Building An Equitable Organizational Culture by Jéssica Oliveira https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6 Consider a type of covering you've experienced or witnessed within your organization. What conditions contributed to this moment? What can be gained by building a culture of belonging? en-us 2022-03-22 13:51:30 UTC 2022-03-24 14:19:51 UTC hello@padlet.com Instructions jessica1115 https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2107593949 Click on the circle plus ("+") icon at the bottom right of the screen and begin writing your reflection to the prompt while we set up breakout rooms.  

You'll have 12 minutes to individually reflect or to discuss with others. If you finish early, take a moment to read what others have said. You can "like" another comment by clicking on the heart at the bottom of their post.

Please note, you do not have to include your name with your reflection.]]> 2022-03-22 14:03:32 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2107593949 Being Our Authentic Selves = Doing Our Best Work https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108102176 2022-03-22 17:52:35 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108102176 https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108106499 Thinking about how covering might also be perceived to be part of an emotionally intelligent response and not just a defense mechanism

]]> 2022-03-22 17:54:49 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108106499 I can completely related to the covering regarding hip hop music. I listen to it so that I can relate to my teenage and young adults son, but at the same time, when I think of my professional image I am not so quick to share that I might know all the lyrics to a TI song. https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108108239 2022-03-22 17:55:43 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108108239 When I was younger, I covered as not having children to prevent being passed up for development opportunities at work. The experience that I have professionally with this issue is comments like "you're too young", "I would never have guessed," and "I wouldn't have asked you if I knew..." If I were more accepted and had a culture of belonging I would have felt more comfortable building personal relationships with my co-workers. https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108108544 2022-03-22 17:55:53 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108108544 reflecting on how white people bring their whole selves and are often applauded whera s Black and Brown have to cover to just have a voice. https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108108699 2022-03-22 17:55:58 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108108699 https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108108817 One of the many things I appreciate about the ELL is the times that help identify issues--in this case covering. Understanding identity in a different way an additional new way that opens doors to further though (social ecology). ]]> 2022-03-22 17:56:02 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108108817 Covering https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108109067 Covering can happen at an organizational level - as we think about who we stand up with.]]> 2022-03-22 17:56:09 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108109067 Sometimes covering allows me to escape the physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by having the same conversations about the "isms" again and again. https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108110586 2022-03-22 17:57:00 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108110586 I'm starting to think about whether code switching in the professional setting is a form of covering. Somewhat related, but differing is that I'm from the south and I know that I actively monitor my language and accent when in a professional settings so that you can't tell. https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108111215 2022-03-22 17:57:18 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108111215 Dress code https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108111760 business professional dress code prevented celebrating culture and individuality through dress]]> 2022-03-22 17:57:36 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108111760 have a colleague who was recently put in jail for 2 nights...covering for them and supporting them. painful on multiple levels. how f-up the system is and how EASY it is to get someone arrested and put behind bars... https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108112310 2022-03-22 17:57:52 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108112310 https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108112353 The concept of covering REALLY resonated with me. I think of the steps that POC and WOC have to take to remain safe in this country, and how sometimes white colleagues can seem oblivious or even indicate that other staff are too cautious when.. we're just reacting to the world we live in. ]]> 2022-03-22 17:57:53 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108112353 Reflection https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108112373 I can relate to and have also witnessed advocacy-based covering at my organization. Conditions that I perceive of contributing to the moment is being in an organization with the dominant identity not your own, and not wanting you opinion to be discredited/discounted in the future.]]> 2022-03-22 17:57:54 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108112373 https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108113031 I think it's hard to always validate behaviors with ascribe to groups as monoliths. If I am black and dislike rap music or white and love it,  I might cover because there is an expectation of different from the larger group]]> 2022-03-22 17:58:13 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108113031 Covering https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108113137 For gender covering, especially as a nonbinary person, it feels easier to default to or include binary pronouns instead of having to explain and be the one who is responsible for correcting pronoun usage. I think that cis people don't think about gender diversity as much and often excuse their misgendering of trans and nonbinary people as them needing to learn. Even the best intentioned still can cause harm and it's always difficult to correct and constantly be thinking of my own gender.]]> 2022-03-22 17:58:17 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108113137 Covering at a holiday party, where it's all about Christmas. Even though I'm Jewish, and I want to celebrate... (but then feel a little guilty for not calling out that I don't observe Christmas holiday) https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108113160 2022-03-22 17:58:17 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108113160 https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108113569  Appearance based covering is an example of covering I used to do because my hair would also be seen as different so people would touch it out of the blue. At first, I thought that was a compliment but then realized I don’t like it bc it can be weird. So for a time I stopped doing “extra” things to my hair. People can appreciate my hair without making me feel like an other.]]> 2022-03-22 17:58:31 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108113569 I engage in covering related to my disability, so much so that I didn't even acknowledge until recently that I have a disability. https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108114098 2022-03-22 17:58:49 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108114098 I used to wear only muted colors - navy, white, black, beige. Now I embrace more prints and colors and jewelry that feel more authentic to myself. https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108114101 2022-03-22 17:58:49 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108114101 I have recognized that I can never "cover" my racial identity as an Asian American but can usually cover my other identities as an immigrant, as a gay man, etc. https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108114793 2022-03-22 17:59:12 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108114793 Covering emotionally.. https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108120113 One of the loneliest spaces to be in is in a fully white or predominantly white group after acts of violence or brutality happen to people who look like me. And having to cover my own processing and grief amidst the dichotomy of the spaces I exist in. 

]]> 2022-03-22 18:01:58 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108120113 Bisexual https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108121819 Speaking on LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts in my work, I find myself covering that I am part of that community (bisexual). I currently have a partner of a different sex than me, so many assume sexual orientation as "straight." Even with accepting org cultures/projects, bi erasure, biphobia, and stigma are present and it can be challenging to speak up.]]> 2022-03-22 18:02:53 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108121819 When I am participating in meetings or convenings in more conservative parts of the country, I often cover my sexual orientation as a queer woman by omitting reference to my wife or not disclosing that my son has two moms when conversation turns to family/parenting depending on my perceived level of safety. https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108121892 2022-03-22 18:02:56 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108121892 Re not bringing your full self to work: I'm not sure anyone brings their full self to work. I don't even though I'm white, heterosexual and cis-gender. The norms of professionalism impose boundaries/strictures on all of us. Still I get that these norms are generally formed by white people and white culture and therefore BIPOC people probably feel much less able to their full selves. But I'm not sure the goal is ever for professional settings to not have professional norms that are different from norms in our personal lives. Would be curious to discuss this more and to get help thinking about the ways we can have professional norms that feel inclusive. https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108123695 2022-03-22 18:03:53 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108123695 Neurodiversity https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108131076 I don't talk about my ADD at work even though it's probably obvious to everyone because I don't want people's opinions about ADD in general or other people they know w/ADD to get superimposed on their impression and expectations of me.]]> 2022-03-22 18:07:54 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108131076 I have observed that alternatives are hard to adopt in white-led orgs because they are seen as too costly, innovative, or unrealistic to implement. Also, they are perceived to lack measurable outcomes. BIPOC staff are often elevating numerous alternatives that are not embraced. Or, a rationale argument is developed for why they won't work. https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108138152 2022-03-22 18:11:45 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108138152 https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108332566 I would love to have more convo about how (whether?) to separate that "professionalism" convo from "covering."  As someone who is a privileged non-conformist it's hard for me to figure out how to show up for others who could use active support for bringing more of themselves to work when I'd like to blow up the whole patriarchal repressive norming of "office culture."]]> 2022-03-22 20:15:47 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica1115/xftr8jrzyymz1ap6/wish/2108332566