Implicit Bias Group Activity

Culturally Responsible Practice: Implicit Bias Team Activity
 

Description
This activity can be used by managers, supervisors or individuals assigned to lead a group discussion.  Have the team/unit/agency read the thoughtful article on implicit bias that reframes the concept as the “Bias of Crowds” embedded in our societal construct. After the group has read the article, meet and discuss the challenges of bias and systemic racism that were presented for consideration. 

Estimated Time
50-80 minutes 

Directions
Implicit Bias is usually discussed as a personal trait, but the Implicit Bias as a Cognitive Manifestation of Systemic Racism article reframes the concept as the “Bias of Crowds” that is deeply embedded in our societal construct through institutions, policies, societal norms, media, and other aspects of our daily experiences. During the readthrough of this article, consider: 

1. How do these deep seeded biases impact the daily lives of various demographic groups? 
2. What challenges do these often-unrecognized biases pose to the populations that you may engage with during your work? 
3. How might someone’s experiences/outcomes with the Child Welfare system be different if they are part of an affected demographic? 

Although the article focuses on Black-White disparities, (since those are the most statistically significant across the board and often may be the most visible), consider how biases about economic status, ability/disability, age, educational status, immigration status, language barriers, CPS history, delinquency, LGBTQ+ identities and others play significant roles in the experiences many people have with the both system and in their day to day lives.