Drivers for Change – Check Assumptions

Equity Framework > Drivers for Change > Check Assumptions

Assumptions are ideas and understandings that are presupposed to be true. They are often unexamined and taken for granted without questioning. Checking assumptions can reveal hidden or unintentional biases and stereotypes. Further reflection can highlight the policies, practices, and procedures which reinforce assumptions. Checking assumptions is crucial to developing a common understanding of a problem. Taking time to check assumptions can also open 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://www.cawi-ivtf.org/publication/equity-and-inclusion-lens-handbook-2018/

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://www.cawi-ivtf.org/publication/equity-and-inclusion-lens-handbook-2018/