DEI - Creating a Community-like Culture

Workshop Objectives:
By the end of this workshop, participants will:

- Understand the difference between diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
- Recognize unconscious bias and how it impacts decision-making and workplace dynamics
- Develop skills to engage in courageous and inclusive conversations
- Learn actionable ways to champion DEI as individuals and within teams
- Create a personalized action plan for fostering equity and inclusion
 
🧠 Core Modules:
1. The DEI Breakdown: More Than a Buzzword
Defining diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Why DEI matters to team performance, innovation, and retention
The cost of exclusion (stats + real stories)
🗣️ Interactive Poll: “What does belonging look like to you?”
 
2. Facing the Mirror: Bias, Privilege & Perspective
What is unconscious bias? How does it show up?
Power and privilege: How structures shape our experience
Microaggressions vs macro-impact
🎯 Activity: Bias in Action Case Studies
Teams work through short real-world DEI scenarios and identify blind spots, missed opportunities, or exclusionary behaviors.
 
3. Courageous Conversations & Psychological Safety
Creating space for honest dialogue
Handling uncomfortable conversations with care and courage
Being an upstander vs a bystander
🧩 Role Play Activity: Practicing inclusive language and response in real workplace settings
 
4. Equity in Action: Systems, Standards & Solutions
Auditing current systems: Who’s missing? Who’s voiceless?
Re-thinking hiring, promotions, and meetings through an equity lens
Inclusion beyond representation — what’s sustainable?
📝 Team Audit Exercise: Participants assess a workplace process (hiring, team meetings, onboarding) and identify one area they can make more equitable
 
5. From Intent to Impact: Your DEI Action Plan
Personal commitment vs performative allyship
Embedding DEI into team culture, values, and communication
Setting metrics that matter (representation, engagement, retention)
✍🏽 Final Activity: Inclusion Pledge & Action Plan
Each participant drafts a personal DEI pledge and 1–3 actions they will implement immediately.
 
🔄 Delivery Format Options:
In-person or virtual
Includes breakout discussions, live polls, whiteboard collaboration (Jamboard or Miro), and downloadable resource guide
 
💬 Closing Message:
This isn’t just a training—it’s a transformation. DEI isn’t a department, it’s a daily decision. When we lead with empathy, act with intention, and listen with humility, we create more than an inclusive workplace — we create a culture where everyone thrives.