IT Services Internal Communication

The final showing of the IT Services Diversity Film Festival is a wrap. Thanks to those of you who attended our encore showing. The t-shirts have been delivered, the popcorn kernels have been swept up, and we are looking forward to our next steps. But first, we wanted to share some Film Festival feedback with you.

Those who crave data might like to visit our new Reviews page on the Be Different website. Or just read on for a quick summary.

Of the 42 surveys completed as of August 14, 34 came from the July 21 showings (16 from the 1:00 pm showing and 18 from the 3:00 pm showing.) The other 8 came from the encore performance at 10:00 am on August 13.

Overall, ratings and comments were positive and thoughtful. Here is a sampling of remarks:

• It was a pleasure being in a facilitation session with Ron Scott. He is a gifted educator and communicator.
• …there are so many misunderstandings that go on daily that if we would communicate with each other, those misunderstandings could be clarified.
• Just another reminder to constantly “seek first to understand” before passing judgment, even subconsciously on someone’s actions, statements, suggestions, behaviours, etc.
• It brings out the point that these “isms” are not a one time in your face kind of deal. They are little by little and wear people down over time. Ron made a good point about Miami holding onto stuff that happened 5-10 years ago (we as a culture do this) and I recognized that I too still hold onto things that happened long ago and I need to let that go and allow our new management lead and take us to higher heights.

And there were some suggestions for improvement:

• I’m slightly confused about the “You Can Play | Miami University Hockey” video.  Did someone die?  Was it because they were gay?  The video was shot well but the message was not very clear.
• There seemed to be an emphasis on outward-facing sensitivity/awareness.  One thing that didn’t get discussed was being able to understand that sometimes when someone offends you, it was indeed a simple miscommunication or misunderstanding of another person or their culture. The responsibility for acceptance and understanding lies with all parties involved.
• Few of us made comments or asked questions. Small group dialog may draw out more staff engagement in these important conversations.
• The films made me afraid to talk and ask questions – I am worried what I’ll say may be taken the wrong way, be misunderstood, be offensive.  

We hear you. First, our website resources now include information about You Can Play and the legacy of Brendan Burke. (Those who attended the encore showing received this information onscreen.)

And keep in mind that the conversation is just beginning.  Future opportunities around the themes of inclusive culture and open communication are in the works. We are looking forward to forming some smaller groups and talking through the difficult questions.

So invite a co-worker or two  to join you at one of the upcoming Fall events listed below.

• Freedom Summer Walks and picnic on September 17
• Effective Listening workshops on October 13, 14, and 20
• Heritage Potluck on November 7.

In closing, here are two steps you can take right now:

1. Consider joining the 2014 IT Services Diversity Committee (a non-FAST team) to plan the events.

2. Wear your Be Different t-shirt on Wednesday, Aug. 20 and be immortalized–more details coming soon!