Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Beginner’s Guide from Udemy

If you are just beginning to explore the diversity, equity and inclusion space and are interested in sharpening your understanding of the practice, then we’ve designed a course just for you. Over the last few decades, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has become a priority for organizations. From the annual release of diversity reports to the creation of executive positions to lead these efforts, organizations have undertaken a number of actions to bolster their profiles in this area. But how do you help start these efforts in your organization, especially if you are an individual contributor?

If you are looking to start grassroots diversity and inclusion initiatives in your organization, or you are just curious about some of the best strategies for getting started, then the material we’ve assembled for you is the perfect place to start. You do not need to be an expert to begin exploring some of the foundational elements of DEI. In this course, we’ll cover:

Building a new vocabulary around diversity, equity, and inclusion
Quantifying the impact of DEI on the business
Exploring social identity and its impact on our interactions
Heightening awareness of missed perspectives and biases
Listening actively and empathetically
Launching diversity task forces and committees
Establishing employee resource groups
Designing brave learning spaces

In my work as a DEI strategist and consultant, I have seen first-hand the impact that the strategies I present in this course can have on a company’s culture of inclusion and belonging. This work can be challenging, but the outcome is incredibly rewarding. Let’s get started today.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Define diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Understand the business case for creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace

Master the skills to champion inclusion such as becoming aware of your biases and active listening
Explore common strategies for building a dei practice, including task forces, employee resource groups, and learning opportunities

Define diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Understand the business case for creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace
Master the skills to champion inclusion such as becoming aware of your biases and active listening
Explore common strategies for building a dei practice, including task forces, employee resource groups, and learning opportunities

Syllabus

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Beginner's Guide

Welcome!

The What & Why of DEI

Understanding terminology

What is Diversity?

From Tolerance to Inclusion & Belonging

Exploring Equity & Equality

Why DEI? Business Case Basics

Terms Quiz

Behaviors of Champions

Getting to Know Yourself

Navigating Identity: Who am I?

Missed Perspectives & Biases

Learning to Listen

Recap: Behaviors of Champions

Attitudes to Actions

What Can You Do?

Taskforces & Committees

Launching Your Taskforce

Employee Resource Groups

Establishing ERGs

Creating Brave Spaces

Conclusion

Courage & Resilience

Hear an update on the changes to the DEI landscape and get answers to some frequently asked questions

Office Hours 2024

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Delivers a great foundation for professionals who need to understand the fundamentals of DEI

Covers the essential concepts in a clear and understandable manner for beginners

Provides practical strategies and techniques that participants can directly apply

Can be useful for those looking to facilitate grassroots diversity and inclusion initiatives

Prepares learners to lead DEI-related discussions, workshops, and initiatives with confidence

Reviews summary

Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion

This course provides a beginner's guide to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. It covers the key concepts and terminology of DEI, as well as the benefits of creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace. The course also provides practical tips and strategies for promoting DEI in your organization. Overall, the course is well-received by students, with many praising the clear and concise explanations of DEI concepts. Students also appreciate the practical tips and strategies that they can use to promote DEI in their own workplaces. Some students do criticize the course for being too basic or for focusing too much on American perspectives. However, these criticisms are outweighed by the positive feedback from students who find the course to be a helpful introduction to DEI. Here are some key takeaways from the course: * Diversity refers to the variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that people bring to the workplace. * Equity refers to the fair and just treatment of all employees, regardless of their background or identity. * Inclusion refers to the creation of a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. * There are many benefits to creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace, including increased creativity, innovation, and productivity. * There are a number of things that organizations can do to promote DEI, such as establishing diversity and inclusion goals, providing training on DEI topics, and creating employee resource groups. * Promoting DEI is an ongoing journey, and there is always more that can be done. However, by taking steps to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace, organizations can reap the benefits of a more engaged and productive workforce.

There are many benefits to creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace, including increased creativity, innovation, and productivity.

It is important to be aware of our unconscious biases so that we can challenge them and avoid making unfair judgments.

There are a number of things that organizations can do to promote DEI, such as establishing diversity and inclusion goals, providing training on DEI topics, and creating employee resource groups.

**Diversity:** Refers to the variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that people bring to the workplace. **Equity:** Refers to the fair and just treatment of all employees, regardless of their background or identity. **Inclusion:** Refers to the creation of a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Implicit biases are the unconscious stereotypes and prejudices that we all hold about people from different backgrounds. These biases can lead to unfair treatment and discrimination.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Beginner’s Guide with these activities:

Join a study group or discussion forum on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)

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Joining a study group or discussion forum can help you connect with other students who are interested in DEI and learn from their perspectives.

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Find a study group or discussion forum on DEI that interests you.
Join the study group or discussion forum and introduce yourself.
Participate in the discussions and share your own thoughts and experiences.

Watch videos and documentaries on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)

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Watching videos and documentaries can help you understand the real-world applications of DEI concepts.

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Find videos and documentaries on DEI topics that interest you.
Set aside some time each week to watch a video or documentary.
Take notes on the key points that you learn.

Take practice tests for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)

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Regularly testing your knowledge will help you grasp the key concepts of DEI more quickly.

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Find practice tests online or in textbooks.
Set aside a specific time each week to take a practice test.
Review your answers and learn from your mistakes.

Two other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all five activities

Attend a workshop or conference on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)

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Attending a workshop or conference can help you learn from experts in the field and network with other professionals.

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Find a workshop or conference on DEI that interests you.
Register for the workshop or conference.
Attend the workshop or conference and take notes on the key points that you learn.

Write a blog post or article on a DEI topic

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Writing a blog post or article can help you synthesize your understanding of DEI concepts and share your knowledge with others.

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Choose a DEI topic that you are interested in.
Research the topic and gather information from credible sources.
Write a blog post or article that is clear, concise, and informative.

Career center

Learners who complete Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Beginner’s Guide will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager

An Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager develops and implements diversity and inclusion strategies that help to create more equitable and inclusive workplaces. They work with employees at all levels of an organization to create a culture that values diversity. The course on building a new vocabulary around diversity, equity, and inclusion, understanding the impact of DEI on a business, and actively listening can all be very helpful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager

Diversity and Inclusion Consultant

A Diversity and Inclusion Consultant helps organizations to develop and implement diversity and inclusion strategies. They work with clients to create a culture of inclusivity and to attract and retain a diverse workforce. The course on understanding terminology, exploring equity and equality, and navigating biases can all be particularly helpful for someone in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Consultant

Social Justice Advocate

A Social Justice Advocate works to promote social justice and equality. They work with individuals and organizations to create a more just and equitable world. The course on understanding the business case for creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, exploring social identity and its impact on our interactions, and listening actively and empathetically can all be very helpful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Justice Advocate

Training and Development Manager

A Training and Development Manager oversees the development and delivery of training programs for an organization. They work with employees at all levels to help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. The course on launching diversity task forces and committees, establishing employee resource groups, and creating brave learning spaces can all be very helpful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Training and Development Manager

Chief Diversity Officer

A Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) is responsible for leading an organization’s diversity and inclusion efforts. They work with the senior leadership team to set diversity goals and to create a culture of inclusivity. The course on understanding terminology, exploring equity and equality, and navigating biases can all be particularly helpful for someone in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Diversity Officer

Employee Engagement Manager

An Employee Engagement Manager leads and manages employee engagement initiatives for an organization. They work with employees at all levels to help them feel connected to their work and to the organization. The course on exploring social identity and its impact on our interactions, listening actively and empathetically, and establishing employee resource groups can all be very helpful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Employee Engagement Manager

Diversity Recruiter

A Diversity Recruiter focuses on attracting and hiring a diverse workforce. They work with hiring managers to develop and implement diversity recruiting strategies. The course on building a new vocabulary around diversity, equity, and inclusion, understanding the impact of DEI on a business, and actively listening can all be very helpful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity Recruiter

Diversity and Inclusion Trainer

A Diversity and Inclusion Trainer develops and delivers diversity and inclusion training programs. They work with organizations to create a culture of inclusivity and to attract and retain a diverse workforce. The course on understanding terminology, exploring equity and equality, and navigating biases can all be particularly helpful for someone in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Trainer

Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager

A Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager helps to shape and implement a company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program. They work on projects that promote equal employment opportunities and create a culture of inclusivity within an organization. This role may overlap with work done by Human Resources (HR) staff. The skills and knowledge learned in the course on vocabulary, quantifying impact, social identity and biases, and active listening can all be useful for someone in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager

Organizational Development Manager

An Organizational Development Manager leads and manages organizational development initiatives for an organization. They work with employees at all levels to help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. The course on understanding the business case for creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, and exploring social identity and its impact on our interactions can all be useful for someone in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Manager

Human Resources Manager

A Human Resources Manager oversees all aspects of human resource management for an organization. They work with employees at all levels to ensure that they are treated fairly and have equal opportunities. The course on understanding terminology, exploring equity and equality, and navigating biases can all be particularly helpful for someone in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches, develops, and analyzes public policies. They work with policymakers to create and implement policies that address social and economic issues. The course on understanding the business case for creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace may be useful for someone in this role, especially if their work focuses on diversity and inclusion policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Nonprofit Manager

A Nonprofit Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a nonprofit organization. They work with staff and volunteers to achieve the organization’s mission. The course on understanding the business case for creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and launching diversity task forces and committees may be useful for someone in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Change Management Consultant

A Change Management Consultant helps organizations to navigate change. They work with clients to develop and implement change management strategies. The course on understanding terminology, exploring equity and equality, and navigating biases can all be particularly helpful for someone in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Change Management Consultant

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

A Corporate Social Responsibility Manager leads and manages an organization’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program. They work with the senior leadership team to set CSR goals and to create a culture of social responsibility. The course on understanding the business case for creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace may be useful for someone in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager