SET 1

Scenario 1 (Group 1 and 11): You’re in an online meeting between a manager, and several colleagues, one of whom is Black.

A: Just curious, do any of you know if AIBC has plans to engage with Black and Indigenous architects in BC?

B: God. Isn’t it favouritism to just help out those specific communities? The pandemic didn’t just hit Black and Indigenous people; white people are affected as well. I know everyone’s saying “Black lives matter” but shouldn’t all lives matter?

If you’d like to read more on how the phrase “all lives matters” is harmful, see: https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/culture/a32800835/all-lives-matter-fake-equality/

Consider and demonstrate your immediate response and how you might “call-in” B as either Participant A or as another participant in the online meeting. 

Scenario 2 (Group 2 and 12): A meeting is winding down and people are beginning to pack up to leave. A, B, and C are the last to leave. 

A: Hey, Joe. You’re Filipino, right?

B: That’s right. I moved to Canada as a child.

A: That’s what I thought. You know my neighbour is Filipino. Do you eat balut?

Side note: Balut is a fertilized duck egg, widely consumed as a street food in the Philippines, but is also popular in other southeast Asian countries. Read More: https://www.mashed.com/158543/the-untold-truth-of-balut/

B: (awkwardly) Uh, no. I stopped eating balut when I was old enough to know what it was. Kinda freaks me out a bit. But my cousins love it.

(Cont’d)

Early the next day, Colleague C drops by the workspace of Colleague A. 

C: Hey, you got a moment?

A: Sure.

C. About that comment you made to Joe yesterday -- can I offer you an alternate perspective on how that might have landed?

A: Here it is again, the feedback. Why is everyone so sensitive? I was just joking. Everyone’s so political these days, you can’t even say anything without offending someone.

Consider and demonstrate your immediate response in the moment as Colleague C. Also consider how you might have responded to Colleague A’s comment during the “calling-in”.

Scenario 3 (Group 3 and 13): In a meeting with two managers and several other staff members, you are wrapping up a discussion of the recent program changes and the related policies.

A: Thanks, everyone. I know it’s a lot, but I think I’we captured everything. Does anyone have any questions or concerns in sharing these with your teams?

B: Ugh, this is the ump-teenth time that this policy has changed. Honestly, I don’t even know what’s happening anymore. Everything is so confusing that I’m feeling schizophrenic.

Consider and demonstrate your immediate response and how you might “call-in” B as either Participant A or as another participant in the meeting. Note that B can be a manager or staff. 

Here are some resources around mental health: https://www.iexcellencestrategy.com/mentalhealth. (for staff: Lifeworks Family Assistance Plan)

Scenario 4 (Group 4 and 14): During a small meeting to kick-off an investigation, a volunteer shares that they are trans.

A: Oh, wow! You don’t look trans. Cool. You might be the first openly trans person I know.

You notice the strained look on the volunteer’s face.

Consider and demonstrate your immediate response (specifically in supporting the volunteer in the moment). and how you might “call-in” A, presumably in private.

Scenario 5 (Group 5 and 15): One of the other volunteer architects, a woman of colour, has overheard a comment made by a fellow-architect (Colleague B) towards one of the AIBC staff. She approaches Colleague B privately.

A: Hey, <insert B’s name>. Do you have a moment to chat?

B: Yes, of course.

A: I was there when Quinn shared with us they were trans. I know you didn’t mean any offence by what you said to them. In fact, they kinda laughed with you. Could I offer you an alternate perspective on how that might have landed? It’s just an offer.

B: Why do you have to be so aggressive? I’d really appreciate it if you wouldn't be so angry when you’re sharing your opinion.

A: Really?

Consider and demonstrate hope you might respond if you were Colleague A. Also consider how you might respond to Colleague A’s if they were to share with you what happened to them.

Scenario 6 (Group 6): You are on a panel conducting an oral exam. The applicant is a young man of colour who completed his architecture training outside of Canada. He speaks with a thick accent, but answers all of the questions with enthusiasm and appears well-prepared and knowledgeable. You regrouped with the other panellists to discuss.

A: That applicant had quite an impressive background and solid qualifications. I think he’d do well here. 

B: I did like his energy and I think he was knowledgeable, but I can’t get past that accent. Don’t you think it makes it harder to understand him? I don’t know, maybe I’m just bad with accents.

Consider and demonstrate your immediate response as one of the other panel reviewers, and/or a member of AIBC staff, and how you might “call-in” B, if necessary. 

Scenario 7 (Group 7): You are on a panel of oral examiners. The applicant, B, is a woman. She answers the review questions thoroughly and thoughtfully. 

A (Examiner): You’re doing really well. You can relax a bit. 

B (Applicant): Ok, thanks. I appreciate the feedback. 

C (Examiner): And you could smile more. 

The applicant lets out a nervous chuckle and is clearly taken aback.

Consider and demonstrate your immediate response as one of the three panel reviewers, and/or a member of AIBC staff, and how you might “call-in” C, presumably in private or after the oral exam is completed. 

Scenario 8 (Group 8):  A volunteer group is setting up for a working meeting … 

A (Chair): So, who’s taking notes for today’s meeting? 

B: How about Jane? I would do it, but her handwriting is way better. 

A (Chair): Sounds good to me. 

Consider and demonstrate your immediate response as one of the other committee members, and how you might “call-in” B and/or the committee Chair, presumably in private.

Scenario 9 (Group 9): At an AIBC reception, you overhear one of the Board Members (A) in conversation with an AIBC manager (B) about AIBC’s efforts towards GBA+. 

A: So, <insert B’s name>. How’s all the GBA+ stuff going? I mean, ever feel like it’s actually getting harder for men to become architects in BC?

B: No, not really. I’m pretty sure our numbers are similar as in the past years. I’d have to check to confirm.

A: Are you sure? Feels like we’re licensing more women than men. At some point we’re going to have to do some affirmative action for men, you know what I’m saying? 

Consider and demonstrate your immediate response as one of the other Board Members or as another volunteer-architect in either disrupting the conversation or supporting the staff-member. Also consider how you might “call-in” A, presumably in private.

Scenario 10 (Group 10): You’ve arrived at an in-person AIBC Board Meeting. As folks are arriving, one of the Board Members (A) makes a comment towards one of the guest speakers, a volunteer-architect (B), who will be giving an update on their committee’s progress. 

A: Hey, Mary. Great to see you. How are things at your firm? I hear you guys are growing.

B: Oh, you know. It’s always exciting work. Our committee might need to grow. And yes, it was time that we expanded.

A: By the way, you look great. Am I still allowed to say that here? (laughs) Hope you didn’t get all dressed up for me.
B: No, not really. (awkward silence)

Consider and demonstrate your immediate response as one of the other Board Members or as a staff-member in either disrupting the comment or supporting B.  Also consider how you might “call-in” A, presumably in private.