ALT 2021 had so many interesting sessions! Today we watched the session entitled “When learning technologists tackle sectorial racism via recruitment and staff development” by Teeroumanee Nadan, Monica Chavez and Tracey Madden. Nadan explained how the team came together and how different groups had charges including reading and summarizing information. Nadan talked about hiring practices to “check the box for representation.” I appreciate how Nadan mentioned how they are included in the problem of racism even though they are trying to address it within their abilities. Their group has published blog posts and “takeaway” handouts. Nadan spoke about the challenges of recruitment. Self-development can include mentoring and coaching through “action learning sets.” At the moment, their group is focusing on staff development through coaching by creating a safe space for empowering staff. They polled the audience by first asking: “have you eve witnessed an unfair/unethical treatment to yourself/a colleague?” People were hesitant to share in an open forum. No one responded. The second question was “have you reported it to someone and was appropriate measure taken?” Nadan explained that it is very difficult for people to speak about this and other related topics, especially if the session is being recorded. This is why they are preparing the action learning sets. All facilitators were trained, and there was “lots of reading – books and articles.” The sessions were 2.5 hours long with one facilitator and a second one providing support. Nadan mentioned that this was the first action learning training in their sector. The values of the group were decided upon by group members:
- Use welcoming and inclusive language
- Be respectful of different viewpoints and experiences
- Be allies to each other and beyond
- Be active listeners
- Be conscious and respectful of the difficulty of sharing personal or sensitive stories
Participants also signed a confidentiality agreement. None of the monthly meetings are recorded, and the beginning of each session starts with a values statement. Nadan explained that they are hoping to become an ALT special interest group to continue working on their projects, be recognized officially, and have more impact. Interestingly, Nadan pointed out that people join the activities but act more like lurkers instead of active members. They want to avoid lurkers. The group seems welcoming and acknowledges the difficulty of these conversations! I appreciate this and the takeaway notes they prepare.
