On Saturday, Nov. 16, Local 104 instructor Jennifer Scott presented the Bias and Belonging workshop to 12 members of the Women’s Committee at Manteca. The session proved a resounding success, offering an enlightening opportunity to explore the role of internalized unconscious biases and how they shape our experiences of belonging — or the lack thereof — in the trades.
Throughout the presentation, participants were invited to reflect on the ways their upbringing, cultural backgrounds and personal histories influence the biases they hold, often unknowingly. The workshop created a powerful space for members to share their unique stories of belonging and unbelonging, encouraging a deeper understanding of one another’s experiences beyond surface-level appearances.
The structure of the session was carefully designed to foster both individual reflection and group connection. It began with a personal story from Scott, followed by a set of community guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful environment. A teaching segment followed, with participants defining key concepts such as bias, belonging and inclusion. The heart of the session was an interactive exercise, in which participants read thought-provoking quotes and engaged in discussions about how people interpret the same material differently, based on their own perspectives.
The session concluded with a powerful sharing circle, where each member had the opportunity to reflect on their personal journey — what influences their views in life and in the trade, and how their stories of belonging (and unbelonging) shape who they are today.
Overall, the Bias and Belonging presentation was not only informative but also unifying. Committee members were able to connect on a deeper level, recognizing that individual biases and experiences shape how we move through the world, and work on a blueprint to better understand and support one another in the trade.