Engaging in compassionate conversations

Having meaningful conversations about race and wellbeing is crucial, especially in fostering inclusive environments where everyone feels seen, heard and valued.

These conversations can lead to positive change, but they require thoughtfulness, sensitivity and a commitment to ongoing learning. There are a number of things you may wish to consider to help you to create a safe space:

Set the tone

Establish ground rules for respectful dialogue. Make it clear that everyone’s perspectives are valued, and that the conversation will remain constructive and non-judgmental. Think about your expectations and be clear about the purpose of the conversation from the beginning.

Acknowledge discomfort

Discussions about race can evoke strong emotions. Normalise discomfort as part of the process, but ensure it is managed in a way that supports emotional safety.

Confidentiality

Let participants know that what is shared in the conversation will not be discussed outside the room. However, in the event of a safeguarding concern being raised, explain that you may have to seek support from someone else in the organisation or team.

Knowing your limits

You need to ensure that you know the point at which you are no longer best placed to help. You should familiarise yourself with next steps and other support available, or organisations to signpost.

Understand your biases

Reflect on your own beliefs, biases and privilege. Acknowledge areas where you might need to grow or learn.

Emotional readiness

Be aware of your emotional responses and triggers regarding race and wellbeing. Self-awareness helps in navigating the conversation without becoming defensive or disengaged.

Active listening

Pay full attention to speaking participants without interrupting. Refrain from sharing your own story and taking the focus away from them. If you feel it would be relevant to share your own lived experience, think first about if it is relevant and whether it would add value to the conversation. You may also wish to ask for permission to share.

Validate feelings

Whether or not you agree with someone’s responses to their experiences, it’s important to acknowledge their feelings and experiences as valid.

Ask open-ended questions

Encourage deeper reflection and sharing by asking open ended questions such as: “How did that experience impact your sense of wellbeing?” or “What support do you think would be helpful in similar situations?”

Invite collaboration

Involve the participants to think about actionable steps. What can be done at the individual, community or organisational level to address racial inequities and promote wellbeing? When people feel like they are part of the solution, they are more likely to stay engaged in creating change.

Follow up

Ensure that the conversation doesn’t end with a single discussion. Create ongoing opportunities for learning, reflection and action to keep momentum alive.

Provide resources

Offer responsible sources of information and materials such as books, articles, podcasts or wellbeing support that people can use to further their understanding of the relationship between race and wellbeing.

Self-care

Remember to consider your own wellbeing when having conversations about race, racism and wellbeing. Conversations can be triggering if you are supporting someone who is sharing distressing experiences, and/or if you are directly affected by racism in any form. Think about who you can talk to about how you feel, what support might help you, and remember to practice self-care.

If there are other insights you would like to share on this topic, please email tamsin@museumsassociation.org.

This guidance has been developed by Jessica Agudelo, wellbeing and inclusion expert, as a product of a 2024 wellbeing discovery discussion with sector professionals.