August 20, 2021
Smithsonian Exhibit: The Bias Inside Us
It’s not every day you get an opportunity to experience a private showing of a Smithsonian Exhibit, but that’s what CentraCare is offering employees this week.
The Smithsonian’s award-winning, international traveling Exhibit called “The Bias Inside Us,” is featured at St. Cloud State University from now through September 19. On Thursday, August 26, CentraCare has exclusive access to the exhibit for the entire day. That day, CentraCare employees who are interested, can sign up to attend the Exhibit for free during one of eight scheduled group sessions.
Exhibit purpose
The purpose of this exhibit is to not only raise awareness about the science and history of bias, but learn what each of us can do about it. “We all have bias and it impacts how we interact with one another,” says Patrick Decker Tonnesen, DEI Consultant, Workplace & Patient Diversity. “In my role, I’ve had the opportunity to talk with people across the region working in our clinics and throughout our organization, and there’s an honest desire to learn more about bias and more broadly diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Across the region, there’s an honest desire to learn about bias and more broadly diversity, equity and inclusion
Patrick Decker Tonnesen, DEI Consultant, Workplace and Patient Diversity
This is an opportunity for employees to build self-awareness about unconscious bias and learn how to mitigate it. It’s also an opportunity to better understand the science behind bias. “By learning more about how bias affects the brain, we can all increase our empathy and inclusiveness,” said Decker Tonnesen. “This is an amazing opportunity to learn, grow and impact our workplace and community.”
Event details
Employees interested in attending the exhibit on Thursday, August 26, simply need to register. Space is limited and each group is allowed a maximum of 40 participants, so be sure to pick your 90-minute time slot and register here. The experience includes a 60-minute tour followed by a 30-minute debrief. Tours are available beginning at 8 a.m. through 8 p.m. As part of the registration, you’ll be able to receive 1 CME/CNE/CEP credit as well. The exhibit is featured at the Atwood Memorial Center at St. Cloud State University.
For those unable to experience the Exhibit in person, there is an online Exhibit, where the information is broken down into six, easy-to-follow sections. Click below to explore!
Discussion pack
We created a series of conversation cards for you to use once you’ve experienced the in-person or online exhibit. These cards (see below) help each of us reflect on the experience, begin to think about what we can do be more aware of bias in our everyday lives, and ultimately grow by changing behaviors that support a more inclusive workplace and community.
