Appendix 3. What you can do: suggestions for individual action to address diversity

Guideline for Individuals

• Find out about volunteer opportunities in your community, eg. literacy, citizenship, mentorship programs.
• When communicating with non-native English speakers:
• Avoid jargon, slang, and idioms
• Slow down your speech
• Use simple words
• Pronounce and enunciate clearly
• Repeat your ideas in different words
• Check for understanding
• If you are non-native English speaker, ask coworkers to slow down or repeat themselves -- your request will not be considered rude. Ask about expressions you don't understand.
• Be aware of changes taking place around you and welcome that change.
• Recognize and respect others and their individuality
• Think before you speak, and be sensitive to others.
• Talk about your differences and ask tactful questions about how people want to be treated.
• Listen more
• Recognize you own biases and prejudices.
• Eliminate stereotypes and generalizations
• Expose ourself to other cultures
• Remember that your race/gender/personality style is not the center of the universe.
• Be careful with humor.