The Junior League of Philadelphia, Inc.’s (JLP) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) Committee recently hosted a transformative workshop titled “Detour Spotting in Conversations About Race and DEI&B” on November 24, 2024. This event exemplified the League’s mission to promote equity and inclusion by fostering meaningful dialogue and empowering Members to navigate critical conversations effectively.
Rather than adhering to a formal structure, the session unfolded as a relaxed, guided conversation. Facilitators Tara Tsu and Courtney Fulton created an engaging and safe environment where participants could share thoughts and reflect on personal and professional experiences. Tara provided an insightful overview of recurring themes, while Courtney introduced the concept of conversational detours, explained their impact, and offered strategies to redirect discussions constructively.
The workshop was centered around Jona Olsson’s Detour-Spotting for White Anti-Racists, a resource designed to help individuals recognize behaviors that derail meaningful conversations about race. Attendees explored several common conversational detours, their implications, and actionable strategies for addressing them.
During the session, participants analyzed real-life scenarios where conversational detours occurred, practiced identifying them, and implemented strategies to redirect discussions effectively. This hands-on approach provided practical tools to help Members maintain focus on equity and inclusion, ensuring conversations remained impactful and aligned with systemic change.
Detour-spotting plays a vital role in advancing the DEI&B Committee’s mission. By identifying and addressing behaviors that unintentionally undermine equity efforts, League Members can:
  • Stay accountable to the League’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
  • Keep conversations about race focused on systemic change rather than personal comfort.
  • Foster collaboration by amplifying marginalized voices in decision-making and leadership.
  • Build awareness and dedication to addressing systemic inequities within the League and the broader community.
This workshop empowered Members to reflect on their roles in DEI&B efforts while providing actionable strategies for long-term engagement. It underscored the JLP’s dedication to aligning its actions with its values and creating a culture of accountability and inclusion.
With plans to offer the session again in the spring, the DEI&B Committee remains committed to this essential work. By raising awareness and equipping Members with practical tools, the League is making significant strides toward a more inclusive and equitable future. Together, we can ensure that our conversations—and our actions—drive lasting, systemic change.