From your hearts to our ears:
The Division for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DDEI) recognizes our country, our nation, and our communities are experiencing difficult and uncertain times. There are innumerous conversations, on a national and international stage, centered around race, equity, social justice, reparations, and dismantling systems of oppression. We acknowledge the emotionally and politically charged atmosphere, often containing divisive, exclusionary, and/or discriminatory rhetoric does not happen in a vacuum especially as we near election time. Recognizing it does not stop at the parking decks and elevators these spaces are created with you in mind.
The sessions are for any and all members of Team UAMS (students, residents/trainees, employees). We encourage and welcome our many regional offices, campuses, departments/division to participate in this experience. Additionally, 25% of the sessions will be after 6:00pm and a few Saturdays, as the goal is to provide the opportunity for as many interested team members as possible. Please know you are heard, appreciate, and valued.
What is a healing space?
DDEI believes addressing social trauma must be a critical part of building equitable, inclusive cultures. As professionals, and leaders in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion, we recognize the need to for Truth Healing and Transformational conversations centered around ugly realities, and harsh truths. During these sessions we aim to create an open and transparent atmosphere, necessary to facilitate dialogue designed to serve as healing spaces. It is designed as an opportunity/vehicle to aid personal growth, and usher a collective commitment to cultural humility and implicit bias.
Why DDEI Space?
Our experience uniquely positions us to create an open and transparent
atmosphere, necessary to facilitate dialogue designed to serve as healing
spaces. We aim to create spaces that allow individuals to express difficult, honest and necessary expressions about their personal thoughts, concerns, fears and hopes as it relates to current the emotional, often polarizing, racially-charged climate of our daily social interactions. It is an opportunity to help us all consciously listen to the unique lived experiences of others to understand a clearer picture of the world we are experiencing. We believe addressing social trauma and healing together as a community is a critical part of building equitable, inclusive cultures.