Diversity Learning Circles (DLC): The making of a course

Diversity Learning Circles: The making of a course 

Last October, I participated in Diversity Learning Circles (DLC), an ICA (Institute of Cultural Affairs) course that explores the root causes of bias and systemic racism and guides you in the development of a personal action. A fellow participant described the course as “incredibly well-thought through and deep approach to understanding the interconnection between cultural racism and our individual experiences of racism. “ 

For me, Diversity Learning Circles was a chance to reflect on my own unconscious bias and consider the ways I can incorporate an anti-racist stance in my work as a facilitator. The course was taught by the creators, Christine Pinto and Ranvir Jangi. As a colleague, I was also fascinated by their journey in developing the course itself. 

Christine and Ranvir began grass roots organizing as members of the U of T, Indian Students Association. They both worked for the U of T, International Student Centre (Centre for International Experience) and oriented international students about the challenges of settling in a new country. They both learned first-hand from many stories of global disparities and the everyday lived experiences of injustice in other countries from the students’ stories they heard about systemic and racial discrimination in Canada. 

The topics of systemic discrimination and Canadian identity led to volunteer work with The Asianadian, which was the first magazine in Canada to give Asian Canadians a dedicated forum to express their experience as visible minorities. They became more curious and focused about how they could support other people of colour to find their voice.  

The first inspiration of an education program came when Christine and Ranvir were selected for the Maytree Foundation’s Leaders for Change Program. They developed the idea of an “anti-racism dialogue project”. This was encouraged by Kelvin Andrews from U of T, Admission’s office, and Prof. Usha George, at AMNI Centre (Factor Inwentash School of Social Work University of Toronto).  

In 2017, the first iteration of Diversity Learning Circles was piloted in partnership with ICA Associates. The program has evolved into a 3-day live online program, with 4 weeks of follow-up support to develop a personalized action plan offered once each year. Christine and Ranvir say that it is the feedback from participants that let them know the program is having an impact. Sam Hassar, CEO and Founder of the Hassar Consulting Group summed up the experience as “transformational.” Sam went on to say, “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.” 

 To learn more about DLC visit the course page.