DEI Experiences

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Experiences

Workplace leaders and employees are eager to be diverse, equitable and inclusive — and want help getting there. The Center’s DEI conversations and experiences can help workplaces explore issues related to race and diversity with conversations and experiences that encourage change and growth — for individuals and organizations. We help workplaces focus on their cultures to ensure equal dignity for all. Download our one-page summary.

The Impact of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) 

We help workplaces focus on their cultures to ensure equal dignity for all, encouraging change and growth to improve the way organizations operate. Studies show that unaddressed culture challenges in the workplace lead to low morale and poor employee retention, and can negatively impact an organization’s bottom line.  McKinsey Group confirmed in 2020: “The most diverse companies are now more likely than ever to outperform less diverse peers on profitability.” DEI training leads to increased creativity, innovation, and decreased vulnerability to liability.

The Right Time for DEI Training

Considering a training? Your organization will benefit if you answer NO to any of these questions:

  • Does your organization have the ability to conduct conversations that may be uncomfortable, with your employees? 
  • Does your organization’s leadership have the tools to empathize with the workplace challenges some of your employees may be experiencing? 
  • Are you confident your organization is addressing the needs of all demographics represented by your team?
  • If there are any individuals in your organization who feel like an “only,” do you have the tools to address this issue?

Why partner with The Center's DEI experts

Our program is built on three key pillars designed to set your organization up for success.

+ Experience: We approach DEI through the lens of civil and human rights. Our programs draw from rich and painful history to connect with current workplace challenges in an engaging, relevant format. Our facilitators, carefully chosen for their life and work experiences, provide unparalleled expertise- and conduct sessions with humor and grace.

+ Flexibility:  Our DEI program is designed to meet you where you are. Our experts facilitate sessions at The Center, at your office, or virtually to meet the needs of your organization whether a company, government office, nonprofit, or educational institution. If onsite at the Center, we include a self-guided tour and debrief of our exhibits.

+ A brave space experience: When tackling difficult issues, people who feel vulnerable may seek a safe space to find security from conflict. Safe spaces often serve to maintain status quo and prevent culture-shifting dialogue because people fear hurting feelings, stepping on toes, or causing discomfort.  The Center offers what we call a brave space, which provides opportunities for participants to be heard and to move past discomfort.

DESIGNING YOUR DEI EXPERIENCE: OUR MODULES

Examining Beliefs and Values of Your Organization

An exploration of your organization’s mission and how these values and beliefs connect to the organization’s larger commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage participants to be curious about how their values are put into practice and how closely they align with the work experience of employees. 

Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

An exploration and understanding of the definitions of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) , how power allows us different entries on the DEI journey, and a clarification of the difference between equity and equality. 

Understanding Implicit Bias and Microaggressions

The science behind implicit bias, why it happens, how it manifests as microaggressions, and how to address it. We encourage participants to be open about their own biases and experiences with microaggressions. 

Cultivating Inclusive Behaviors 

Naming and explaining emotional intelligence and the behaviors leaders should adopt to encourage and develop a more inclusive culture. Participants will explore the role empathy plays in an inclusive organizational culture, as well as common inclusive leadership traits. 

Embracing Cross Generational Diversity

Generational diversity is often overlooked as a critical lever for positive organizational culture. We explore the benefits and challenges of generational diversity in the workplace and offer tips for maximizing the impact of this important aspect of diversity.

Applying the Lessons of History to DEI

The definition of systemic racism and how it manifests in our organization and our society today as well as a customized exploration into how systematic racism might exist within the industry of the client. 

Practicing Allyship

Learning how “I am not racist” is different from “I am an anti-racist.” We root anti-racism concepts in the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. and provide an opportunity for participants to interrogate their behavior through the lens of anti-racism.

Our Clients

“I believe they were very well received – across both groups and all modules – and even surprising/revelatory for the participants. What we learned and heard today will help shape what’s next for us in developing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture at the agency.”
-Ally Chapman, Connelly Partners Advertising & Marketing Agency
“Everything was PERECT! The entire crowd loved everything!” -Katherine Torbush, Georgia Dental Association

“I know the sessions were eye-opening for many on our team. Your energy and experience, along with an understanding of museums, added value to the experience.” -Jennifer Grant Warner, Fernbank Museum

Our Sponsor

The Center would like to thank our sponsor(s) for their support of our mission driving initiatives. If you are interested in sponsoring The Center’s DEI program, please contact Phil Polk at [email protected]

 

UPS is a proud supporter of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Meet Our Facilitators

Phil Polk
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Experiences Leader
Attallah Pamoja
DEI Facilitator
Martha Caldwell
DEI Facilitator
Tim’m West
DEI Facilitator

Contact Us

Contact us to discuss how we can  build an experience to support your DEI needs. Contact DEI Lead, Phil Polk at: [email protected], 404.991.6983

Download our one-page summary.