Facilitation training

Diversity Learning Circles (LO) live online

Identify and address systemic racism, discrimination and unconscious bias.
Build alliances in employment, economic, political, cultural and social institutions.

Identify and address systemic racism, systemic discrimination and unconscious bias

Prerequisite: None

Diversity Learning Circles inspires all participants to answer this question by presenting an action plan: “What can I immediately do to identify and address systemic racism, systemic discrimination and unconscious bias to build alliances in employment, economic, political, cultural and social institutions?”

The concepts of systemic racism, systemic discrimination and unconscious bias interweave within the broader categories of diversity, inclusion and equity which are foundational to all course material.

Participants will have the opportunity to share stories and broaden the discussion on systemic discrimination in relation to race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, religion, culture and language and how they can intersect.

Implement the action plan from this course to immediately improve the experience of your employees and your clients – strengthen the business case for diversity, inclusion and equity!

What are diversity learning circles?

Diversity Learning Circles are facilitated conversations to advocate for diversity, inclusion and equity in a “circle” of teaching, learning and action. The course facilitator engages the group in a series of focused conversations using adult learning techniques and exercises. The course utilizes ICA’s Technology of Participation (ToP) methodology to facilitate experiential learning.

For directors, facilitators and change agents

This course is for transformational leaders who will gain key insights to make whole system change! Rather than an initiative to fulfill an organizational mandate, your managers and teams can create tailored, realistic and sustainable action plans to increase organizational success. Imagine how valuable this certificate course will be to your organization when all members learn to effectively harness the diversity of people and ideas. Experience how to navigate difficult conversations in a circle of teaching, learning and action!

Benefits

  • Undergo a transformational image shift and become conscious of your own bias.
  • Learn to facilitate sensitive discussions for institutional change in this circle of teaching, learning and action
  • Decode the complex language of diversity
  • Identify diversity gaps in leadership
  • Recognize systemic power imbalances
  • Nurture cultural safety and cultural humility

Focus group energy on common goals

  • Enable peer learning to create tangible action plans
  • Encourage group creativity
  • Harness total knowledge of participants
  • Build respect and trust in groups
  • Help groups resolve conflict
  • Generate positive interaction

This course respects all participants’ beliefs, values and experiences. The course does not teach online facilitation.

Interactive Experiential Learning

This interactive, experience-based course uses learning techniques and exercises to enable you to implement and manage change and meet future challenges in your institutions.

The scheduled sessions will engage you in interesting and insightful dialogue on vital topics of diversity. Participants will be enabled to take solution based learning to their organizations. We want you to have an engaging and productive time!

Self-directed modules on the ICA learning management system

Do much of this course at your own pace on the ICA learning management system. The system will chart your learning journey. Supportive trainers are available.

Course Details

Materials can be downloaded from the ICA learning management system.

Price is CAD$1,745 plus applicable tax.

Register early and receive a 20% discount. Use code “dlc2023”

In the sessions you will:

  • Participate in practice sessions to learn how to facilitate complex discussions on diversity, inclusion and equity. Apply this learning in employment, economic, political, cultural and social institutions by broadening each discussion about the impact of systemic discrimination on all marginalized groups.
  • Explore and understand concepts including: power dynamics, majority/minority relations, systemic discrimination, systemic racism, unconscious bias, diversity, inclusion,  exclusion, equity, stereotype, prejudice, cultural safety and cultural humility.
  • Understand Indigenous diversity (language/culture, people, community, territory and governance).
  • Share, reflect and relate your stories with other participants, diversity change agents, facilitators and leaders.
  • Deepen the steps toward a transformational image shift from participant to diversity change agent: self reflection, facilitated discussions, vision, obstacles, strategies and action plan and continuous feedback.
  • Anyone who acknowledges and wants to address systemic racism, systemic discrimination and unconscious bias by creating an action plan
  • Business and community leaders, executives, managers, HR professionals, consultants, change agents and facilitators who want to lead discussions and implement positive change with diversity, inclusion and equity
  • Change agents who want to improve their facilitation skills with any group
  • Facilitators who want to improve their knowledge and ability to lead discussions on diversity, inclusion and equity

Pre-course

  • One hour pre-course self-study orientation to course material and practice with Zoom and Mural.
  • Prepare an introduction or “my story” about what brought you to this course.

 

During the course

  • Attend the sessions
  • Lead conversations with peers
  • Present an action plan idea
  • Complete a course evaluation

After the course

  • You can attend optional post-course discussion sessions about your action plan which will enhance learning, practice and action
  • We can work with you to provide follow-up resources.
  • We can provide consultation on diversity, equity and inclusion
We can work with you to provide follow-up resources
We can provide consultation on diversity, equity and inclusion

Your commitment

  • Full time participation for the online sessions
  • Completion of the action plan post course

Testimonials

"A course that offers a rich database on discrimination and its effects in different contexts of life, which is a wide-eyed opening, and the opportunity to meet a very interesting group of people who are committed to appropriate actions to tackle all types of discrimination within their own communities."

Catalina Quiroz Erasmus project coordinator, and antidiscrimination ToP facilitator, Institute of Cultural Affairs and Erasmus Belieforama Trainer

"The course surpassed my expectations in terms of the content covered-succinctly summarizing a broad range of EDI concepts in very manageable chunks - it was very, very impressive. The broad range of environments that each participant came from was a large strength of the course, resulting in powerful and deep reflections and group conversations."

Dr. Anjali Menezes Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct), McMaster University

"The Diversity Learning Circle course has been transformational. It helped me deepen my understanding of diversity and unconscious biases and their impact on behaviors, policies, and institutions. The expertise and passion the facilitating team brought were inspiring. They invited exceptional speakers and created an open space for participants to explore areas to make an impact. The course and the team helped me discover manageable commitments to propel diversity and inclusion into the innovation and start up space."

Sam Hassar Founder and CEO of Hassar Consulting Group Inc.

"The Diversity Learning Circles course has been a unique and very enriching opportunity for me. The first reason is the diversity of its participants and their patience. And the second, the course is a confirmation that it is possible to dismantle xenophobic ideas among people in power who believe themselves superior to other people who, due to circumstances, have had to immigrate to a place other than their own."

Zakia Intercultural mediator and facilitator, Institute of Cultural Affairs and Comisión Española de Ayuda al Refugiado, CEAR, Spain

"I was fortunate to take this course in 2020 and it was a mind opener. The content and resources is really top drawer. The delivery is passionate and patient with people’s process. I would strongly recommend this course to anyone."

Helen Wythe

"I had the pleasure of participating in the Diversity Learning Circles pilot in 2020. The course facilitators were passionate, encouraging, and facilitated open, respectful conversations. It was a great opportunity to meet and learn from a group of people outside of my network. The action plan that I developed in this course is one that I continue to reference in my personal and professional life."

Michelle K

An incredibly well-thought through and deep approach to understanding the interconnection between cultural racism and our individual experiences of racism. Perhaps, most importantly, creating and implementing an action plan to address racism in our realms of influence. Christine and Ranvir are true gifts to this work.

Catherine Tornbom and Sunny Walker Diversity Innovators