iF's DEI Journey: Part 3

Intentional Futures as an agency and collection of individuals is on a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) journey. The intent of this journey is to evaluate the current state of our policies, practices, client work and culture with a DEI lens, but also to celebrate the unique cultures, backgrounds and expertise of iFsters. As we continue on this journey of self discovery and critical thinking, we invite you to join us and welcome all that you will contribute to make this a transformative and fulfilling process.?

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Arriving at phase three of our DEI journey, iFsters have already spent time reflecting on and sharing vulnerably with one another, delving into the racial history of the United States, and? spending time processing in small groups. With this foundation of knowledge of themselves, the world and their peers, iFsters were tasked with sharing who they are outside the narrow construct of race.?

Titled aptly: “Who am I?” this activity challenged participants to present themselves in two minutes or less in the following categories:?

• Ethnicity
• Nationality?
• Culture
• Identity
• Heritage

Much like the previous session, iFsters were asked post-activity to share with the group in a “Head, heart, hands” format– how they were thinking, feeling and desiring to act after the experience. Many iFsters noted that broadcasting the multi-faceted parts of their identities was challenging, as many did not have the answers as others did, or they felt they did not fit neatly into boxes. The experience also made apparent the differences and similarities between peers, and fostered a sense of kinship amongst those with similar identities and experiences.?

“The ‘Who am I?’ activity was super interesting because it concretized how complex and unique each of our identities are, and at the same time showed how we all have things in common” -iFster

Apart from the DEI work iF embarked upon, a goal for the agency is to build out psychological safety, and it’s clear that our cultural awareness and integration work has been a natural part of making progress towards this goal.?

Moving forward, this activity laid the groundwork for the next session “Undoing the Fallacy of Otherness” which focuses on reconciliation and coming together.

To learn more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Intentional Futures, send a message to?[email protected]?