Session Title: (128) Uncomfortable Conversations With Park and Recreation Professionals

Session Type: Education Session Talk
Topic(s): Equity and Inclusion, Leadership and Personnel Management
LGBTQIA2S+, Safety and Security, Where Community Grows, Workforce Development

Day/Time: Wednesday - Block 3
10/11/2023 01:00 PM (Central Time (US & Canada)) - 10/11/2023 02:00 PM (Central Time (US & Canada))

Room: D Ballroom Section 3

Audience Experience Level: Any level
Audience Familiarity with DEI: Any Level
CEU: 0.1

Description:
In today's world, with tailored social media messages and algorithm-driven news feeds, the otherization of people based on stereotypical representation of gender (or gender identity), race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, language spoken, immigration status etc. keeps growing, resulting in increased polarization. This session builds on the need to create safe spaces for uncomfortable conversations that allow people to hear what others have to say without defaulting to stereotypes.

It aims to challenge people to step away from their digital echo chambers to meet people where they are in the real world.

This is where fellow professionals across spectrums will share their truth, answer questions that people thought they'd never ask and remind us to think beyond our differences and focus on our “why”: to impact people's lives every single day through parks and recreation.

Learning Objectives:
1. Attendees will list ways in which workplaces need to grow to be more inclusive.
2. Attendees will identify stereotypes and implicit biases.
3. Attendees will learn ways in which they can be more empathetic and inclusive in their organizations and beyond.

Speaker(s):

Neelay Bhatt
Barbara Hernandez
DeQuel Robinson
Tiff Cunin