The Midwest RCD DEI Affinity group presents this 12-part mini-video series

The Creating Inclusive Environments mini-video is the first in a 12-part series created by the Midwest RCD DEI Affinity Group.

Creating inclusive workspaces is not just about grand gestures, it’s about the small everyday actions that communicate belonging and respect.

We challenge you to:

  • Identify a colleague with a different background, gender identity, or role
  • Initiate contact: Invite them for coffee or a lunch break
  • Ask about interests, experiences, their role, etc.

Think about it, a genuine compliment, a warm introduction, acknowledging someone’s hard work, these seemingly small gestures, what researchers at MIT call micro-affirmations, have a huge impact. They build trust and motivation, fostering a culture where everyone feels seen and valued.

What do you think? Are YOU able to Try It Now? Make a difference in your work environment by developing a relationship with a colleague different from you.

The mini-series can be found on the Pervasive Technology Institute YouTube Channel. Check back on our website and on the PTI YouTube channel for future mini-series videos.

Video: Creating an Inclusive Work Environment

Thanks to Maureen Biggers for her presentation at the annual meeting and her work in creating this series. Thanks to Robert Ping for editing and adding bookends to make this series more impactful. With Winona Snapp-Childs, Beth Plale, and Laura Pettit at Indiana University Bloomington/ Indiana University. The Midwest RCD is a National Science Foundation (NSF)– sponsored initiative. To learn more about the Pervasive Technology Institute at Indiana University visit https://pti.iu.edu.

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