Instructions: 

  • Identify a moderator, and participants A, B and possibly C. 

  • Moderator reads the italicised notes. 

  • Other participants read their lines. 

  • Practise an immediate response (as instructed by the moderator notes). 

  • Practise calling-in  (as instructed by the moderator notes). 

  • Identify a spokesperson to share with the larger group.

Scenario 1 (Group 1)

Moderator: During a small group in-person meeting a colleague shares that they are trans.

A: Oh, wow! You don’t look trans. Cool. You might be the first openly trans person I know. 

Moderator: You notice the strained look on your colleague’s face.

Moderator: Consider and demonstrate your immediate response (specifically in supporting the trans colleague in the moment). And how you might “call-in” A, presumably in private.

Scenario 2 (Group 2)

Moderator: During a company event, participants write their names and preferred pronouns on their nametags. You witness an interaction between two colleagues.

A: Hi Sam, I noticed your nametag says, 'Rainbow'' as your pronoun?

B: Oh, I just put that there because I think all this pronoun stuff is a bit over the top. I'm just Sam.

A: Really?

B: I just don't want to make a big deal about it.

Moderator: Consider and demonstrate your immediate response (specifically in supporting  Colleague A in the moment). And how you might “call-in” B, presumably in private.

Scenario 3 (Group 3)

Moderator: You are on the planning committee for an upcoming departmental conference, and you are discussing venues downtown. (You are person C in this scenario.)

A: I do like that venue, but construction around the area is making it difficult for people with mobility challenges to enter the building. I don’t even know where the building ramps are. Plus, it’s so loud. I don’t know if I’d be able to focus with my conditi– (stops talking as A notices B scrunching their nose, looking ready to disagree.)

B: Yeah, but it’s the best venue. And I don’t know of a single person who uses a wheelchair in this whole department! Anyways, it shouldn’t be that hard to focus, it’s just a little noise, people can get past that, right, C?

Moderator: Colleague A has previously disclosed to you that they have ADHD. You also know of one colleague who is a wheelchair user. Consider and demonstrate your immediate response (specifically in supporting Colleague A in the moment). And how you might “call-in” B, presumably in private outside of the meeting.

Scenario 4 (Group 4)

Moderator: You are a member of a committee. As you arrive, the Chair (A) and Committee Member B are setting up for a meeting. There is no designated secretary for this committee.

A (Chair): So, <insert name of B> who’s taking notes for today’s meeting?

B: Oh, good question. How about Jane? I would do it, but her handwriting is way better. 


A: (Chair): Sounds good to me. I’ll let Jane know when she gets here.  


Moderator: Consider and demonstrate your immediate response as one of the other committee members, and how you might “call-in” B and/or the committee Chair, presumably in private.

Scenario 5 (Group 5)

Moderator: Your weekly team meeting is about to wrap up. Colleague A has been sharing some of the efforts towards anti-racism being made at AUArts.

A: Thanks, everyone. It might feel like anti-racism is not as hot of a topic in the news, but we’re continuing our efforts to address systemic discrimination in our field. Does anyone have any questions?

B: Actually, I do. Is anyone else disturbed by this socialist agenda?

A: Sorry, <insert B’s name>. Can you please clarify what you mean?

B: So, we’re all about diversity, but I feel like there’s a contradiction. Let’s be honest, we don’t really want all kinds of diversity, right? I mean, I feel like we’re not allowed to have a diversity of opinions on diversity?

Moderator: Consider and demonstrate hope you might respond in the moment, as either Colleague A or as another team member. How might you  “call-in” B, presumably in private outside of the meeting.


Scenario 6 (Group 6)

Moderator: You’re in an online meeting between a manager, and several colleagues, one of whom is Black.

A: Just curious, do any of you know if AUArts has any new plans to specifically support safety standards for Black and Indigenous communities in BC?

B: God. Isn’t it favouritism to just help out those specific communities? The pandemic didn’t just hit Black and Indigenous people; white people are affected as well. I know everyone’s saying “Black lives matter” but shouldn’t all lives matter?

Moderator: Consider and demonstrate hope you might respond in the moment, as either Colleague A or as another team member. How might you  “call-in” B, presumably in private outside of the meeting. 

If you’d like to read more on how the phrase “all lives matters” is harmful, see: https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/culture/a32800835/all-lives-matter-fake-equality/

Scenario 7 (Group 7)

Moderator: Your manager wants to address diversity in the workplace, and notes that National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is coming up. When the topic emerges during team meetings, your manager tends to look at your colleague, Jacy, the only individual who identifies as an Indigenous person on your team. 

A (Manager): So, in the spirit of diversity, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is coming up. I’d really like for us to do something, more than just wearing orange shirts. Does anyone have any ideas? (Looking directly at Jacy)

Moderator: Jacy shifts uncomfortably and averts the gaze of the team.

Consider and demonstrate hope you might respond in the moment or later. How might you “call-in” your manager, presumably in private outside of the meeting.