Using Film as a Workforce Development Tool

The San Mateo County Health System (SMCHS), California, created and implemented a Diversity Film Series (DFS) as a workforce development tool for teaching colleagues, community members, and non-traditional partners about the social determinants of health model. The DFS began as an institutionalized monthly event offering employees a chance to discuss their thoughts, perceptions, and stereotypes about people different from themselves in a safe environment. After viewing a film segment, two trained facilitators would guide participants through a lively discussion of personal reactions to key themes of the films. The interactive techniques used were successful in learning about diversity within the organization, and participants felt they had gained knowledge and understanding of how to become a better employee and a more skilled, service provider.

Given the success of the DFS model for Health System employees, departments from other disciplines, such as Human Resources, and the County Manager's Office asked to participate and the model adapted for a broader audience from multiple disciplines. Additionally, DFS facilitators implemented a train-the-trainer workshop to increase facilitator capacity within the department, so as to expand and promote the usefulness of this tool. This exposure to leadership has become a new opportunity for facilitators to work outside of their regular workload, and thereby expand their roles within the department. The SMCHS also provided community groups with a train-the-trainer workshop to further disseminate this model in community settings. A special training was held for youth, and was directly connected to the County's Youth Development and Succession planning efforts.