Division 1 Member Training

1. When you meet someone with a foreign name, take the time to learn how to pronounce it correctly. You might also ask if the name has particular meaning in that person’s language or if they were named for someone. Remember, our names are part of our identity, they link us to our family and our history. 

2. Take note of when religious holidays are occurring and what those holidays are about. 

3. When planning any type of meeting or event, address accessibility issues. 

4. Recruit for new members at places outside the norm to expand your circle. For example, consider working with an organization that connects you with people from other walks of life.

5. Use respectful and inclusive language and labels.

6. Consider etiquette when interacting with persons with disabilities. Group designations such as "the blind," "the retarded" or "the disabled" are inappropriate because they do not reflect the individuality, equality or dignity of people with disabilities.

7. Understand how your own work style, communication style, and conflict style differs from others whom you work with. Differing styles are not wrong, just different.

8. Consider ways to recognize others’ accomplishments, needs, and difficulties; practice small, simple acts of empathy and kindness.

9. Pay close attention to body language. The way we use our body and our facial expressions sends powerful messages, sometimes unintentionally. We can also misinterpret other people’s body language, so it is important to pay attention and ask questions.

10. Check your biases and assumptions. We all have biases which can affect how we behave toward others who may be different from ourselves, but by continuously checking and challenging the assumptions we make about others, we can act more inclusively.