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:
Moderator: During a team meeting, you overhear Colleague A talking about the anti-racism effort at Columbia College.
A: So, we’re all about diversity now, but I feel like there is 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?
B: I’m not sure I get what you're saying. Out of curiosity, are you suggesting that anti-racism is some kind of political agenda, as opposed to social justice?
A: Well, I mean – we say we want “diversity”, but it feels like there's a limit. Aren't we creating an environment where we only accept certain viewpoints on what diversity means? If you don’t buy into this socialist agenda, you’ll get cancelled. So you have to bite your tongue. What if you have a different point of view on diversity?
Moderator: Consider and demonstrate your immediate response and how you might “call-in” A as either Participant B or as another participant in the meeting.
Scenario 2:
Moderator: In a meeting a manager is wrapping up a discussion of the recent program changes and the potential impact on current students.
Manager: So, not everyone is going to be happy with this delay. If we could please keep this to ourselves for now, communications is working on how to best share this with the “tinkerbells” in the student association. You know what I mean? (chuckles)
A: Sorry, did you just refer to students as “tinkerbells”?
Manager: I’m just kidding. That was just a joke. I’m saying we need to be sensitive to who might overreact to this change not happening fast enough.
Moderator: Consider and demonstrate your immediate response and how you might “call-in” the manager, as either another manager or participant in the meeting.
Scenario 3:
Moderator: You’re in an online meeting between a manager, and several colleagues, one of whom is Black.
A: Just curious, in the spirit of Black History Month, does Columbia College have plans to continue supporting Black and Indigenous communities in BC?
B: Isn’t it favouritism to just help out those specific communities? The pandemic and the cost of living here 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?
Note to the group: 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/
Moderator: Consider and demonstrate your immediate response and how you might “call-in” B as either Participant A or as another participant in the online meeting.
Scenario 4:
Moderator: An in-person meeting is winding down and people are beginning to pack up to leave. Three remain. Participants A, B, and C are the last to leave.
A: Hey, Joe. You’re from the Philippines, right?
B: That’s right. I moved to Canada as a child.
A: That’s what I thought. You know my neighbour is Filipino. Do you eat balut?
Side note: Balut is a fertilized duck egg, widely consumed as a street food in the Philippines, but is also popular in other southeast Asian countries. Read More: https://www.mashed.com/158543/the-untold-truth-of-balut/
B: (awkwardly) Uh, no. I stopped eating balut when I was old enough to know what it was. Kinda freaks me out a bit. But my cousins love it.
Moderator: Consider and demonstrate your immediate response in the moment (as Colleague C).
(Cont’d)
Moderator: Early the next day, Colleague C drops by Colleague A.
C: Hey, you got a moment?
A: Sure.
C. About that comment you made to Joe yesterday -- can I offer you an alternate perspective on how that might have landed?
A: Here it is again, the feedback. Why is everyone so sensitive? I was just joking. Everything is so political these days, you can’t say anything without offending someone.
Moderator: Consider how you might have responded to Colleague A’s response during the “calling-in”.
Scenario 5:
Moderator: During a weekly staff meeting, an announcement is made to faculty highlighting the plans for the upcoming Pride Week. A faculty member groans and complains.
A: (groaning) Why do we even do this each year?
B: You know … It's a way of showing support, promoting inclusivity, for our local LGBTQ2S+ communities, including students, faculty, and staff who identify as gay or queer.
A: Oh, I get it. I am an ally. I have lots of lesbian and gay friends. I’ve got no issues with what people do in their personal lives. I just don’t see why the College needs to be so in your face about Pride.
Moderator: Consider and demonstrate your immediate response (as another attendee or colleague) and how you might “call-in” A later, as either Participant B or as another participant in the meeting.
Scenario 6:
Moderator: You attended an in-person meeting earlier in the day. Colleague A, a woman of colour, overheard a comment made by a Colleague B towards one of Columbia College’s staff. After the meeting, she approaches Colleague B privately.
A: Hey, <insert B’s name>. Do you have a second to chat?
B: Yes, of course.
A: I was there when Quinn shared with us that they were trans. I know you didn’t mean any offence by what you said to them. In fact, they kinda laughed with you. Could I offer you an alternate perspective on how that might have landed? It’s just an offer.
B: Why do you have to be so aggressive? I’d really appreciate it if you wouldn't be so angry when you’re sharing your opinion.
A: Really?
Moderator:Consider and demonstrate how you might respond if you were Colleague A. Also, consider how you might respond to Colleague A if they were to share with you what happened to them in the above interaction with Colleague B.