DiversityFIRST™ Training Offerings

*Excludes the DiversityFIRST™ Certification Program

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

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Anti-Racism Certificate

Antiracism research and practice has existed for several decades; however, it has only recently garnered national attention as demands for antiracism and racial justice have gained national momentum. The term antiracism often evokes negative reactions because it suggests a binary of either being a racist or antiracist. Antiracism is the active process of identifying, addressing, or eliminating policies, practices, procedures, systems, structures, traditions, and norms that advance or maintain oppressive barriers for historically minoritized and marginalized individuals and communities. Often confused with racial justice, antiracism is the process that results in racial justice outcomes. Understanding the process of inputs, outputs, and outcomes or antiracism is critical to advancing and maintaining equity for all. The certificate program will engage participants in:

  • Understanding the complex concept of antiracism and various forms of antiracism
  • Aligning, while differentiating, antiracism work with traditional diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
  • Communicating antiracism initiatives to secure buy-in and maintain momentum
  • Recognizing initiatives that place the burden on the individual rather than the institution (unconscious bias versus systemic bias)
  • The business case for antiracism
  • Understanding how antiracism benefits all members of the workforce and society

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Belongingness Certificate

To belong is a fundamental human motivation. We have a pervasive drive to form lasting, positive, significant interpersonal relationships. This need is found in all humans, in all cultures, and in all workplaces. A culture of belongingness cultivates thriving, engaged, and productive staff; and as a result, profitable organizations. This certification teaches attendees how to leverage their values, identities, and discourses to create environments where people from any background feel as though they belong.

  • Identify core values and the integral role they play in belonging
  • Understand how the origins of our identities influence our belonging
  • Discover the discourses that impact our sense of belonging
  • Recognize how space and time manipulates belonging
  • Learn how to create a culture of belonging in virtual environments

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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.

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Emerging Leaders Certificate

The C-suite has never been closer and within reach. Labor statistics indicate within less than a decade the majority of executive leadership positions will be vacant as senior leaders retire or exit the workforce, creating new and exciting leadership opportunities for emerging leaders. The question is, as an emerging leader, will you be prepared for these opportunities when they arise? More importantly, will you have the requisite skills and savvy to successfully make the transition to executive levels of leadership? This certificate is designed to help prepare you, as an emerging leader, for a successful career in leadership positions. This session will prepare you to:

  • Understand effective approaches to leading in different organization contexts
  • Understand and leverage your leadership design in challenging leadership situations
  • Read organizational culture and create an organizational culture that values diversity, equity and inclusion
  • Successfully navigate organizational culture and transcend negative, organizational politics
  • Identify and develop your leadership values for decision-making and judgment—one of the most critical competencies for executive level leadership

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ERG Academy Certificate

The mission of the DiversityFIRST™ ERG Academy is to be a resource to both individuals and organizations seeking to start, grow or fully utilize their employee resource groups. The academy blends theory and practice over a full one day interactive curriculum, with the development of an action plan to effectively lead ERGs for the greatest business impact and sustainability. After completion of the sessions, participants will:

  • Articulate the compelling business case for ERGs
  • Gain the most current knowledge and trends related to ERGs
  • Identify the mechanics for successful formation and nurturing of ERGs based upon a wide range of best practices
  • Understand how to work effectively with diversity councils, HR leadership, and various ERGs within the organization and across industries
  • Apply the competencies needed for successful ERG leadership within various roles including ERG leaders, ERG executive sponsors, and HR practitioners charged with ERG efforts
  • Develop an action plan with strategies and tactics for ERGs, including metrics to measure effectiveness
  • For more information and agenda on the DiversityFIRST™ ERG Academy, please see the DiversityFIRST™ ERG Academy website at theergacademy.com

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Inclusive Leadership Certificate

The demographics of the USA continue to rapidly change, and in two decades we will be a “Majority Minority” country. In addition, the internet economy enables organizations to have employees, suppliers and customers anywhere in the world. As the employee base, management teams, and even executive leadership becomes more diverse, the most successful leaders will need to practice inclusive leadership. Today more than ever, we need business leaders who assert their commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the community. This session will include:

  • The business case for inclusive leadership – why is it critical in today’s rapidly changing world.
  • The growing areas of diversity that leaders need to understand – gender and gender identity, race, generational, cultural, sexual orientation, people with disabilities, cognitive and more
  • A deep look at the characteristics of an inclusive leader.
  • How inclusive leaders be allies and mentors to diverse communities.
  • How to personally become a more inclusive leader and how to promote inclusive leadership across your organization.

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Unconscious Bias Certificate

Unconscious Bias is a pervasive phenomenon that greatly impacts our personal lives and the workings of all organizations. Unconscious bias refers to the attitudes of stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions and decisions in an unconscious manner. And even though it is often hard to admit or see that everyone has unconscious bias, it can easily impact and even derail the best intentions of fostering inclusion within an organization. This session includes:

  • Understanding the concepts of unconscious bias and its relationship to stereotyping, micro-inequities and “the isms.”
  • Understanding the impact that unconscious bias and its relatives can have in personal as well as organizational dynamics.
  • Having the tools and processes to address and mitigate unconscious bias in your personal life as well as in your organization
  • Leaving with helpful ideas and next steps to take and commit to action.

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