It is really great to see coworkers participate in the process and all genuinely taking it seriously! “
