The recent challenges and chaos of the pandemic has really highlighted the importance of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Separately they are important, but together they can help change the world.
Despite all of our differences, there are so many features that bring us closer together. One that stands above the rest: Parent’s regardless of origin or belief want a better future for their children. We at Mindful Practices share that belief. We believe speaking to one another and keeping those lines of communication open is vital to our mutual success.
We want to meet our communities where they are at and embrace where we are together. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) tools compliment one another to deepen the educational and emotional intelligence of our Mindful Practices partners and communities. Working together in collaboration with our experts we encourage the natural curiosity/questions that arise through an SEL/DEI lens to develop critical and comprehensive solutions building on one another.
Let’s break it down piece by piece:
What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) helps us create space for self reflection and provides the tools to regulate our emotions and improve/encourage better decision making. SEL is a tool that can be utilized during individual student check-ins to promote student voice and strengthen student-educator relationships.
What is Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)?
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is a structure that prioritizes a higher standard and attention to diversity, equity, and inclusivity, how we practice it, and how we hold ourselves and our leadership accountable to it.
Let’s take a look at each term:
DIVERSITY is the presence of differences that may include race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, language, (dis)ability, age, religious commitment, or political perspective. Populations that have been-and remain- underrepresented among practitioners in the field and marginalized in the broader society.
EQUITY is promoting justice, impartiality and fairness within the procedures, processes, and distribution of resources by institutions or systems. Tackling equity issues requires an understanding of the root causes of outcome disparities within our society.
INCLUSION is an outcome to ensure those that are diverse actually feel and/or are welcomed. Inclusion outcomes are met when you, your institution, and your program are truly inviting to all. To the degree to which diverse individuals are able to participate fully in the decision-making processes and development opportunities within an organization or group.
How does DEI and SEL work together?
If SEL is the tools in the house or classroom, then DEI is the house or classroom the tools we bring inside the house with us.
DEI brings awareness on who we are, where we come from, what makes us who we are, from our families to the communities we live in and the history of these spaces. This has an impact on our and others socioeconomic statuses. As well as the importance of equity in the success of everyone (including ourselves). Using the skills taught in SEL, to manage our emotions rather than react or shut down during tough conversations around DEI, we can make actual progress in equity and betterment for all.
Understanding the roles that SEL with DEI can play in healing us collectively and resolve to create an accountable and integrity based history, but more importantly a future that upholds equitable standards. Getting in touch with our whole selves, mindfully navigating complex conversations with passionate beliefs, and turning to our educators as the stewards of our children’s futures to see what might lead us toward healing, and a healthy and productive future.
Let us know how we can help.
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