The Collaboratory

Have you ever experienced someone saying one of these phrases to you? Racially insensitive language often is used both unintentionally and intentionally. It can also be used a defence when their previous statements are questioned – ‘I have black friends’ being one example of trying to excuse offensive comments.  Ethnically diverse people are often on the receiving end of these hurtful remarks, further enforcing a systemic racism and unconscious bias issue that needs tackling if we are to progress towards racial equality. Therefore, the next time you think of using one of these phrases, think of the impact it will have on those it’s directed towards, and the implications of the phrase itself. Alternatively, when you see someone using one of these phrases educate them as to why their comments are unacceptable. To find out more about what we do, follow The Collaboratory today! #RaceEqualityMatters #ActionDrivesChange Credit: Better Allies & Minda Harts

How can you be an ally? 👀 1️. Speak out against injustice 2️. Be aware of implicit bias 3️. Identify your own privilege 4️. Listen to those with lived experience 5️. Empathise with those who are oppressed 6️. Take action To find out more about what we do, follow The Collaboratory today! #TheCollaboratory #RaceEqualityMatters #ActionNotJustWords #Ally Credit: ohhappydani

#VoicesOfChange: Jameela Jamil British actress and presenter Jamella Jamil has used her platform to advocate for women and young people, starting I Weigh in 2018 to empower ‘diverse voices in an accessible way’. The I Weigh community began after Jamil noticed a post by the Kardashians, who had posted an image of themselves with their weight written onto it. She responded in her own post, noting what values hold weight to her beyond body measurements. This started a global movement, seeing her set up the I Weigh account on Instagram. It has now progressed to becoming a platform that represents people from all walks of life – championing diversity and allyship to further mobilise activism. It deals with concerns for climate change and mental health, as well as promoting acceptance and inclusivity for ethnic minorities, women and the LGBTQIA+ community. The open and honest content breaks down stereotypes and acts as a learning platform for those who want to discover how they can become actively involved in helping to bring about change. Through I Weigh, Jamil and her team have managed to change Facebook and Instagrams global policies surrounding displaying diet and detox product to minor users. I Weigh grew due to Jamil’s role on The Good Place, which she felt lucky and privileged to have as it gave her the attention of young people, with her saying ‘we have a unique opportunity to make not just a difference socially but also emotionally for them.’ Jamil also refused a role of playing a deaf woman, stating she didn’t want to be part of erasing deaf actresses: “I said it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to take that role and they should find a brilliant deaf woman to play that role. I think you have to make those choices and not be too greedy and make space rather than take space.” Jameela Jamil’s commitment to fighting for change is an inspiring story, and her dedication to ensuring the world is a better for younger people makes her one of the leading voices for a change in society. #TheCollaboratory

Belonging is more than inclusion. It's about creating spaces where people aren't just included but are an integral part, where they feel an undeniable sense of being where they are meant to be, every day, not just during a designated week. It's about listening, learning, and adapting our environments to be truly welcoming for all. Let's make belonging not just an objective but a reality. Not just for a week, but every week, for everyone. To find out more about what we do, follow The Collaboratory today! #RaceEqualityMatters #ActionDrivesChange Sketch note credit: Sam Warburton 🫖 

How can you be more emotionally intelligent? Emotional intelligence is the art of being able to understand your emotions, and understand the emotions of the people around you. The five key components to being emotionally intelligent are: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. However, there are many more things you can do strengthen your emotional intelligence. Be honest and direct when giving feedback – shying away from difficult situations will ultimately make you avoid conflict, meaning things won’t be resolved quickly or in a peaceful manner. You need to have awareness of others and adjust your approach to their body language and mood, whilst staying composed when situations get defensive and heated. By following all of these pieces of advice, you can make sure you develop and improve your emotional intelligence in all aspects of life. To find out more about what we do, follow The Collaboratory today! #RaceEqualityMatters #ActionDrivesChange Credit: George Stern 

What are the lesser-known impacts of trauma? When you experience a traumatic event, the impact isn’t just an instant feeling – and can have long-term effects on how you respond in different situations. Trauma can continue to play a role in your life months and years after the event has occurred. However, it can be confusing to understand why you’re still feeling the affects of said event and why it’s making you act in certain ways. There are many lesser-known impacts of trauma, including fearing reaction, struggling with ‘good emotions’ and daydreaming frequently as a coping mechanism and an ‘escape’ from current emotions. By understanding these signs, it can be helpful to explaining why you’re behaving in a way you weren’t before you experienced trauma – and how those feelings have manifested long after the event took place. To find out more about what we do, follow The Collaboratory today! #TheCollaboratory #RaceEqualityMatters #ActionDrivesChange  

Those that are able to recognise the need for empathy, emotional intelligence, and adaptability create the strongest teams. When a team can contribute equally, it becomes more effective. Being able to read another’s emotional intelligence helps with understanding everyone’s needs and wants from working within the team. Teams with more women have been found to be more effective due to their emotional intelligence. To find out more about what we do, follow The Collaboratory today! #TheCollaboratory #RaceEqualityMatters #ActionDrivesChange  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you for all of your support in 2024, and we look forward to what the next year will bring. Have a wonderful time if you’re celebrating this festive season!

#VoicesOfChange: Robbie Williams Since starting his career as a 16-year-old boy in Take That, Robbie Williams has lived every high and low of his life in the public eye. In doing so, he has been incredibly honest about his struggles and become a firm advocate for mental health awareness and other charities helping to make a difference. In 2006 he co-founded Soccer Aid, a now annual event gathering celebrities and professional sports people in a charity football match, that has raised over £100 million in aid for UNICEF UK. In 2023, William’s released a Netflix documentary, in which he opened up about his experiences with dyspraxia, dyslexia, ADHD, body dysmorphia, hypervigilance and PTSD. He said he is ‘all about neurodiversity’, and his openness and acceptance of these conditions provides a light for those facing similar situations, and a relatability that they are not dealing with these things alone. He’s also an advocate for mental health – in 2017 he became a patron for Music Support, a charity which provides help for those suffering with alcoholism, addiction or mental/emotional health issues within the music industry. He spoke about how when he tried to talk about his mental health in the 90s, he was “berated and belittled and told to pull my socks up”. In the wake of Liam Payne’s passing, Williams called for people to think before they pass judgement online, calling for more kindness, empathy and compassion for all. Williams has not only proven himself as a talented artist, but he’s also unashamedly used his past and present experiences to help others and raise awareness for important causes. #TheCollaboratory #MentalHealthAwareness #RobbieWilliams 

Attracting candidates from underrepresented groups starts with genuine commitment. Businesses must ensure equity is embedded into workplace culture, from the recruitment stage to leadership roles. By sharing your dedication to inclusivity, ensuring your hiring practices are fair and fostering an environment where diverse voices are not overlooked and are able to thrive, you’ll not only attract talent from all backgrounds but will also build stronger, more successful teams. To find out more about what we do, follow The Collaboratory today! #TheCollaboratory #RaceEqualityMatters #ActionDrivesChange Credit: Better Allies