Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Self-Directed Learning

Adjective

  1. Directed for or by oneself
  2. Directed at oneself
  3. Directing oneself or capable of directing oneself

Considerations for Self-Directed Learning on this page
  • Organizers of this information do not have the capacity to define "beginner" vs "expert"
  • Resources have been curated but it is in no way an exhaustive list
  • It is on you to define your learning and we hope this page at least helps that process
  • Any and all work in this arena takes energy and it is on-going
  • We are limited by our own biases. We encourage challenging the status quo and seeking out the source(s) of all information
  • Any edits or additions to the below resources are welcomed
Age-Related Diversity Resources
Disability-Related Diversity Resources
Ethnicity-Related Diversity Resources

Films / Movies

Resources Coming Soon

Documentaries / Docuseries

Resources Coming Soon

Podcasts

Resources Coming Soon
Gender-Related Diversity Resources
LGBTQ+ Related Diversity Resources
Race-Related Diversity Resources
Religious-Related Diversity Resources

Past Food for Thought Topics and Links

September 2024: Neurodiversity

Here are a few resources related to neurodivergence:
"The terms neurodiversity and neurodivergence were coined in the 1990s by Judy Singer, an autistic rights activist and sociologist (Khaliq, 2023). These concepts have gained traction in recent years, normalizing neuro-cognitive differences in how individuals perceive and engage with the world, instead of classifying them as learning disabilities, psychological disorders, or other neurological conditions. It is estimated that 10-20% of the global population is neurodivergent (Mahto et al., 2022). Several diagnoses that fall under neurodiversity include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, mood disorders, Tourette syndrome, and traumatic brain injuries." (from the NCDA article linked below).

October 2024: Environmental Justice

This is America: Environmental Justice Event recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7yt_rnNF-o

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Everyone is busy and may not be able to fit the ThisIsAmerica event into their schedule.  If you would like to know MORE about the topic of Environmental Justice/Intersectionality, on your own schedule, here are some resources:

 A good place to start is finding a definition of the topic.  I visited three federal agency websites:

 https://www.energy.gov/lm/what-environmental-justice

https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/learn-about-environmental-justice#definitions

……..Environmental Justice is the just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of income, race, color, national origin, Tribal affiliation or disability in the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.  The lack of meaningful access to programs and activities can impact health outcomes and the environment……..

 WANT TO READ AN ARTICLE? https://www.civilandhumanrights.org/environmental-justice-the-intersectionality-of-race-and-human-rights-in-the-movement/

WANT TO WATCH A VIDEO? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa8dDBP5-d8 (12 mins Cristal Cicneros)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaMzkXXTFVo (12mins Abril Hunter)

 WANT TO REVIEW A PowerPoint from a presentation? https://www.battelle.org/docs/default-source/hidden/proceedings/b1-climate-generation-z-and-environmental-justice-a-new-communications-framework_masood.pdf?sfvrsn=9ff1e69_3

December 2024: Universal Human Rights Month

On behalf of the DEIB Committee, I’m sending out this December Food for Thought highlighting Universal Human Rights Month, and in particular, Human Rights Day, which is today, December 10th.
On December 10th, 1948, The General Assembly of the United Nations outlined the basic rights and fundamental freedoms to which all humans are entitled in a document called “the Universal Declaration of Human Rights”. Want to hear more about the Declaration? Here’s a short video (a min and a half), narrated by Morgan Freeman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-bYMQRT9ik&t=2s. Or read about the document here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Declaration_of_Human_Rights
In 2001, President George W. Bush declared the first Human Rights week in the United States, which has since become a month-long, worldwide celebration.
Women were integral in the shaping of the Declaration, including Eleanor Roosevelt, former first lady of the USA (head of drafting committee), Hansa Mehta of India (responsible for the text change from “all men” to “all human beings”), and many more. To learn more about the women who shaped the Declaration, visit this site here: https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day/women-who-shaped-the-universal-declaration
The 2024 Theme of Humans Rights Day, which is honored today 12/10, is “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.” As UN Secretary-General, António Guterres has said “Human Rights are under assault…This year’s theme reminds us that human rights are about building the future – right now…We must stand up for all rights – always.”
To watch a video on the 2024 Theme, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TP5f_PlleE
Heritage Celebrations:
December is also a month inclusive of a number of religious and cultural holidays including  the Winter Solstice (December 21), Kwanzaa (December 26-January 1), Hanukkah or Chanukkah (December 25-January 2), and Christmas (December 25th). Information on December Heritage Celebrations can be found on the ODI website here: https://diversity.uconn.edu/2024/12/02/december-2024-heritage-celebrations/

November 2024: Native American Heritage Month

As we recognize November as Native American Heritage Month, the DEI Workgroup invites us to reflect not only on the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous communities but also on their complex relationship to the Thanksgiving holiday. While Thanksgiving is often seen as a celebration of gratitude and togetherness, it is essential to remember the historical context behind it: the holiday originates from interactions between the Wampanoag people and early settlers, moments intertwined with alliances, survival, and, ultimately, broken promises and conflict.
 For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving can be a day of mourning, serving as a reminder of the historical injustices—including land dispossession, forced assimilation, and violence—that Indigenous peoples endured. It is also a moment to honor their resilience, strength, and continued contributions to our society. This month, let’s deepen our understanding by learning about Native histories and perspectives, appreciating the enduring legacies, and creating space for their stories to be seen and heard.
We invite you to explore resources like https://www.nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/ to enrich your knowledge and appreciation of Native American heritage and reflect on how we can honor their voices this season and beyond.