One of the common questions we hear as councilors is “How can I -personally- make a difference?” Many staff are eager to serve one another and contribute to a culture that is more inclusive, welcomes diversity, and increases dialogue across difference, but would appreciate more clarity as to the best way forward.  One of the many efforts of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is their series of trainings in BUILD – Building University of Iowa Leadership in Diversity. The program is for UI faculty and staff to “gain strategic knowledge and skills to contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.” This program is so important that 64% of Staff Council members are either BUILD certified or have taken at least one course; Staff Council Leadership encourages all councilors and other staff to try to attain BUILD certification as soon as possible. What is BUILD certification?

What is BUILD certification? By completing a series of workshops, participants will earn a certificate demonstrating their commitment as leaders for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and classroom. The skills learned in the program include best practices for building and supporting diverse teams, strategies for successful communication, recognizing patterns of marginalization, and support eliminating behaviors and practices that create barriers to inclusion. They can learn about unconscious bias in our work and lives, how to have courageous conversations about race, understanding micro-aggressions and how to intervene effectively, exploring victim advocacy, and many more issues not on most people’s radars. How can you -personally- make a difference? By becoming BUILD certified and applying the lessons in your workplace and in all of your relationships. 

More information on the BUILD program may be found here.