When we hear the term Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), for many of us, our first thought is traditionally underrepresented or disadvantaged groups, but diversity includes everyone. Here’s an example…

Suppose you have a fabulous postdoc who is great with their hands and a single parent with three school-aged children. You might also have a terrific graduate student who is full of great ideas and legally blind. Another addition to your group might be an extremely hard-working graduate student with creative approaches to research and serious anxiety. Another clever group member may provide critical expertise to the team and struggle with English or adjusting to a new culture. All of these persons make valuable contributions to your research program. How do you establish an environment where each team member is welcomed, respected for their talent and contributions, and nurtured to reach their full potential?

Many of us are, or will soon be, faced with such a challenge as our careers develop. The intent of these training sessions is to provide the knowledge and skills that can allow one to coalesce a diverse set of individuals into a supportive and productive working group. The group will vary by situation and may include a research team, committee or professional organization.

Overall Objective: Develop a base of skilled facilitators who will remain part of the ACA DEI facilitator collective that can help foster long-term commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion in the ACA and in the discipline. Facilitators will gain knowledge, resources, approaches and experience at facilitating discussions covering a wide spectrum of currently relevant topics, such as inclusion, racism, institutional discrimination, equity, unconscious bias, sexism, transphobia, heterosexism and others. 

Skill-Based Focus:

• Communication and relationship building
• Raising awareness about the experiences of people from various backgrounds
• Consensus/buy-in community development 

The 2021 Cohort Is Full!  We received an overwhelming number of applications and considered each and every one.  Final decisions regarding who to admit were based primarily on availability to attend the full series. We prioritized those who indicated they would be available for the majority of scheduled sessions.  In the future we hope to expand the program - check back soon!  

Are you interested in participating in future cohorts? Send ACA HQ an email with your name, contact information and let us know you are interested in future ACA Diversity & Inclusion Facilitator Training!  

Workshop Schedule:

2021 Cohort Resources

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