DIVERSITY TRAINING

Models of Racial
Identity
(For Therapists)

© 2003-2009
CCODE
Center for the
Celebration Of Diversity
through Education

as seen in

Last Edited:
05 November 2009

What we do:  

Racial, ethnic, gender, class, and religious differences continue to divide America and Americans. These divisions occur in our communities, work sites, schools and places of worship. These differences and divisions create divergent perceptions of reality, even to the point that the very concept of America and Americans held by individuals are extremely different. These differences in perception and evaluation are maintained by individuals that work side by side in government, school systems, work places and the media, thereby affecting the overall effectiveness of the organization. CCODE addresses the racial, ethnic, gender and other differences that contribute to misunderstanding and apathy, judgments and righteousness, poor morale and hostility, low self-esteem and high turnover. The failure to understand, appreciate and welcome differences, rather than to just tolerate differences, is a major source of ineffectiveness, conflict and low commitment in all organizations. The failure to identify with or understand those that we work with, and the ongoing judgments of others and ourselves, prevents all of us from being more fulfilled, happy, productive and motivated employees, students or citizens, eager to participate in our collective futures. Since most of us participate in collectives that include men and women, people of color and white people, heterosexuals and homosexuals, and the physically abled and challenged, we are continually confronted with differences.

CCODE identifies and makes clear to all participants what the differences are, how these differences influence and affect our work and productivity, and how they can be resolved. CCODE will help participants learn and appreciate what can be gained by facing the stereotypes and judgments that we, like all human beings, hold. While we acknowledge that no one can live in the world without judgments, CCODE will provide participants a clear understanding of the basis for these often erroneous and unjust evaluations and judgments. We work with participants and make clear where their judgments come from and when they are rational or irrational.

We are different from most diversity training organizations because we do not believe that role playing, fantasy trips, and exercises in which we play the “other” are sufficient for reducing stereotypes, building understanding or creating a culture of celebration. They are important tools, but we only use them to make clear what each person looses by holding on to views and perceptions of others that make them less in our eyes.

Participants who complete our training will

• leave with the understanding and recognition that diversity is in their own and everyone’s best interest, as well as the overall interest of the organization.
   

• learn how to confront the many “isms” that are part of their lives.
   

• leave with concrete, useable ideas of how diversity appreciation can be put into practice.
   

• walk away with the idea that appreciation of diversity is not only a position of self-interest, but also a moral position… a CODE of ethics.

This training will help all organizations, government and business, both public and private, educational, religious and civic, reach their goals more efficiently and more effectively.