Workshops & Trainings

A workshop facilitated by Stephanie Goodwin, Ph.D., President, Incluxion Works, in collaboration with the University of New Hampshire’s PowerPlay Interactive Development improvisational theater team.

Ever wondered “Why didn’t I say something?” after witnessing social bias—a stereotype, a prejudice or discrimination—that happened in your everyday life? You’re not alone. Deciding whether and how to respond to bias is complicated. Understanding what motivates us to speak up, the challenges we face when doing so, and strategies for effective responding can help bystanders to bias better evaluate their options and select effective strategies. This interactive presentation will invite attendees to learn about bystander reactions to social biases and how these reactions can help or hinder decisions to speak up. Attendees will apply these concepts to everyday incidents of bias in either academic or work settings with an emphasis on understanding the challenges in STEMM contexts. PowerPlay Interactive Development’s team of improvisational actors will portray brief, familiar moments of bias and challenging interpersonal behavior. Attendees will be invited to interact, replay and experiment in conversation with the characters to understand the complexity of responding to biases and learn how to navigate these situations more successfully.