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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A Beginner’s Guide

Ulysses Smith

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?

Read more

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.

Enroll now

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

Syllabus

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Beginner's Guide
Welcome!
The What & Why of DEI
Understanding terminology
Read more
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

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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

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Beginner’s Guide. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Beginner’s Guide.
Great resource for those who are looking to learn more about unconscious bias. This book is recommended reading for the course.
Valuable resource for those who are interested in learning more about the history of Indigenous education in Canada. This book is recommended reading for the course.
Great resource for those who are looking to learn more about how to talk about race in a constructive way.
This classic work of American literature powerful exploration of race and racism in America.
This novel classic work of American literature that tells the story of a strong and independent black woman.

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