2024 Developing Across Differences
ANNUAL EXPERT & PEER LABORATORY
Exploring topics central to diversity and inclusion work in workplaces, classrooms & communities
hosted by the Institute for Developing Across Differences (IDD) and the University of Groningen/ Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
You are cordially invited to join distinguished guests whose work advances Developing Across Differences on July 9th, 6:30-9:30PM at the Academiegebouw (Aula/Grand Auditorium) of the University of Groningen (Groningen, NL) for an evening of insights, debate and discussion. Our topic will be: Is “Something” Better than Nothing? Navigating challenging circumstances through creative solutions: Necessary? Ethical? Already the Norm?
In this annual event, a select group of esteemed professionals —active practitioners, researchers and DAD participants from across The Netherlands, Europe and beyond— comes together to address an issue that impacts how we work and live together. Join us to discuss with fellow experts and experienced peers:
- When (if ever) is it acceptable to be creative, performative-appearing, or even potentially deceptive in going about this work in the name of the greater good?
- What are our responsibilities to carry on the work of supporting diversity, intercultural competence and global citizenship development regardless of the conditions?
- Is doing “something” better than simply doing nothing, i.e. declining to engage?
OVERVIEW
Designed to generate new insights about timely topics by using a curated, expert-level peer-sharing methodology, the Lab is a cornerstone element of the European edition of the annual Developing Across Differences (DAD) Learning Lab & Community Week (learn more about this week-long offering of professional development and networking opportunities here).
TOPIC
This year’s Lab topic — Is “Something” Better than Nothing? — will explore our responsibilities as practitioners and scholars to support diversity, equity and inclusion work when encountering less-than-ideal circumstances —e.g. competing priorities, too little time, political resistance, a lack of ability/willingness to invest sufficiently for measurable impact— in our workplaces, classrooms, and communities.
Indeed, to do this work effectively and sustainably — i.e. to the point that it becomes a competence embedded in our organisations and ways of being — typically means a commitment to explicit, ongoing (lifelong) leadership, investment, and practice.
PROGRAMME
2024 EXPERT & PEER LABORATORY
hosted by the Institute for Developing Across Differences (IDD) and the University of Groningen/ Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
Tuesday, 9 July 6:30-9:30PM
Aula (Grand Auditorium)
Academiegebouw (Academy Building)
University of Groningen
Broerstraat 5
9712 CP Groningen, Netherlands
| 6:30-7:30 pm | Welcome drink with faculty, participants and invited guests |
| 7:30-8:15 | Opening remarks Navigating challenging DEI circumstances through creative solutions Necessary? Ethical? Already the Norm? |
| 8:15-9:00 | Participatory cross-sector and “cross-specialisation” discussions |
| 9:00-9:30 | Conclusions and informal networking |
This work can also provoke strong reactions — positive and negative alike — around identity, values, assumptions, and power. While some openly embrace the challenge of DAD in order to realize its rewards, others — despite their ultimate desire for harmony — renounce or abandon it in the face of political or social pressure, internal convictions, or otherwise.
In these expertly facilitated discussions, we will debate our duties to creatively yet ethically implement DEI and related work — regardless of the circumstances — and what this means for the communities we support and us as advocates for these efforts.
PROCESS
Using an interactive appreciative inquiry methodology, the evening is one in which we will examine a real-life challenge from multiple perspectives.
For those joining us in-person, you will be invited to take part in the Lab discussions in mixed sector groups with fellow senior peers. Your inputs, as a colleague who helps advance the greater “Differences” field from one or more areas of specialization, will enrich the conversations. No advanced preparation is required.
If you are unable to come to Groningen, you may still join us online. RSVP below indicating your virtual attendance.
Our aim is to generate new ways of understanding as well as to identify potential solutions — while also strengthening cross-sector and interdisciplinary connections, networks, and alliances. Resulting from the evening will be new content, partnerships and research collaborations.
PARTICIPANTS
Invited guests include Diversity & Inclusion officers, interculturalists, global learning specialists, trainers, consultants, faculty and educators, plus other established colleagues from the corporate, non-profit, government, education and civil society sectors whose work helps individuals, organisations and communities better develop across differences. Participants are based in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
R.S.V.P.
We warmly invite you to join us in-person in Groningen where we anticipate the most fruitful exchanges will occur. Note that we will begin with a light reception from 6:30-7:30PM.
However, if you are unable to attend in-person, we will also live-stream the event from 7:30pm onward; those participating online will also be able to take part in virtual conversations in parallel to in-person discussions from 8:15-9PM. We will share Zoom details with virtual participants in the week prior to the event.
NB: Invitations are non-transferrable. If you wish for the Institute / University to extend an invitation to a colleague, please contact us directly at learninglab@iddifferences.org.
This event is a cornerstone of the 2024 European Developing Across Differences Learning Lab & Community Week, an annual professional development and cross-sector networking opportunity for all professionals who help individuals, organisations and communities turn differences into sources of strength.
