Diversity Training

During the month of June, SEMCA sponsored training sessions in diversity awareness for all of its’ staff and the staff of it’s providers. Eight different sessions were held in multiple locations. People were encouraged to attend a session in a location that was unfamiliar to them so that they could become acquainted with other SEMCA providers. From the National Conference of Community and Justice, Mary Horton was brought in to conduct the training sessions.	Diversity Training facilitator, Mary Horton.
The sessions were introductions to diversity sensitivity. The three main objectives of the training sessions were to: Explore personal experiences of feeling different. Increase awareness of the influences that affect perceptions of self and others. Identify elements of an inclusive and respectful work environment. The goals of this training were to get people to see beyond their boundaries of comfort so that they could be more sensitive to co-workers and clients. Hopefully, this training will create a work atmosphere that will allow everyone to grow and thrive. Horton explained that everyone carries with them experiences from their life that have shaped their perceptions of the world. Our different perceptions, assumptions and views will dictate how we react to different people and situations.	Diversity training was an opportunity to meet new people. From left to right; Lee Gibb of SEMCA, Marguerite Schiller of the Information Center and Patricia Hernández also from the Information Center.
When we try to understand that not everyone sees the world in the exactly the same way that we do, we begin to be more sensitive, cooperative and tolerant. Horton further explained that these different life lessons that shape our views of the world are just that—different. No one experience is better or worse than another, they are just different. When we begin to stop thinking of the unknown as strange or threatening, we begin be more open and understanding.	Richard Austin from DCC relaxing with a lovely beverage before his training session begins in Monroe.
The training compelled attendees to go through exercises that had them think about their own life and how certain people, places and experiences had shaped their personality and beliefs. Members then shared these experiences with other attendees and explained how these things made them the person that they are today.	Mary Horton (standing far right) directs the session at DCC to break into discussion groups.
Horton also talked about the history of beliefs in the United States and how this has affected our society. In the past, we have thought of ourselves as a “Melting Pot” and we have tried to “fit in”. Today, people are proud of their background and try to retain their uniqueness. Horton believes that instead of a “Melting Pot”, maybe we should think of our country as a “Salad Bowl.” We can combine to make a wonderful whole, while retaining our special, unique attributes that make us individuals!	Mary Horton greets the attendees of diversity training at Ross Learning.

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