MMCRI Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion weekly update

 Thanks to Liz Scharnetzki for this contribution!

Takeaways from our February 19^th panel, “Helping Clinicians and Researchers Engage Meaningfully with Immigrant Populations in Maine,” with Drs. David Ngala, Dan Jackson Twizelimana, Olish Ndjum 

• Create actionable SMART goals to accompany our mission statement 

• Representation matters! We need representation of our New Mainer community at all levels 

• Our panel shared that New Mainers may feel a lack of belonging or a sense of othering – we can do more as the scientific community to create connections and provide resources and opportunities

  • Move beyond a singular immigration narrative – recognize and integrate New Mainer’s perspective, insights, and contributions

• Consider cross-cultural variations in health care goals (e.g., prevention versus treatment), especially in the dissemination of health information

• In conducting community engaged research, take direction and priorities from the community 

  • Need to first establish a relationship and presence (without need) 

Self-Reflection of the Week: 

“Hundreds of immigrants have moved to Maine in recent years, including those with expertise employers in the state desperately need. But many can't get a job in their field.”

https://www.pressherald.com/2021/02/21/employment-barriers-for-highly-skilled-immigrants-lead-to-brain-waste-in-maine/?fbclid=IwAR2KpEppw8GdmZWwTE7PDjjnc5YUNvEJsatjmYFthBdZ0K-0j9Nc-DdQm8M

Moment of Inspiration:

Major! (2015): A documentary by Annalise Ophelian paying homage to the life of Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a Black transgender activist with a long legacy of fighting for the rights of trans women of color, and in particular those who have survived police brutality and incarceration. To learn more about the film, download the study guide, and find home viewing options, visit this website: https://www.missmajorfilm.com/

 

You can also read more about Miss Major by signing up for Anti-Racism Daily’s https://www.28daysofblackhistory.com/

Workgroup Updates:

Some great news, from Connor Murphy: “Enacting social and cultural change is a long and arduous process and sometimes the sheer scope of it can be demoralizing. That is why it was so wonderful to hear everyone’s hard work and dedication at the MMCRI DEI group is being recognized and appreciated. I am delighted to announce that this recognition extends beyond Maine Health and even beyond the borders of Maine. Last month, Cole, Liz Scharnetzki and I submitted an abstract to the National Postdoctoral Association entitled Comprehensive Anti-Racist Curriculum to Promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Biomedical Research and Clinical Settings, that describes the goals and format of the MMCRI DEI group. I would like to share an excerpt of the email that we recently received regarding this submission: ‘After further discussion, the NPA staff would like to invite you to participate in the speed-talk session at the conference in addition to the poster session. Your topic is important and we would like to elevate your message, if you are interested.’ Please know that this success and national recognition belongs to all of us and it is only because everyone working together with compassion and unrelenting dedication to understanding and actively changing the structural racist society that we live in. I am so grateful to be in the presence of such inspiring human beings and I look forward to making a brighter future with each one of you.”

Upcoming Sessions- March:

Week 1: Friday, 3/5/2021:

          Topics:

• Best Practices in DEI work – Learnings from the Society for Personality and Social Psychology’s Annual Conference

• Discuss Seconde Nimenya’s book “Unlocking Diversity”  https://www.secondenimenya.com/product/unlocking-diversity/

Moderator: Liz Scharnetzki

Suggested session preparation: Reading “Unlocking Diversity”

                Week 2: Friday, 3/19/2021 12:00-1:00pm

Please make note of the new time and new Zoom

                                Title: Unlocking Cultural Competency in Health Research

                                Speaker: Seconde Nimenya, MBA

Moderator: Mike Kohut

ACTION ITEMS:

• JOIN A TEAM: If you’re interested in more hands on work, email EScharnetz@mmc.org

• REMEMBER TO CHECK SLACK – need membership? Email  COLE FERM 

• GO TO OUR Website

• ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE WEEK: Defined Action: Hold yourself accountable. Pick an action. Own it. We encourage you to share some of the direct actions you have taken on the Slack Channel.  Reference our group’s logical model for inspiration on personal and professional ways to provide direct action.  Email: nferm@mmc.org for access to the slack channel.