3 Key Learnings from a Year of DEI Education
As we reflect on the year at IBIS, we feel energized by the number of people impacted through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) education. Our services reached 32,000 learners in 2021. Whether through Interactive Theater, e-learning, or more than 300 facilitated workshops and trainings, more than 28,000 people went through IBIS training on DEI this year.
We also reached 4,000 learners through assessments, including three re-assessments with benchmarking against prior years to measure progress—and progress was made! Our DEI organizational assessments help organizations establish a baseline and receive targeted recommendations that can serve as the framework for a strategic plan. Supporting the long-range growth of organizations over multiple years and initiatives is rewarding and exciting for us, as we observe and confirm that interventions and initiatives truly work to change DEI, culture, and companies. DEI is a journey, but with the right changes, it is a journey with meaningful results.
Our own team expanded too. We made connections and strategic partnerships with dozens of international DEI experts and facilitators, adding many to our team on an ongoing basis. Our work reaches global audiences, and we continue to grow and scale our impact as our clients include multiple organizations across different continents. Our internal team doubled in size as we added new roles and greater definition to our internal processes to ensure continued success in supporting multinational clients.
This year has left us with three key learnings about DEI education. It must be:
Strategic
Recognize that DEI is a learning journey that requires time to build understanding.Systemic
Focus on addressing systemic disparities, not just individual behavior.Sustainable
Use different modalities and tools to deliver training and education in an ongoing way that supports the learning journey over time.
We also expanded our content offerings significantly. While clients developed more interest in topics like Inclusive Leadership and HR as a Strategic Diversity Partner, it was in Racial Equity that the passion to better understand the challenges and make lasting change was unprecedented in our 33-year history. As a result, we created four new e-learning modules focusing on Racial Equity in 2021. These e-learnings explore how racial inequities and racism show up today, both at work and in our communities, and what can be done to advance racial equity and belonging.
The e-learning series covers:
Module 1: Fundamentals to Racial Equity
What is Racial Equity, and Why is it Important?
Equity vs. Equality
Real-Life Stories of the Impact of Racism in the Workplace
Social Identity Wheel (in- vs. out-groups)
"Culture Add" vs. "Culture Fit"
Race & Racism
Module 2: Systemic Racism
Four Types of Racism in the Workplace
U.S. Historical Context on Race (optional)
Concepts of Power, Prejudice, and Oppression
Antiblackness & Colorism
Interrupting the Cycle of Oppression and Prejudice
Module 3: Power & Privilege
Privilege and Racial Consciousness
Having Difficult Conversations on Race (Scenario)
Framework/guidelines for Race-Related Dialogue
Do’s and Don’ts for Race-Related Dialogue
Module 4: Allyship and Anti-Racism
What is Allyship?
Allyship at Work (Scenario)
Seven Forms of Allyship
Spheres of Influence
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Action Planning & Strategies to be Anti-racist
As we look ahead to 2022, we are ready and eager to help you and your organization change, grow, and create space for diversity, equity, and inclusion for all employees. Contact us today to learn more.
CEO Shilpa Pherwani collaborates with leaders to develop innovative, engaging solutions to dismantle systemic inequities and leverage diversity for success. An organizational psychologist by training, she builds trusting, long-term relationships through deep listening and meeting people where they are.