The All Things Diversity events, organized by Penn State Health and sponsored by The GIANT Company, continue to draw community members to open discussions of diversity, inclusion and acceptance.
Register for the next event:
- “Demystifying Asian Misconceptions”
- Monday, Aug. 1
- 5:30–7:15 p.m.
- Good Hope Fire Station, Mechanicsburg
The latest All Things Diversity event, on May 26 in Lancaster, encouraged community members to focus on differences among generations. Venus Ricks, director of diversity, equity and inclusion at the Office of Advocacy and Reform, Office of Governor Tom Wolf, led the discussion, “Raising Awareness of Unconscious Bias and Microaggressions and Their Impact from a Generational Perspective.”
To help attendees visualize and understand generational differences, Ricks asked them to break into groups based on generations: Baby Boomers (born 1946–1964), Generation X (born 1965–1980), Millennials (born 1981–1995) and Generation Z (born 1996–2010). Each group discussed and shared what they thought was unique to their generation and what has changed dramatically over time.
Many mentioned terminology, means of communication, values, technology and pronoun usage. By listening to generational groups other than their own, participants were able to clearly identify dissimilarities and similarities in processes, ideals and expectations. It was evident that words or phrases may have different meanings through the lens of varying generations, which could make interactions more complicated. Participants were also able to see where they may have misconceptions or unconscious bias – an automatic prejudice we are unaware of – toward certain groups.
Ricks stressed that understanding the differences among generations, overcoming unconscious bias and including a variety of voices in decision-making are crucial steps toward eliminating microaggressions – intentional or unintentional words or actions that communicate negative messages – and finding work solutions that are suitable and effective for all employees.
All Things Diversity program
All Things Diversity events are scheduled throughout the year in various locations across Pennsylvania. Check in with the Penn State Health diversity team at diversity@pennstatehealth.psu.edu to find an upcoming event near you.