Over the past few weeks, I’ve been working through my first course: Academic Writing and Critical Thinking Across Disciplines. Although I’ve written in a variety of contexts for years – many of them academic – this course has been a timely refresher and a welcome challenge.
As I write this, I’m concurrently involved in:
- Updating Life Strategies’ LearnOnline courses
- Developing self-paced modules for a “CMPP on-demand” program launching soon
- Piloting a “CDP Bootcamp” course focused on career development essentials
- Writing a chapter on the evolution of a research methodology
- Drafting an article on employment, unemployment, and underemployment among underrepresented groups in rural communities
- Preparing two presentations for CDPs on conducting research
Each of these activities is collaborative. I’m one contributor among many – each bringing different perspectives, expectations, and standards. In some cases, we have flexibility in what we write and how that’s formatted; in others, we must work within tight parameters.
All of this work involves knowledge translation: making research meaningful and accessible to diverse audiences. Sometimes the research is primary (e.g., drawn from studies I’ve helped conduct and analyze); other times, it’s secondary (e.g., synthesized from reports, articles, and literature scans).
Increasingly, academics and practitioners alike are asking critical questions like:
- Whose voices are included in this process?
- Who is invited to collaborate?
- Whose research gets published?
- How accessible are the final products (e.g., articles, courses, or presentations)
Systemic structures have long impeded equitable participation in academia; however, there’s growing awareness and a collective desire to change that. This is just a starting point: we recognize the problem and want to do better.
You might be wondering, “But how can I do that?” – me too! I see and have experienced some of the same barriers you do; institutional change takes time, not all of us are in positions to drive change directly, and many in positions of power are resistant to change.
So, what can we do? Well, we can start by actively seeking out knowledge and perspectives from diverse communities. Fortunately, there are emerging resources that make this easier. Here are a few that were shared with me that I now share with you:
- Cite Black Women
- Diversifying Your Citations (Integrated Social Sciences Program, Library Guides at University of Washington Libraries)
- Respectful Terminology Platform Project (National Indigenous Knowledge & Language Alliance)
- Referencing Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers (APA Research Guides, NorQuest College)
Do you have resources that have helped you diversify your sources or amplify underrepresented voices? If so, I’d love to hear them.
This response was reviewed and refined using Microsoft Copilot to assist with grammar, spelling, and clarity. The AI was used solely for editing purposes and did not alter the original ideas or voice of the author.
Did You Know?
Life Strategies supports organizations, associations, and community groups in need of targeted solutions for their workplace challenges.
Learn how Life Strategies can support:
- Assessing training needs / skill gaps
- Conducting research (e.g., environmental scans, surveys, interviews)
- Developing in-house training solutions
- Facilitating focus groups, town hall meetings, or retreats
- Facilitating strategic planning / visioning with leadership teams
- Designing and implementing career development interventions/services
- Developing and strengthening leaders
- Navigating interpersonal conflicts within the workplace
- Offering one-on-one or group career coaching/counselling
