Diverse Perspectives

Valuing diversity can be challenging, knowing all of the ways in which people differ, such as: race, culture, physical ability, gender, age, ethnicity or religious affiliations. By understanding the perspectives and feelings of those different from you, you will be able to better comprehend the issues which confront them.

It is also important to understand how others feel emotionally in different situations. You will understand and appreciate the circumstances of others by developing an empathy for their state of being. Having a mastery of Diverse Perspectives will also help you become a better prepared for the world outside of college as you get ready to enter the job market. The goals of this area and the skills you will acquire through this Area of Mastery are:

• Cultural Diversity
• Positive Diverse Interactions
• Eavluation of Different Points of View
• Emotional Intelligence

To achieve mastery over this area, complete the following four activities. Below each activity you are provided with sample options that you may utilize to fulfill the activity. Remember, these are only sample options, you may choose to come up with your own options that may better suit you or your chapter's needs. Follow up your accomplishments in your Learning Journal. Finally, once you have completed all activities within this Area of Mastery, finish the area by answering the concluding Critical Reflection questions within your Learning Journal.

Learn about the perspectives of those different from oneself.

• Gather four popular magazines that address the interests, values, and perceptions of those different from you (i.e. A. Magazine (Asian-American), Hispanic, Essence (African-American), Working Woman, etc.). These can be purchased or gathered from the library. Answer these three questions with a group: 1) What is the most interesting thing you gained from reading these magazines? 2) How are the advertisements different? 3) How do the writers promote pride in one's background?
• Attend the campus or community-sponsored International Fair. Many campuses provide an opportunity for the campus and community to learn about the families, values, history, language, customs, and meals of the various international communities. Then in a small group of 3-4 chapter members, complete the Cultural Heritage Discussion Guide and discuss the personal heritage of each member.
• Interview the leaders of the various ethnic support organizations on campus. You may also choose to attend a meeting of the Black Student Union, Hispanic Student Association, Asian Student Organization, International Student Association, etc. Then use information gained from them to write an essay on how the needs of these students are/are not being met by the campus administration, faculty, and students.

Understand how diversity influences you and others.

• Invite three to four alumni members or local businessmen (Chamber of Commerce volunteers, community leaders, or members' parents) to talk with the seniors about the current realities they see in their workplace. Alumni should specifically share their perspectives on: 1) The skill level of incoming employees. 2) The changing number of women and ethnic employees. 3) The number of female and ethnic managers in the companies. 4) The environment of cultural diversity in their workplace.
• Read Workforce 2000. This book is available through the Department of Labor or at the library. Discuss the Workforce 2000 Trends handout, or use the Alumni Diverse Perspectives discussion guide, as a group or in smaller groups of three to four members. The publication identifies four key trends that will happen during the beginning of the 21st century. Write down some of the key points of the book and your thoughts on these points.
• Get a team together to provide service to a community agency or individuals in need. Invite members of another campus organization (preferably a cultural student organization) to participate with you. Service to others is a powerful way to break boundaries and build strong relationships between individuals. Intercultural relationships are built by working side by side with other student volunteers.

Explore diversity beyond cultural and ethnic differences.

• Ask members of different local political organizations either to come and speak, or go to see these representatives speak, on the topics with which their groups are concerned with. The scope should be wide enough to display a diverse range of opinions. Some suggestions are: the National Rifle Association (NRA), the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP), the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), and Greenpeace.
• Spend some time visiting a retirement center or senior citizens home. While you are there, take the opportunity to ask some of these men and women about their past. What do they think about the world today? How have things changed over their years? What do they think the future holds for you? What wisdom would they like to pass on to future generations? Reflect on your experience.
• With a few other members, donate some of your time to a local children's hospital. Then answer the following questions: 1) What challenges will these children face in the future? 2) What are the disadvantages of each physical handicap that you encountered? 3) What skills will they need to overcome the challenges they face? 4) How have the families of these children been affected? 5) What have you learned from this experience?
• Important learning and giving experiences are shared by working together to help others in need. Relationships can also be developed with the others from the populations you serve, again, learning about other cultural groups such as victims of domestic violence, children and youth, physically challenged individuals, or senior citizens. Record the details of this experience.

Discover the impact of emotions and empathy on behavior.

• Often discussions of diversity can become heated and emotional. Read Daniel Goleman's Emotional Intelligence. This book provides an overview of the dimensions of emotional intelligence. It also gives the reader insight into how to utilize emotional intelligence to build management skills, strengthen relationships, become better parents, and to truly listen to others' perspectives. Write down some of the key points of the book and your thoughts on these points.
• Attend a workshop on understanding and appreciating the emotional aspects of cultural differences. If a program is not available, invite an outside presenter to help facilitate discussion regarding the emotional factors involved in behavior. The facilitator should be familiar with Daniel Goleman's Emotional Intelligence. Take notes on the presentation and following discussion.