The consequences to the health and wellbeing of those who have had their dignity violated cannot be understated. The imprints of indignity can last for a lifetime, manifesting as crippling anxiety, depression, and feelings of low self-esteem and unworthiness and can create mental health challenges. The neuroscience has shown that when our dignity is violated, it shows up in the same area of the brain as a physical injury. When individuals do not have an intact sense of value and worth to challenge pervasive self-doubt, achieving psychological health is hard to imagine. Most people unaware of the role that dignity plays in our lives and relationships and Donna Hicks examines taking a dignity-centered approach to improve mental health practices and the wellbeing of individuals, employees and in our communities.

What is the motivating force behind all human interaction – in families, in communities, schools, in the business world, and in relationships from the personal level to the international level? DIGNITY. It is the desire to be treated well. It is an unspoken human yearning that is at the heart of all conflicts. When dignity is violated, the response is likely to involve aggression, even violence, hatred, and vengeance; the human connection is the first thing to go. On the other hand, when people treat each other with dignity, they feel their worth is recognized, creating lasting and meaningful relationships. Surprisingly, most people have little understanding of dignity, yet it is our highest common denominator. While a desire for dignity is universal, knowing how to honor it in ourselves and others is not—it needs to be learned. The talk will present a definition of dignity—what it is and what it is not; the basic elements of dignity; and how to put it into practice in everyday life.

Harm to one’s dignity hurts, just like a physical wound. In fact, research shows that when people experience a violation of dignity, it follows the same neural pathway as a physical injury. Both types of injuries can be viewed in the same area of the brain. According to dignity expert Donna Hicks, caring for and attending to people’s dignity must become a healthcare imperative. This commitment must go beyond how patients and their families are treated. It requires system-wide change to ensure that all members of the healthcare community feel confident that they are valued. Drawing upon many years of experience conducting dignity workshops with healthcare organizations, Hicks addresses dignity at both the systemic and individual levels, advocating that the oath, “first, do no harm,” must apply to violations of dignity.

The tone of discussion in our country is more polarized than ever before. How can we overcome barriers to foster productive dialog? A veteran of conflict resolutions involving Israelis & Palestinians, Turks and Armenians, and Catholics and Protestants reconciling after “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland, Harvard’s Dr. Donna Hicks has found the key. Her internationally-acclaimed Dignity Model creates a new paradigm for constructive conversation—one that recognizes that every human being has the same basic need to be valued, appreciated, and have their own self-worth validated. In this game-changing presentation, Dr. Hicks shares the essential elements of dignity, how to honor it in others and maintain your own—even in contentious situations. By understanding the Dignity Model you will not only be able to influence more civil and productive conversations—you will learn essential skills for improving and enhancing relationships everywhere in your life.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) has become the mainstream approach to creating more inclusive environments. But there’s a newer approach, BDJ (Belonging Dignity and Justice) that asserts that dignity, rather than diversity, should be the foundation for building cultures and environments that acknowledge and value the humanity of each person. In this illuminating talk, Harvard University’s Donna Hicks, the pioneering mind behind the Dignity Model, explores why dignity is the foundation for creating thriving, inclusive equitable workplaces where everyone belongs. She also details how assaults on dignity, which she calls “dignity violations” causes serious harm, especially to those in minority groups. Inspiring us to re-examine our approaches, Hicks provides an actionable framework for transforming our workplaces and classrooms by affirming the dignity of all.