Tips & Resources

UNDERSTANDING 
is a TWO-WAY street"

—Eleanor Roosevelt

STEPS TOWARD CHANGE

CHALLENGING BIAS

Simple ways to recognize and unlearn biases in everyday life

  • Pause before making assumptions—ask yourself, “Is this the full story?”

  • Pay attention to who you admire, trust, or fear—challenge those patterns

  • Seek out different perspectives—listen to voices that aren’t often centered

  • When someone shares an experience of bias, listen without defending or dismissing

  • Growth starts with discomfort—lean into the challenge of unlearning

ACTIVE LISTENING

Tips for truly hearing and understanding others

  • Give your full attention—distractions weaken connection

  • Let silence be part of the conversation—people open up when they don’t’ feel rushed

  • Reflect back what you hear—“It sounds like you’re feeling…”

  • Ask open-ended questions—“Can you tell me more about that?”

  • Resist the urge to offer solutions—sometimes, being heard is the answer

BRIDGING DIFFERENCES

How to have conversations with people who think differently

  • Approach with curiosity, not the goal of being right

  • Start with shared values—common ground builds trust

  • Use “I” statements instead of “you” accusations

  • Ask, “How did you come to see it that way?”

  • Know when to pause—some conversations need time

BUILDING INCLUSIVE BONDS

Small actions that create welcoming spaces

  • Learn and use people’s names—it matters

  • Make space—invite quieter voices into conversations

  • Notice who’s missing—whose perspectives aren’t being heard?

  • Speak up when someone is dismissed or excluded

  • Small actions create belonging—kindness, eye contact, a genuine hello

EVERYDAY EMPATHY

How to practice empathy in practical, meaningful ways

  • Assume good intentions, but acknowledge real harm

  • Before reacting, ask “How would I feel in their place?”

  • Compassion isn’t agreement—it’s understanding

  • Instead of “What’s wrong with them?” ask “What might they be going through?”

  • A small kindness can shift someone’s entire day

RETHINKING ASSUMPTIONS

Questions to ask yourself before making judgments

  • Challenge first impressions—snap judgments aren’t truth

  • Notice when you label someone—people are more complex than categories

  • Ask yourself, “Would I see this differently if they looked, spoke, or lived another way?”

  • Be aware of media bias—whose stories get told—and whose don’t

  • Let people define themselves—listen to how they describe their own experience

CULTIVATING CURIOSITY

Simple practices for expanding your perspective

  • Ask, don’t assume—approach new perspectives with curiosity, not conclusions

  • Seek out different stories—read books, watch films, and listen to voices beyond your norm

  • Embrace “I don’t know”—admitting uncertainty opens the door to growth

  • Get comfortable with discomfort—learning happens beyond the familiar

  • Stay open, even in disagreement—curiosity is about understanding, not agreeing

SPEAKING UP WITH KINDNESS

How to address bias or injustice while keeping connection at the center

  • Lead with curiosity—“I hadn’t thought of it that way. Can we talk about it?”

  • Stay calm—anger can shut down conversation

  • Offer another perspective instead of calling someone “wrong

  • Humor can build bridges, but only when it’s laughter with, not at

  • Know your limits—sometimes, the most effective response is setting a boundary

Small actions create big change. Discover ways to support, uplift, and stand beside those making a difference.

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Have thoughts or ideas about building a stronger, more connected community? I’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and tips here, and I’ll add them to our list of tips and resources.