Microaggressions: What they are and how to respond

How is saying to someone, “You’re so articulate,” or asking, “Where are you really from?” a potential microaggression? And what should we do when we see a microaggression or someone tells us we inadvertently committed one?

A new educational module just released by Journey for Teams demystifies microaggressions in a way that can help all veterinary team members better support one another. A short, seven-minute video explores what microaggressions are and offers specific actions we can take to combat them and mitigate the harm they can cause our colleagues. The accompanying discussion guide and background materials provide additional information to foster productive conversations and learning: 

• Discover how microaggressions can impact other people, even when they’re unintentional.
• Understand how self-reflection can help uncover microaggressions.
• Increase team awareness of common verbal and nonverbal microaggressions. 

Explore microaggressions now in learning module 4 on the Journey for Teams website.

What is Journey for Teams?

Journey for Teams is a voluntary program that provides a shared path for everyone in our profession to deepen knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and advance it in our workplaces. Developed by the AVMA in partnership with the Veterinary Medical Association Executives, Journey for Teams releases a new 15-minute educational module each month, along with practical steps to create change.
 
Visit JourneyForTeams.org to learn more and to catch up on earlier educational modules covering these topics:

• The power of diversity
• Unconscious bias 
• Psychological safety

Expand your role; Become a navigator

Journey for Teams works best for groups when there is a workplace advocate—a navigator—committed to downloading content, organizing meetings, and facilitating discussion. With each educational module, Journey for Teams provides dedicated resources to support navigators. Are you interested in becoming a navigator? Learn more about this important role.