Allyship Certificate
As businesses take stances in support of social movements, like Black Lives Matter, they effectively position themselves as allies. Allies make the commitment and effort to recognize their privilege and work in solidarity with oppressed groups to enact change in the struggle for justice. This workshop focuses on allyship, a term that identifies the set of practices that are undertaken in order to be an ally. Thoughtful and committed allyship can positively impact organizations in a number of ways, not only creating an environment that invites greater diversity and inclusion and employee engagement but also fostering positive images that can increase brand loyalty and achieve broader corporate social responsibility goals. Given the multitude of ways in which potential marginalization persists, and the varied contexts in which exclusion can take place, we can all practice allyship, and consider the role that improved allyship might play within our organizations as well as in wider society. Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand allyship as a general practice while also being able to identify specific forms of allyship in the workplace;
- Articulate the business case for allyship;
- Recognize opportunities for allyship at the levels of individual, interpersonal, and organizational policy and practice;
- Adapt language and communication practices to foster meaningful allyship;
- Critically assess allyship needs and goals to develop an action plan that results in meaningful change.
Belongingness Certificate
When we have a sense of Belonging in our workplaces, we’re motivated, engaged, and productive. We form lasting, positive, significant interpersonal relationships at work and in our social circles. Yet many organizations find it difficult to cultivate an environment where work team members feel as though they belong. In this training, we will discover, identify, understand, and execute thought processes and behaviors that foster a culture of Belonging in our organizations.
- Define and practically apply the concept of Belonging
- Explore the impact of our identities on our sense of Belonging
- Develop competencies to create Psychological Safety on the journey to Belonging
- Customize and craft personal and professional Belonging practices
Sessions
Belonging 101 – Introduction to Belonging (1 hr)
Belonging is a complex term that has different meanings for different people. The interconnectedness of its social, emotional, and physical concepts can be difficult to identify. Yet, we know that shared emotions connect people to objects and places, and shared sentiments bring people together and foster greater satisfaction and well-being. This session introduces participants to belongingness and how belongingness serves as a long-term outcome that promotes and sustains inclusion.
In-Group/Out-Group Identities (1 hr)
In-group favoritism and out-group ostracization have profound effects on Belongingness. While each of us has intersectional identities, our identity narratives reflect who we believe we are and who we desire to be. These narratives also connect us to or separate us from others who do not align with our identities. There are emotional investments in belonging and being attached to particular places, spaces, objects, and social commonalities, and the identity we attribute to or desire for these. This session introduces participants to in-group/out-group identities and how to leverage these identities to foster Belongingness.
Psychological Safety (1.5 hr)
Belonging and the need to belong or be connected with others is recognized as a fundamental human need, drive, and desire akin to food and water. In the workplace, we see that one of the critical factors in Belonging is psychological safety. When people feel that they can participate, learn, and grow in an organization, they become psychologically safe, which leads to a strong feeling of Belongingness. This session introduces participants to the concept of psychological safety in the workplace and how it promotes Belongingness.
Creating a Culture of Belongingness (1.5 hr)
The power to create belonging rests with each of us. Those with social and political influence can employ that influence to create belonging for the less influential. Those who are less influential can use agency and cultivate belonging for themselves and their peers. This session introduces participants to the best practices for promoting Belongingness in the workplace.
DEI Certificate
The entire world continues to become more diverse, and that includes employees, customers and clients across the profit, non-profit and government sectors. In today’s climate, all professionals need to understand the basics of diversity, equity and inclusion. DEI is about much more than simple compliance; to succeed in today’s world in any aspect of business or services, enterprises must leverage diversity for strategic advantage and have DEI integrated into all aspects of their operations.
- The basic definitions of diversity, equity and inclusion; including the evolution of the diversity field and theories of diversity.
- A deep dive into the many dimensions of diversity.
- The compelling business case of diversity, equity and inclusion, including how to calculate a financial business case.
- Why and how DEI must be part of any organization’s core strategy.
- An introduction on the various organizational processes that DEI can impact.
- An introduction on how to build DEI into your organizational culture.