• KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE- Be aware of the diverse population including different cultures, backgrounds of participants and professional providers of services. Most people attending the conference will be service providers, people living in supportive housing, developers, and property managers.  

 

• PRESENT DIVERSITY IN YOUR SESSION- It is important to include diverse speakers on panels and when possible, people who are participants of the programs being shared.  

 

• KEEP IT CLEAR- Confirm purpose and expected outcomes for implementing the practices presented. Let people know what an acronym means and use person first language.  

 

• CONFIRM UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IS BEING PRESENTED- Ask open ended questions while engaging participants. Consider using pre and post surveys to gauge the participants understanding of topics presented.  
   

• ENGAGING ACTIVITIES WITH PARTICIPANTS- Consider using role play, breakout groups, and the sharing of different perspectives/ideas with the participants.  

 

• SUMMARY OF TOPIC REFLECTIONS- Identify participants to share their summary of the topic discussed before moving to the next topic.  

 

• ALLOW TIME FOR CONNECTIONS- Allow time before the presentation, during break time and following the presentation for connection. 

Preparing your presentation 

• Be aware of cognitive overload (avoid “busy” slides) 

• Use diverse visuals and accessible design (PPT has an accessibility feature under “Review” tab) 

• Seek opportunities to highlight disparities, alternate perspectives and “hidden figures”  

• Know your audience: SH leaders and team members who are looking for: 

• Presenters who are conversational, to-the-point, and focused on their needs 

• Sessions targeting more practical applications than theory 

• Examples and demonstrations of the concepts, tools, and techniques being shared 

• Opportunities to learn from each other, connect with like minds and network 

Starting your session 

• Arrive early to get familiar with space and AV and greet everyone equally 

• Provide reminders about caring for yourself (its OK to step away or “pass”) 

• Encourage and model moving around to be comfortable- standing, walking, stretching  

• Provide directions to restrooms  

Reinforcing brave spaces 

• Provide opportunities/space for people to connect before moving into content 

• Allow space for reflection & peer learning 

• Activities should not include touching or revealing personal trauma information  

• If so, provide a content warning 

• Provide tangible tools or strategies that go beyond your case study, community, population, etc. 

Model inclusivity 

• Awareness of who is taking space​ 

• Learn preferred names (focus on pronunciation) and pronouns​ 

• Avoid acronyms, jargon, generalizations, microaggressions​ 

• Use person-centered language 

Diverse engagement strategies 

• Multi-modal methods & tools for engagement​ (e.g. live polls, note cards, etc) 

• Enable peer learning​ 

• Allow time for reflection and application​ 

Facilitate with humility 

• Offer transparency in experience​ 

• Encourage alternative responses to questions​ 

• Solicit ongoing feedback and regular check ins​ 

• Sit in silence, demonstrate thoughtful and active listening​