Building skill and navigating difficult DEI conversations
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EmailConversations about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) can be tough, but they’re essential for creating a supportive and inclusive space for young people.
Conversations surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) can be challenging. However, these discussions are essential for fostering equality among 4-H youth and volunteers. It is imperative to establish effective methods for engaging others in dialogue about inclusion matters, acknowledging that these conversations may not always be flawless. Ensuring responses are reasoned and equitable is crucial, as it allows one to address conflicts efficiently and refocus on the primary objective.
Tips for having difficult conversations
Inquire thoughtfully to enhance understanding, while also respecting the other person’s emotions. Engaging with someone who is upset or whose experiences contrast with your own can be challenging. However, a nonjudgmental approach can mitigate the intensity of conflicts when they arise. Responses that are dismissive, defensive or rejecting often exacerbate disagreements and result in misunderstandings, potentially leaving the other individual feeling overlooked or frustrated.
Reframe your conversation around a mutual purpose where both parties want a good outcome. Reframing involves redirecting a conversation into a different context, necessitating active listening, acknowledgment and paraphrasing. For further information on this process, refer to What is Reframing in Communication? Actionable Leadership Guides. In terms of a shared objective, empowering children to express their identities and contributions to their lives and communities is a fundamental aim of 4-H.
Dedicate yourself to education and continuous learning. It is our duty to recognize the disparities that significantly affect marginalized youth throughout our state. Refer to the Champion Groups: Youth Audiences – Access, Equity and Belonging Committee to gain insight into the following identified demographics: immigrant and refugee youth, youth engaged with the juvenile justice system, LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queen/questioning and additional gender and sexual identities) youth, racial and ethnic youth (including Black and African American, Asian American, Latino and American Indian), youth experiencing housing instability, youth in foster care, youth living in poverty and youth with disabilities. The Champions Group resources will provide helpful information such as logic models, equity toolkits, potential partners and additional materials provided by the Access, Equity and Belonging Committee.
Engaging in challenging discussions can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress, as well as uncertainty about subsequent actions. Given the inherent difficulty of such conversations, it is important to take a moment to reflect, recognize your feelings, seek support if necessary, and progress in a constructive manner. The key components for managing difficult conversations include practice, patience and perseverance. Over time, these skills can facilitate a more manageable approach to navigating these complex interactions.
Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. To find out how to get involved as a youth participant or an adult volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office.
