Establish a Common Equality Language

Learning Objectives

After completing this unit, you’ll be able to:

• Explain the importance of having a common language to discuss equality topics.
  
• Define key terms related to equality.
  

Connecting Through a Common Language

We use language to build relationships, forge connections, and foster community. It can also create barriers and impact someone’s sense of belonging. How you think and talk about equality influences your actions and how you choose to show up for yourself and others in the workplace. It can also either encourage people and excite them to embark on their own equality journey or deter them and leave them confused.

It’s important that you take time to make sure everyone aligns, because words can have different meanings for different people and different cultures. Establishing some level of common language allows people to communicate effectively about a topic, and find ways to also understand the perspectives and experiences of others.

As you begin to have brave and sometimes difficult conversations about equality, remember that language matters. Agreeing on common terms and learning the correct or thoughtful language to use ensures that these conversations are effective and respectful.

Key Equality Terms

Here are just a few key terms to know.

• Ally: Someone who supports or promotes the interests of a cause or group; for example, an advocate for disability inclusion.
  

• Belonging: A sense of acceptance, inclusion, security, and support as a member of a group.
  
• Bias: Automatic mental shortcuts we use to process information and make decisions quickly.
  
• Discrimination: The unjust or prejudicial treatment of a person or people due to their characteristics.
  
• Microaggressions: Everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, comments, or insults—intentional or unintentional—that impact or target a person based on their identity.
  
• Psychological safety: The confidence that an individual has that they won’t be humiliated, punished, or rejected by the group for sharing their thoughts, ideas, perspectives, and lived experiences.
  

It’s empowering to know that there are more than enough words to use to better connect with people, and to both describe and build environments where everyone feels included.

Remember that your equality journey begins with understanding your why. It’s not a journey you can complete overnight. It takes time, patience, empathy, forgiveness, and—above all—a willingness to continue to learn.