
Kia ora, I’m Julie Thompson and I want to share with you what I’ve learnt about unconscious bias and how it impacts relationships within the work place and our productivity.
Unconscious bias is "a bias that we are unaware of and which happens outside of our control. It is a bias that happens automatically and is triggered by our brain making quick judgements and assessments of people and situations, influenced by our background, cultural environment and personal experiences." -Equality Challenge Unit UK: Unconscious Bias in Higher Education Review 2013.
Unconscious bias “can occur when we make fast judgements, are tired or under pressure. Often, they may be incompatible with our conscious values and considered actions” -Auckland University
By exploring our unconscious bias we have the opportunity to gain more control over it, develop greater diversity, inclusion and equity. Reasearch has shown this leads to greater productivity, and lower staff turn over. We develop our self awareness to ensure we don’t act out of unconscious bias.
Ina kei Te mohio ko wai koe, i anga mai koe i hea kei te mohio keo kei te anga atu ki hea.
If you know who you are and where you are from, you will know where you are going.

Unconscious bias becomes structural inequality
Equity is the cornerstone of a just and thriving society. It’s about ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed, regardless of their starting point. Unlike equality, which treats everyone the same, equity recognizes that different individuals and groups have unique needs and barriers. By addressing these differences, we can create a more balanced playing field where everyone has the chance to achieve their full potential. Embracing equity fosters diverse perspectives, promotes fairness, and drives innovation, ultimately leading to stronger, more resilient communities. At Enabling Equity, we are dedicated to championing this principle because we believe that true progress is achieved when all voices are heard and all opportunities are accessible.

Equity in Action: Exploring Bias, Privilege and Power dynamics
Workshop Overview:
What You Will Learn:
Understanding Unconscious Bias:
Explore Different Types of Bias: Discover 10 types of unconscious bias and understand how they operate from Everyday Bias by Howard Ross.
Impact on Decision-Making: Learn how these biases influence our decisions and interactions, both personally and professionally.
Explore your personal values to to help connect with intrinsic motivation for positive change
Privilege and Intersectionality:
Examine Privilege: Understand how privilege operates and how unconscious biases reinforce and impact privilege in various contexts.
Privilege Wheel Activity: Engage in a reflective exercise to map out your own privilege and explore how different aspects of your identity intersect.
Intersectionality Discussion: Delve into how intersecting identities create unique experiences of privilege and oppression.
Power Dynamics and Influential Leaders:
Power Over/Under: Explore the dynamics of power over and power under, and how individuals automatically shift between these positions based on circumstances.
Power With/Within: Learn about power with and power within, and how these concepts contribute to collaborative action and personal empowerment.
Case Studies: Analyze the approaches of influential leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Gandhi, and Te Whiti O Rongmai and Tohu Takahi to understand how they utilized the concept of power with.
Benefits of Attending:
Enhanced Awareness: Gain a deeper understanding of how unconscious biases and privilege impact interactions and decision-making.
Practical Tools: Learn actionable strategies to address and reduce bias and privilege in your personal and professional life.
Empowerment: Discover ways to use power and give away power unconsciously so that you have more choice about when and where
Interactive Learning: Engage in dynamic discussion groups and activities that connect workshop concepts to real-life experiences.
Ongoing Support: Receive a comprehensive booklet that includes all the key information, step-by-step guides, and resources to support your continued learning and application of workshop principles.
Resources Provided:
Comprehensive Booklet: Each participant will receive a detailed booklet containing summaries of key concepts, actionable steps, discussion prompts, and reflective exercises.
Step-by-Step Guide: A practical guide to help you implement the strategies discussed, including self-assessment tools, action plans, and resources for further learning.
Ongoing Access: Information on additional resources and support to help you continue your journey towards reducing bias and promoting equity.
When, where and how much?
WHEN
November 27th at Te Hapua Halswell Centre
Group bookings: if you are wanting your staff or community to do this PD training I can come to you ( with a discount as well! )
WHERE
Anywhere that suits you, I can come to your organisation, hire a room at local library, and i travel nation wide
HOW MUCH
$420 per person
Corporate / organisation discounts available for group bookings
This is a social enterprise 10% of my workshops will be gifted to community groups.
Join me, together with humility and good humour we can create more equity
Register
Professional Supervision
My supervision style is client-centered, authentic and insightful. I can gently explore difficulties with you and guide you to see things from different perspectives. This style values your unique experiences and perspectives, allowing you to feel heard and supported in your growth and development. By creating a safe and nonjudgmental space, I empower you to explore your challenges openly and collaboratively, ultimately fostering personal insight and deeper understanding and also celebrate the strengths and learning and successes. My ability to lead you towards new understandings facilitates life long learning, well-being and empowerment.
Get in Touch
Interested in attending a course or engaging in Professional Supervision? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly.
Alternatively call Julie on 0272898799 or email on julie@enablingequity.co.nz
About Julie Thompson
I have been a registered social worker for ten years. I have years of experience in conducting workshops, public events and facilitating various forms of hui across social work and other community based settings. As a skilled and experienced workshop facilitator, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the workshops I lead. I lead these spaces with authenticity and have been described as a natural facilitator by others. My workshops are not only informative and educational, but also dynamic and engaging, ensuring that participants walk away with practical skills, actionable takeaways and new connections.