Drivers for Change – Check Assumptions
Equity Framework > Drivers for Change > Checking Assumptions
Assumptions are the things that we presuppose to be true. They are often unexamined and taken for granted without questioning. Checking assumptions can reveal hidden or unintentional biases and stereotypes, along with the policies, practices and procedures, which reinforce them. Identifying and checking ideas and assumptions is crucial to developing a common understanding of a problem and opens up new ways of understanding.
Adapted from:
- City of Ottawa and City for All Women Initiative. 2015. Equity and Inclusion Lens Handbook. Ottawa, ON: CAWI. Retrieved from
https://documents.ottawa.ca/sites/default/files/ei_lens_hb_en.pdf
Further Reading / Additional resources
Ramirez, J. (2016, November 29). Challenging Assumptions and Practices in Board Diversity.
https://medium.com/new-faces-new-spaces/challenging-assumptions-and-practices-in-board-diversity-b2a6c2b67e55
Sample Tools
Community Toolbox: Chapter 1 – Section 6 – Some Core Principles, Assumptions, and Values to Guide the Work.
https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/overview/model-for-community-change-and-improvement/core-principles-and-values/main
City of Ottawa and City for All Women Initiative. 2015. Equity and Inclusion Lens Handbook. Ottawa, ON: CAWI. Apply to your work – Working with people (page 44)
https://documents.ottawa.ca/sites/default/files/ei_lens_hb_en.pdf