Examining Biases and Stereotypes

Examining Biases and Stereotypes

Stereotypes and biases affect decisions, communication, behavior and determine how we respond to family, friends, co-workers, and the strangers that we interact with on a day-to-day basis. Based on our experiences, real or perceived, the brain creates categories and associations to help us process & organize information that makes sense of the world around us. These associations are influenced by social and cultural factors and are exhibited through behavior and thoughts.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify and address our own biases and stereotypes.
2. Recognize the impact our belief system & actions have on others while addressing ways to actively minimize decision-making that contributes to disparities in all kinds of systems.
3. Learn to identify and interrupt words, behaviors and attitudes that are insensitive and actively discount and marginalized individuals from different social groups.
4. Practice strategies that enhance empathy and understanding in our culturally diverse workplaces.
5. Create a plan to shift from awareness towards action and stability.

Cost: Free for SLA Members. $80 non-member. $60 nonprofits.

Individuals who are either unemployed or connected with an employer who is unable to pay can request scholarships for any of our programs.

About Our Facilitator

Dorica Watson is a Social Worker, certified Life Coach, Community Advocate, Trainer, and Director of Community Engagement at Open Door Health Services. She is a Muncie native who started her higher education journey as a non-traditional student at the local community college. Dorica went on to earn many degrees and professional certifications that have led her to the national stage as a collaborator, speaker, trainer and coach. Dorica is a change agent who brings a unique “relationship- first” perspective to each and every encounter. Her background in community engagement, mindfulness, personal & professional empowerment and poverty alleviation align with her moto “to not only take up space but to create it for other people”. Dorica has been honored with serval awards including, Ivy Tech Alumnus of the Year, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Team Community Award, NASW Region 5 Social Worker of the Year and was the 2019 ATHENA International Leadership Awardee.  Dorica is passionate about people having served on many youth and/or family focused boards and committees in Delaware County. She is a member of The Church of the Living God, Co-Chair for Juneteenth Muncie and past Board President of Women In Business Unlimited, WIBU. Additionally, Dorica serves an advisory board member for the Ball State University Social Work Department, Director of Representation Matters, a literacy advocate and a dedicated youth mentor. She is a mother, Gorgeous Grandmother (GG) and wife, three separate but powerful titles that encourage her to be the best version of herself daily.