Workshops

Microaggressions:
Finding a Better Pathway

For many of us cross-cultural dialogue can be difficult and scary. Our societal context has solidified a fear of being labeled “racist” or “biased,” which can make it challenging to speak openly and authentically about our lack of knowledge, desire to learn, and fear of the unknown. Often our reactions to microaggressions are fear-based, employing avoidance, accommodation, and denial. Developing the awareness and skills necessary to successfully navigate conflict can help us find a better pathway toward addressing and mitigating the impact of microaggressions. This workshop will explore the concept of microaggressions and their connection to implicit bias, through reflection, self-analysis, and interactive activities. Participants will leave with a common language and strategies for choosing a more effective response when engaging with clients, employees, service providers, peers and supervisors across industries.

Equity 101

Building a strong workplace community requires a shared understanding. Our social identities impact how we move through the world, but we rarely talk about our differences with each other. This interactive session allows participants to dig into the power dynamics of privilege and marginalization, learn more about the impacts of implicit bias, and develop a deeper understand of common buzzwords, such as intersectionality, equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion. The workplace culture we create through unspoken norms impacts our ability to create the kind of inclusion we want to live out in our organizations. This training will get your team on the same page so that you can move forward and reach your goals together.  

Reaching Beyond the Choir:
Overcoming Defensiveness and Inviting Allyship 

In these divided times it’s difficult to imagine how we will ever bridge the chasm that keeps us deadlocked in conflict. Instead of making progress toward a more equitable society, we’re slipping backward into a time warp. Reaching the moveable middle is imperative if we are to succeed in altering the culture of discrimination in our institutions. Though it might feel good to grandstand, label naysayers, and unleash our anger at those who just don’t get it, these tactics don’t create the change we need. This workshop explores proven tactics for engaging in discourse that changes hearts and minds. We’ll dive into the science of the reptilian brain; learn how to “call in” microaggressors, instead of calling them out; and dissect the racist/non-racist dichotomy that furthers our aversion to talking about race. 

Building Your Diverse Team:
Best Practices for Better Outcomes 

Wondering why your job postings aren’t successful at recruiting a diverse pool of candidates? Struggling to retain a diverse work force? Learn how to improve both recruitment and retention in this interactive session. Participants will learn how to write more inclusive job ads, explore the impacts of networking and implicit bias on their hiring processes, and learn to utilize rubrics and diverse hiring committees to mitigate bias. Participants will also examine retention strategies, including policy intent vs. impact, climate surveys, and next step trainings for their teams.