Self-Reflection: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Important First Steps

Authors

Quality Improvement Center for Workforce Development

Date of this Version

1-10-2023

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Public child welfare leaders may be considering what they can do to start to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the child welfare workforce. It is important to start by reflecting on why you are doing this work, how others will be engaged, and what will be needed to bring the entire organization along on this journey.

The Quality Improvement Center for Child Welfare Workforce Development (QIC-WD) hosted a 3-day child welfare workforce data analytics workshop as part of the 2022 Institute 2.0. Michelle Davis, Professor and Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) at the Kempe Center, University of Colorado-Anschutz, advocated for a thoughtful framework for beginning this work as part of the workshop. “What we don’t often talk about is the space for self-reflection as we reflect on diversity, equity, and inclusion…if you want to do this work with depth and breadth.”

Ms. Davis raises some essential questions for leaders as they think about their role and how to hold themselves responsible and accountable for what they want to do within their organization. Watch Ms. Davis’s 8-minute presentation on self-reflection—looking at “the me, the we, and the us” and how it can help leaders improve their practice around DEI.