Putting Diversity Equity and Inclusion Talk into Action
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
One of the conversations that I continue to hear is that organizations are spending a lot of time talking about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) but not enough time doing something about it. So I wanted to share a great resource I just discovered. Oh, and it’s FREE.
I recently read an interview on HR Brew with Queer Eye’s Karamo Brown, who has developed an online DE&I course on the EdApp platform. Before I tell you about the course itself, let me share a little information about EdApp.
EdApp is a mobile learning platform. You can sign up for free as either a learner or a learning administrator. As a learning administrator, you can send a learning program to participants, so they don’t have to search around for content. With the EdApp platform, you can view and participate in learning via desktop or mobile device. I found it very easy to sign up, find the program, and participate.
Now, about the content. Karamo’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training Sessions is a series of eight microlearnings on topics like defining DE&I, unconscious bias, and psychological safety. Personally, I thought the lessons on microaggressions and standing up for yourself and your coworkers were very interesting and used realistic examples that people could relate to.
Because the sessions are short, they get right to the point. Karamo used personal stories to introduce the topic. And at the end of each lesson there are some activities to reinforce the material.
I could see this program being used in a variety of ways.
- You could use it as a stand-alone program. Participants can complete it at their own pace.
- It could also be a great first activity – like pre-work – before a more in-depth or lengthier program.
- Maybe the individual lessons could be reviewed on their own and then participants would come together to discuss, like a book club format.
The point being – it’s a good program and you have some flexibility on how to use it in DE&I learning. So if your organization is saying things like:
“We value DE&I, but we need to focus on the bottom-line this year.” Well, this program is FREE.
“We feel strongly about DE&I, but we can’t afford for employees to be away from their desks for a training program.” This program consists of eight microlearnings that take roughly 10-15 minutes each.
“The budget is tight this year, we don’t have the funds for a DE&I consultant.” In addition to his work on Queer Eye, Karamo Brown is the author of several books, and has partnered with corporations and government to educate others on topics related to mental health and the LGBTQ community. In 2018, he was the recipient of the Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award.
So, if your company has said “If you can find a free DE&I learning program, from a reputable source, that employees would enjoy … and not keep them away from work for too long, then go for it.” Now you have the answer. And I believe that a program like this one could open the door for future DE&I learning programs. Which is exactly what organizations need – some action to go with all that talk.
Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby while exploring the streets of Atlanta, GA
73