Michigan program helps organizations, companies tackle bias

Tailored to nonprofits, supported by Enbridge

May 24, 2023

How do you break down biases?

You may have heard the following:

• He’d be a great hire—he’s my fraternity brother!
• Look at her. I doubt she was born here.
• He’s too old to do anything with social media.
• She’s too pretty to be an engineer.

Whether they realize it or not, most people have unconscious biases. Based on limited, incomplete, mistaken, or inaccurate information, unconscious biases can have a significant impact, especially within workplaces.

The social stereotypes, behaviors and beliefs formed outside one’s conscious awareness can create toxic workplaces, impede collaboration, stifle creativity, and increase isolation.

As such, many organizations and companies throughout Michigan are seeking ways to address and eliminate biases, and the YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region has launched a program to help.

“Our InterACT program helps employers and employees acknowledge and remove biases that inhibit cooperation and connection,” said Moira Branigan, who launched InterACT in her role as executive director of the YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region.

“Each of us has unconscious beliefs and behaviors, and the first step to addressing them is to recognize them.”

There are many unconscious biases, though some of the most common types include:

• Affinity: The tendency to gravitate toward people who are similar (i.e., same race, background).
• Ageism: Discriminating against someone based on age.
• Gender: Assuming one gender is better for the job than the other, regardless of qualifications.
• Weight Bias: Judging people negatively because they are heavier or thinner than average.

InterACT uses the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) tool, explains Branigan, a certified IDI Qualified Administrator with a Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University. “The IDI tool helps guide conversations, some of which initially can be uncomfortable,” said Branigan. “As we continue, it ultimately inspires reflection that helps confront unconscious beliefs and behaviors.”

 

“The work of the YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region fits well with Enbridge’s own commitment to inclusion.”

—Candice Braddock, Michigan-based Enbridge senior community engagement advisor

Despite the pandemic interrupting its 2020 launch, InterACT has helped more than 300 Michiganders, across 20 organizations, largely not-for-profits and school districts. With a $10,000 grant from Enbridge, the YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region will be able to expand the program, including corporations.

“The work of the YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region fits well with Enbridge’s own commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Candice Braddock, Enbridge senior community engagement advisor.

“We are proud to sponsor InterACT, which is a phenomenal and critical program to addressing biases.”

“Enbridge’s commitment to inclusion means a commitment to hiring those people whose skills and abilities contribute the most to the success of the organization and who reflect the communities in which we live and work,” continued Braddock.