Implicit Biases 101: Recognizing and Examining Them in the Conservation Workplace

Implicit biases are prejudices and stereotypes that occur automatically, without our conscious awareness. Implicit biases can cause us to have negative attitudes towards individuals even when we have no conscious intent to do so. The result is a workplace that may be less welcoming than it would otherwise be. As the field of conservation strives to become more diverse and inclusive, implicit biases can be a barrier to getting there. Join us on Tuesday, November 15, 2:00-3:00pm, for a free webinar featuring Dr. Mariela Fernandez of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She will explain what implicit biases are, how they are formed, and how they may impact behavior. She will share studies that showcase implicit bias scenarios that are common in our conservation workplace. There will be time for Q&A. The event is part of the George Wright Society’s Socioenvironmental Justice Webinar Series, which seeks to advance justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the conservation field.