A general audience program for effectively managing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in the workplace.

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is offering both members and non-members the chance to improve their inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) efforts and priorities to help facilitate a more aware, conscientious workplace and community. The virtual course is instructor-led and fosters attendee engagement and a collaborative working space by providing an interactive and immersive learning environment.

Facilitated by CCDI Consulting, the training is broken down into three courses:

1. IDEA Fundamentals

Whether attendees are familiar with best practices around inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility or fresh to the concept, this course is an excellent foundation for everyone to understand the basics.

The course includes thoughtful group discussions and activities, exploring each individual’s own dimensions of diversity and the benefits of creative an inclusive work environment. Attendees will explore diversity in the Canadian labour force, get up-to-date on all terminology, and understand the business case for inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.

2. Introduction to Unconscious Bias

One of the most pervasive barriers to inclusion in the workplace is unconscious bias: social stereotypes about certain groups of people that individuals form outside their own conscious awareness.

This class will leverage the experience of participants to explore the sources and mechanics of bias, as well as its impact in the workplace, through group activities and mindful discussions. Attendees will leave this course with strategies that they can use to increase awareness and mitigate the impact of bias in the workplace.

3. Respect in the Workplace

Microaggressions, harassment, and discrimination can be given room to intensify when disrespectful behaviours go unchecked.

Our final course details why employees at all levels need to understand how respect is defined in the workplace. The course leader will explain the behavioural continuum, from microinequities to bullying and violence, and how to counteract this behaviour and develop an environment of respect and acceptance.

At the end of the program, participants of the IDEA Essentials Certificate Program will be able to:

• Know the difference between representation and diversity, and between equity, equality, and inclusion
• Understand how their own dimensions of diversity impact their worldview and workplace behaviours, and reflect on the diversity in Canada compared to the diversity in the labour force 
• Describe the business case for developing a work culture that values inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility 
• Understand the behaviours and attitudes that define respect, as well as identifying disrespectful behaviours—harassment, bullying, and microinequities—and when to implement suggested strategies to combat disrespect 

Member price: $399 +tax

Non-member price: $549 +tax