Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the Fulbright Programs

This regional training webinar brought together Fulbright commission staff from the Nordic countries to explore the concept of diversity in relation to the Fulbright Program with a focus on issues that are specific to the region as identified and shared by the participants. Dr. Susanne Hamscha, the Diversity Coordinator for the European Fulbright Diversity Initiative (EFDI), provided the theoretical framework and developed sensitivity to hidden biases and diversity that we don’t necessarily see. The webinar also made the staff familiar with the concepts of inclusive communication and microaggressions. The training was organized with support from the U.S. Department of State.

Program

09:50-10:00 Zoom Instructions
 
10:00-10:20 Welcome Remarks, Introductions and Warm-Up

• Welcome words by Terhi Mölsä, CEO, Fulbright Finland Foundation
• Brief round of introductions, Dr. Susanne Hamscha, Diversity Coordinator for the European Fulbright Diversity Initiative (EFDI)
• Road-Map: Schedule; Key Questions and Topics by Dr. Susanne Hamscha, Diversity Coordinator for the European Fulbright Diversity Initiative (EFDI)

10:20-10:40 Input: Diversity and the Fulbright Program
Dr. Susanne Hamscha, Diversity Coordinator for the European Fulbright Diversity Initiative (EFDI)

• What do we talk about when we talk about diversity?
• How can diversity enrich our programs?
• How can we implement diversity into our work routines as effortlessly as possible?

10:40-11:00 Questions and Discussion
Dr. Susanne Hamscha, Diversity Coordinator for the European Fulbright Diversity Initiative (EFDI)

• In preparation for this training, participants can think about the following questions, which we want to use as inspiration:

1. What are the values I want Fulbright program to be associated with?
2. How do I see myself in contributing to our organizational vision and promoting these values that we want the Fulbright program to be associated with?
3. Which local resources could I activate that could assist my commission in realizing this vision?

11:00-11:45 Inclusive Communication and Microaggressions
Dr. Susanne Hamscha, Diversity Coordinator for the European Fulbright Diversity Initiative (EFDI)

• How can we communicate accurately and inclusively with grantees from diverse backgrounds?
• What are microaggressions and how can we counter them?
• How can we make sure that all communication – written, spoken, between commission and grantees, among grantees, and with other stakeholders – is inclusive and reflective of the Fulbright Program’s mission and values?

11:45-12:00 Questions and Discussions
Dr. Susanne Hamscha, Diversity Coordinator for the European Fulbright Diversity Initiative (EFDI)

• Road Map: Where are we now? Where do we want to go?