Shared Learning Series: Committing to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
As LeadingAge members look to deepen their commitment to DEI, now is the time to raise our individual and collective awareness, explore shared values for embarking on this journey, and identify scalable ways to cultivate an ongoing practice of diversity, inclusion, and belonging within provider organizations.
About the Series
Creating cultures of belonging—particularly for team members—is essential for organizational success and well-being. Inclusive and equitable workplaces help attract and retain team members, increase engagement and length of service and even improves performance.
During this series, LeadingAge provider members will hear from experienced DEI practitioners and subject-matter experts—and engage in peer-to-peer learning and self-reflection to enhance their understanding of the principles and practices associated with moving diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts forward.
This series is designed to provide foundational information and lay the groundwork to:
-
Enhance Our Understanding
of the concepts, principles, and practices associated with moving DEI efforts forward.
-
Raise Our Collective Awareness
while building empathy and exploring shared values for embarking on a DEI journey.
-
Identify Actionable Ways
to cultivate an ongoing DEI practice within provider organizations.
-
Strengthen the Aging Services Workforce
by meaningfully prioritizing DEI to create more equitable and inclusive workplaces.
The series is open to LeadingAge provider members only and is limited to a small cohort of 32 participants.
- A non-refundable fee of $1,000 per person is required to participate; additional participants from the same organization must each register and pay separately.
- Participation in the program is limited to two individuals from the same organization.
LeadingAge seeks to eliminate barriers to participation in education programs by providing need-based discounts (up to 50%) to provider members with a demonstrated financial need or hardship situation and a commitment to ongoing professional (and personal) development. To be considered for financial assistance, please submit a request using our online form; LeadingAge will notify recipients ahead of the start of the program.
The goal of shared learning is to gain, build, and exchange ideas through a process of open dialogue and collective exploration—to really wrestle in the gray areas and engage in generative conversations with a diverse group of peers.
To maximize member time and attention, the series will take place virtually on Zoom every other week with opportunities for asynchronous learning and discussion on the LeadingAge Learning Hub between sessions.
All participants are expected to participate on camera and be present for the full duration of each 3-hour session. Sessions will be highly interactive and include presentations from experienced DEI practitioners and small and full group conversations. Reading, videos, online dialogue, and other resources will be shared between sessions to encourage personal exploration and continued learning.
This program is open to all provider members—irrespective of their professional experience, job title, or type of position within an organization. To enrich this learning experience, we strive for a broad and diverse cohort of participants. Space is limited to a small cohort of participants.
Recognizing that DEI strategies provide a great opportunity to support and sustain workforce efforts, this series may be of particular interest to leaders whose role includes the implementation of practices that lead to inclusive person-centered cultures and equitable workplaces.
Orientation | Sept. 25 (1–2 p.m. ET)
Exploring Personal Privilege and Embracing Inclusive Leadership with Ian Brown | Oct. 2 (1–4 p.m. ET)
Consider the role of individual work and essential leadership qualities, as you strive to create environments where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Identifying Frameworks to Support Meaningful Change with Dan Stewart | Oct. 9 (1–4 p.m. ET)
Explore policies, approaches, and best practices to ensure your organization’s DEI efforts are most impactful.
Exploring Tools and Practices to Foster Equity with Clair Minson | Oct. 16 (1–4 p.m. ET)
Gain a deeper understanding of the concept of equity and identify tools and practices to sharpen your awareness and bolster your organizational work.
Sustaining Commitment and Avoiding Burnout with Rev. Dr. Zina Jacque | Oct. 21 (1 – 4 p.m. ET)
Pause to consider how to move hearts and maintain momentum in your individual and organizational DEI journey, as you keep taking the next best step forward.
Please Note: This program has not been approved for continuing education (CE) credits. Those who participate in every session will receive a certificate of completion.
Facilitators
Kirsten Jacobs, MSW (she/her/hers)
As Vice President of Shared Learning Initiatives, Kirsten leads LeadingAge’s shared learning strategy and provides thought leadership to various audiences and co-leads LeadingAge’s ageism work and internal diversity, equity, and inclusion council.
Mia Robinson-Mullen (she/her/hers)
As the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff for LeadingAge, Mia has responsibility for the development and leadership of organization-wide initiatives, including co-leading LeadingAge’s ageism work and internal diversity, equity and inclusion council.
Guest Speakers
Ian Brown, MS, MA (he/him/his)
Vice President/Chief Employee Experience Officer, Duke University Health System. Ian’s work focuses on developing inclusive leaders who are self-aware, empathetic, compassionate, curious, and accountable.
Rev. Dr. Zina Jacque (she/her/hers)
Board Chair of National Senior Campuses and Assistant to the Pastor for Small Groups at the Historic Alfred Street Baptist Church. Zina’s work focuses on creating change while sustaining hope and faith.
Clair Minson (she/her/hers)
Founder & Principal Consultant at Sandra Grace, LLC. Clair’s work focuses on the intersection of racial equity and workforce development, examining the manifestations of systemic and institutional racism in workforce policies, practices, and cultural messaging.
Dan Stewart (he/him/his)
Deputy Director, Aging Equality Project at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Dan’s work focuses advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion, particularly in the aging services sector.
Hi, I’m Kirsten!
Contact me with any questions you have about the Shared Learning Series.
KJacobs@LeadingAge.org