Micro-Aggressions Training and Reflection

At Bridging, we are continuing our organizational commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging for both staff and volunteers.  One topic we recently covered is micro-aggressions.  Micro-aggressions are subtle, intentional or often unintentional, interactions or behaviors that communicate a bias toward historically marginalized groups.  Earlier this summer, we offered training and discussion in the area of micro-aggressions to our sopping and check-in volunteers.  Here is a reflection from Donald Gault, a Roseville shopper who attended the training.

I have been a volunteer shopper at Bridging’s Roseville warehouse since the beginning of 2023, and this summer had the opportunity to attend a Microaggressions workshop for volunteers and staff led by Jen Nielsen. Having previously worked for 30 years for Ramsey County, I have attended quite a few similar workshops, and this one was by far the most meaningful and impactful.

I loved the stories from Bridging staff and volunteers that Jen [Nielsen, Director of Programs and Services] encouraged about the gift of meeting and learning some small part of the stories brought and carried by the individuals and families served through Bridging. I have continued to reflect on these discussions each time I volunteer at Bridging; what I consistently see and experience are staff and volunteers doing their best to treat the people coming there with honor and respect, building on many of the principles we learned and discussed during the Microaggressions workshop.

Regardless of whatever circumstances might bring individuals and families to shop with us at Bridging, I consistently see everyone doing their best to assure and fulfill Bridging’s mission of Furnishing Homes with Hope – and each time I leave there, I personally feel a greater sense of hope for our world and fellow humans.

Finally, the experience of volunteering at Bridging and the workshop reminds me of the lessons from The Four Agreements, a Toltec wisdom book by Don Miguel Ruiz: Be Impeccable With Your Word; Don’t Take Anything Personally; Don’t Make Assumptions; and Always Do Your Best.

My thanks to everyone who works, volunteers, and comes to Bridging as our guests for the opportunity of being a small part of the incredible magic that happens each day at this incredible place.