DEI Training Series

Introduction

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Standing Group (DEISG) identifies and coordinates training opportunities with a goal for inclusive and intersectional diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training. The DEISG proposes different types of training to engage Alliance members wherever they are with their DEI practices. Training opportunities will address different learning styles and topic familiarity while incorporating community elements.

  • Training types: speaker/presentation, panel discussion, workshop, multiple session series
  • Learning styles: active learning, group discussion, think + write, interactive response, Q&A
  • Topics: diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, identity (personal, community, and systems), LGBTQ+, anti-bias, anti-harassment, policies and practices

FY25 Opportunities: Anti-Bias and Anti-Harassment Topics

Live captioning will be provided at all trainings.

Visit DEI Training, Previous Years to review information for past training opportunities.

Bystander Intervention & Conflict De-Escalation

Trainer: Bianca Carbajal, Training and Facilitation Specialist, Right To Be

Date: October 15, 2024, 10:00am-12:00pm

Description: When disrespect or harassment happens at a public workplace, people are almost always around and if they aren’t around, they can be quickly summoned to show up. Our goal is to reduce instances of workplace disrespect by giving employees the tools they need to disrupt those perpetrating it. We will equip you with tools to be an effective bystander in the midst of workplace disrespect by using our proven 5Ds of bystander intervention methodology – distract, delegate, document, delay, and direct. 98% of employees leave our training committed to intervene next time they witness disrespect or harassment at work.

If your team interfaces with the public, chances are they will face moments of escalation and will need to know what to do. Conflict de-escalation requires patience, a willingness to listen, and an ability to see the humanity in everyone. Using Right To Be’s Observe-Breathe-Connect methodology, we’ll learn how to identify potential conflict before it escalates using our “pyramid of escalation” and how to assess whether de-escalation is the right action. We’ll also learn how to connect with others by validating their feelings and helping diffuse the situation — even if we don’t understand them or agree with them. We’ll have time at the end to practice using real-life scenarios.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will gain a greater understanding of bystander intervention and conflict de-escalation.
  • Participants will engage with methods to respond when encountering situations involving bias, disrespect, harassment, and conflict.
  • Participants will identify approaches to respond and support others during times of conflict.
  • Participants will feel confident to use such methods and approaches on their own, outside a training space.

Trainer Bio: Bianca Carbajal (she/her) is a training consultant at Right To Be with over four years of experience facilitating educational workshops and conversational spaces for others. Born and raised in the city of Chicago, she is passionate about supporting local communities through volunteerism. Bianca wants to be a supportive leader that uplifts those around her and provides resources. She enjoys bringing groups of people together to experience, learn, or build something new. In her free time, she likes to dance and play with her two cats, Leo and Luna.

Navigating Our Unconscious: Strategies for Managing Implicit Bias

Trainer: Lourdes Tango, Training Consultant

Date: November 12 and 14, 2024, 10:00am-11:30am (This workshop will not be recorded.)

Online Training: Limited to 40 participants to support interaction. (Application process closed October 21.)

Description: This interactive two-session workshop will present the latest neuroscience research on unconscious bias and micro-inequities.

The first session will focus on unconscious bias. We’ll set a foundation to better understand aspects of our brains’ instinctive functions and patterns, along with their impacts, and consider how our life experiences frame our references. We’ll learn how managing our own bias can promote stronger collaboration with our colleagues and user communities, which results in more effective leadership, enhanced public service, efficient resource sharing, and innovative solutions.

The second session will expand the topic of unconscious bias by introducing the concept of micro-inequities, which are often expressions of unconscious bias. These small behaviors can have strong impacts on performance, engagement, leadership, and collaboration. We’ll discuss the importance of demonstrating respect and explore techniques for recognizing and addressing counterproductive behaviors and attitudes.

This workshop will feature interactive elements, including videos, chat, pair and small group conversations, and full group discussion. Participants will receive a workbook with activities and reading material a couple of days before the training.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will gain a greater understanding of unconscious bias and micro-inequities.
  • Participants will identify methods to manage bias.
  • Participants will recognize common counterproductive behaviors and attitudes.
  • Participants will select specific actions to support and demonstrate respect.
  • Participants will learn about resources and approaches for continued skill-building.

Trainer Bio: Lourdes Tango is a training consultant experienced in designing and facilitating programs in cross-cultural communication and diversity topics.