Workshop Outlines
Our equity and inclusion training is tried and true, and packed with tangible takeaways. Through engaging activities, reflective prompts, 'aha' moments, and skill-building perspectives, workshops give participants the tools to apply learnings in all aspects of their lives.
Fundamentals of Anti-oppression dives deeper than your typical diversity and inclusion workshop. In this workshop, participants are given the opportunity to explore systemic oppression, social justice, privilege, identity and allyship through a variety of engaging activities. Through self-reflection, community- based inquiry, lessons from history and collaborative problem solving, participants gain the knowledge and skills to view the world through an anti- oppressive lens.
This is a pre-requisite to all our other sessions.
In this workshop, we invite participants to join us on what we like to call “our journey with anti-oppression.” We cover several overarching themes: what is oppression, what are some critical perspectives, and what are the impacts? We conclude by exploring some ways to move forward and what it might look like for an organization.
Through this workshop, participants will develop and improve their perception of overt and covert examples of oppression while sharpening their critical thinking skills and expanding their ability to confront oppression when detected. Furthermore, participants will exit this workshop not as experts but as engaged students, ready and willing to learn more. Participants are encouraged to become attuned to their bodies, engaging their minds, but also their hearts and their “gut.” Lastly, participants are left with more knowledge and confidence to address oppression and self-care in their daily lives effectively.
The foundational work of Kimberlé Crenshaw, who coined the term ‘intersectionality,’ provides the basis for our exploration of oppression. By diving into the historical context, modern definitions, brilliant examples, and helpful visualizations, participants will deepen their understanding of how oppression and privilege manifest in life and work.
As the workshop progresses, we collaborate with participants to deconstruct injustice systems and the overarching effects of oppression. Concepts explored include: ‘microaggressions,’ ‘burnout,’ ‘imposter syndrome,’ ‘systemic barriers,’ ‘equity vs equality vs liberation,’ ‘stereotypes/prejudice/discrimination,’ and ‘shame vs. guilt, among others.
Learn strategies to minimize personal roles in perpetuating oppression
Expand our approach to inclusivity and allyship in various settings
Recognize types of power and examine the ethical use of power and privilege
Develop practices to foster diversity and promote a culture of belonging
Learn to collaborate effectively to encourage inclusive environments in both personal and professional contexts
In this activity, we ask participants to consider how and where privilege and power intersect with their lives. Numerous factors shape our place in the world: personal identity factors (genetics, family personality); cultural identity factors (heritage, gender, social class, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, ability); and contextual factors (historical context, environment, social norms). These can dramatically impact how we view and treat ourselves and others and the world and how they treat us.
Participants will have an opportunity to encounter themselves and think about how they feel about acknowledging their privilege. Participants will also have a chance to put themselves in others’ shoes, considering what it might be like to not have privilege in specific ways and situations. In doing anti-oppression training and work, people must know themselves and consider the other.
In short, this activity:
• Helps participants become aware of how pieces of their identities can be both privileged and not.
• Shines a light on how participants may be similar and different from each other and explore the implications of privilege in life and work.
• Addresses the importance of moving steps beyond merely recognizing and valuing the differences between people and acknowledging the degree to which resources, opportunities and options become differentially available based on privilege.
We will show a graphic of an iceberg where the ‘above the surface’ section represents more apparent forms of aggressive behaviour. In the ‘below the surface’ section, we explore the more insidious types of microaggressions that people face daily with participants.
‘Courageous Conversations’ is a strategy that utilizes agreements and conditions to engage those who may not usually talk, sustain a conversation when it gets uncomfortable or diverted and deepens a discussion to the point where authentic understanding and meaningful actions occur. Essential to ‘courageous conversations’ is an openness to learn. We discuss four agreements: stay engaged, speak truthfully, experience discomfort, and expect and accept non-disclosure. This activity invites participants to learn how to ask practical, compassionate questions and explore case studies while developing improved means of supporting others.
Fundamentals of Gender & Sexuality is an informative and educational session that educates participants on gender and sexuality as concepts, appropriate language, and respectful conduct around gender and sexuality. This workshop is a non-judgemental, safer space to ask questions and learn a wealth of information about gender diversity, sexual orientation, pronouns and strategies for meaningful inclusion. This workshop helps teams to create inclusive environments for folks of all genders and sexualities.
In this workshop, we invite participants to build and maintain inclusive spaces while upgrading previous ways of being. We divide the seminar into digestible sections with lots of room for engagement, processing and discussion. Participants will explore the importance of having conversations about LGBTQ2S+ and QTBIPOC issues, gender, sexuality, identities, language, cultural contexts, and change strategies.
To do this work, we must examine our assumptions. We guide participants through an in-depth exploration of language and terminology, the gender binary, gender-neutral language, what is “normal” or “normative,” plus how to shift current ways of thinking and be proactive in allyship and liberation. Furthermore, participants will leave the workshop with a better grasp of how to talk about homophobia and transphobia and the personal, societal and community impacts of maintaining the status quo.
Discuss and identify ways to transform outdated behaviors into more compassionate, effective approaches
Learn concrete strategies to support queer and trans communities
Expand understanding of how to avoid upholding heteronormative and cisnormative perspectives
Embrace actions and behaviors that contribute to positive change
This activity compares the numerous diagrams that help to illustrate and explore gender and sexuality. There are lots of different ways we imagine and communicate about gender and sexuality and each diagram has its pros and cons. In this activity, we share the different models and allow the participants to choose which one speaks to them and unpack the different ways these models allow for in depth visual representation of gender and sexuality.
In this activity, participants are invited to reflect on a series of questions that challenge their ideas and perceptions of sex and sexuality. The questions are split up into three categories: growing up, as an adult and at work. Participants are then invited to debrief in break out rooms or as a full group, depending on the audience size, and compare their perspectives with their peers. The activity exposes our biases and stereotypes regarding sex, gender and sexuality in a deep and meaningful way.
Fundamentals of Anti-Racism is an immersive and in-depth workshop that exposes our complicity in racist power structures that exist all around us. This workshop is both personal and political: an exploration into bias, systemic oppression, language, cultural appropriation and intersectionality. Participants gain a deeper understanding of the manifestations of racism from systems of power to workplace microaggressions and most importantly gain the skills to speak up and combat racism in their communities.
This is a pre-requisite to Unlearning Anti-Blackness.
In this workshop, we invite participants to engage with us on the challenging and necessary topics of race and racism. This workshop covers several concepts, including what race is, how it is constructed, how racism persists, power and privilege, liberation, colonialism, intergenerational trauma, and more. Participants will learn how to talk about race as both a social construct and a real experience. They will engage with material centred on unpacking racial identities and deconstructing whiteness.
By diving into the ongoing nature of racism, we collaborate with participants to examine systems, bias, microaggressions, privilege and power. We encourage a newfound, more in-depth understanding of systemic oppression, how it forms over centuries, police brutality, and why reverse racism can’t be real. We hold space for productive discussions about power and privilege related to race.
Gain concrete strategist for embodying anti-racism and expand upon what it means to be the change
Examine personal privilege and assess the potential impact of harmful behavior
Differentiate between feelings of shame and guilt, fostering self-awareness and resilience
Develop constructive responses to both “call-ins” and “call-outs”
Collaborate to contextualize social issues relevant to the group’s experiences
This activity helps participants become more aware of how they conceptualize their identities. We intend to shine a light on how participants may be similar and different from each other and explore the implications of racial identity and privilege in life and work.
We will show a graphic of an iceberg where the ‘above the surface’ section represents more apparent forms of aggressive behaviour. In the ‘below the surface’ section, we explore the more insidious types of microaggressions that people face daily with participants.
In this activity, we ask participants to consider how and where privilege and power intersect with their lives. Numerous factors shape our place in the world: personal identity factors (genetics, family personality); cultural identity factors (heritage, gender, social class, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, ability); and contextual factors (historical context, environment, social norms). These can dramatically impact how we view and treat ourselves and others and the world and how they treat us.
An activity intended to enhance collective agreement to unite in solidarity and undo oppression while uplifting marginalized communities.
Inclusive Communication zooms in on language and communication practices that bring teams closer together for more respectful workplaces. This workshop combines media literacy, cultural safety and LGBTQ+ inclusion to dive deep into conversations about inclusive language. Participants can expect to practice with real world scenarios, mind map best practices for communication both in person and online and discover meaningful ways to foster inclusion with dialogue.
In this workshop, participants will consider how language impacts the world within which they live and work. Words have the power to shape people’s view of others, life situations, and a sense of belonging. Words are also sometimes wielded, intentionally or otherwise, as weapons to hurt others. Participants will have opportunities to reflect on how language has been impactful or hurtful in their own lives. They will learn the basics of using inclusive and respectful language while developing active bystander and allyship skills to speak up about injustice.
Why is inclusive language important? Because it acknowledges the diversity that exists in the world and workspaces. Inclusive language demonstrates respect for all people and sensitivity to the differences between them. Perhaps most importantly, inclusive language promotes equitable opportunities for all—which is good for the world and good for business.
Participants will examine concepts like intersectionality, white supremacy, and oppression. They will also reflect on the essentiality of having courageous conversations and the harm resulting from maintaining positions like “I don’t see colour” or using ableist language like “crippled by anxiety.” Participants will embark on a journey of discovery around language and marketing, black culture, intonation and tone, and cultural appropriation. Our mission is to enhance media literacy and critical thinking skills and help participants develop more inclusive communication practices.
Develop concrete strategies for active listening and navigating difficult conversations
Gain skills to expand and apply a gender-neutral and inclusive language vocabulary
Reflect on personal reactions to potentially challenging or confronting material
Identify and practice ways to transform outdated behaviors into more compassionate, effective approaches
An icebreaker game intended to create a ‘spoiler-free’ culture applied to problematic or racist comments. Participants will discover that language can be shifted and transformed despite reliance on old habits and become hypervigilant about their own and others’ language. Lastly, participants will gain some familiarity with navigating time in a new way.
Disrupting Unconscious Bias provides participants with an engaging and interactive opportunity to investigate and unpack their own personal and organizational biases. Providing educational information on the science behind cognitive bias and how it informs the decisions we make every day. Unconscious biases are default assumptions that show up individually, interpersonally, and systemically, outside of conscious awareness. Often these biases conflict with our conscious values and can be activated in specific scenarios.
We’ll talk about the connection between bias and oppression. In order to minimize our participation in upholding oppression we need to disrupt our own biases.
In this workshop, we head on a similar ‘journey,’ but this time, we explore Unconscious Bias (UB). This session is highly reflective. It begins with folks reckoning with their own experiences of Unconscious Biases and ways they may have been complicit in harm. We focus on systems and concepts – not people – to dive into the depths of our relationship to bias and its impacts. The goals of this workshop include: noticing the prevalence of UB, understanding how UB connects to broader systems of oppression, unpacking shame related to UB, cultivating curiosity about and developing strategies for dismantling UB, and having a little bit of fun along the way. We ask participants to engage fully with the material and activities as best as they can.
So, what is unconscious bias? It’s a social stereotype held about certain groups of people that individuals form (but can also be present in groups or institutions) outside of conscious awareness. Often these biases conflict with our conscious values and can be activated in specific scenarios. We explore definitions, examples, alternative terminologies (such as implicit bias and blank spots) and the importance of language. We ask participants to open themselves to how heuristics can inform unconscious biases, leading to stereotypes, microaggressions and exclusion. By unpacking types of bias, participants learn about impacts through an intersectional lens and how to be intentional to narrow the risk of perpetuating harm and upholding systems of oppression.
Following this path, we explore the systems of oppression to emphasize the gravity of our biases and understand the “iceberg effect” of the systems to which they connect. Participants will consider concepts such as lived experience, privilege, power, marginalization, and radical openness. Before heading into change strategies, we discuss what it means to “not tolerate hate.” Participants will become aware of how talking about hate without naming the behaviour (racism, sexism, etc.) can diminish the harm caused by things that aren’t hateful but are still oppressive.
Learn how to recognize and address biases in oneself and others
Develop an appreciation for the role of call-ins and call-outs in personal growth
Cultivate curiosity about unconscious biases and connect them to larger systems of oppression
Gain tools for managing feelings of shame around biases
Develop self-care and self-soothing practices following call-ins
Engage in contexts that foster intersectional empathy
A short participatory activity on how unconscious bias forms.
Through real world scenarios, participants will work together to identify barriers created by various biases and their relevant impacts, as well as discuss strategies to mediate oppression in similar circumstances. We will ask participants to engage empathetically, in order to be able to fully reflect on the power imbalances, oppression and privilege at play.
Unlearning Anti-Blackness is a deep dive into unpacking the manifestations of anti-Black racism in our society. The session weaves together key events in Black history, contemporary examples of racism and tangible actions for allies. Unlearning Anti-Blackness explores themes such as cultural appropriation, solidarity, activism, intersectionality, Black and queer identity, microaggressions, intergenerational trauma and transformative justice. This workshop is recommended for groups who have intermediate to advanced social justice knowledge and competency as well as a core foundation of anti-racist vocabulary.
In this workshop, we invite participants to engage with us on the challenging and necessary topics of race and racism, specifically anti-Black racism or anti-Blackness. This workshop divides into three sections: past, present, and future. We cover several issues, including lessons from Black history, origins, current affairs, and the presence of anti-Blackness generally and in the community, plus how to shift the narrative and be proactive in allyship and liberation. Participants will learn how to talk about anti-Blackness as distinct from racism, explore the difficulties associated with and the importance of having nuanced conversations about race and racism.
To do this work, we must examine the past. We guide participants through an in-depth exploration of anti-Blackness roots via capitalism, slavery, and colonialism. Starting with the 1400s, participants will learn about critical moments in history whose legacies trickle into the present state of anti-Black racism. Furthermore, participants will leave the workshop with a more robust grasp of white supremacy terminology, culture, and impacts. We ask and welcome participants to explore and examine their impressions, feelings, knowledge and understanding of these events.
In the present, we take a look at what’s going on in the world. What do people know about anti-Blackness? Can they recognize it? How are Black people depicted in the media or the news? Are there any historical precedents? What about events that don’t make the news? We take a walk in the shoes of Avery Williams on the RISK! Podcast, examine microaggressions using the iceberg model and consider how even “small” acts of racism exist to uphold dominant power structures. We assist participants in making connections between the past and present as we explore topics of slavery, colonization, genocide, and phrenology. We look at Black culture and cultural appropriation. We talk with participants about some potentially difficult subjects: intersectionality, Black and non-binary masculinity, femininity, sexuality, intergenerational trauma, violence, and internalized racism.
Learn and apply concrete strategies for embodying anti-racism in daily life
Reflect on initial reactions and behaviors when someone shares anti-Black experiences
Identify potential harms in one's responses and behaviors, and explore ways to mitigate them
Develop constructive responses to “call-ins” and “call-outs” in discussions around anti-racism
Explore strategies for transforming outdated behaviors to foster a healthy approach to personal growth
Expand understanding of actions that avoid upholding white supremacy and contribute to meaningful change
In Inclusive Meetings, participants will consider three big topics: power and privilege, unconscious bias, and microaggressions. We examine the relationship between social, systemic, and personal aspects of power. We invite participants into an illuminating conversation about how to notice harmful power dynamics and recognize when to advocate and uplift others, embrace vulnerability and the variability that comes with a diverse workforce, and ensure people have what they need to succeed at work and life. This workshop provides great tangible tools for more inclusive virtual and in-person meetings.
In this workshop, we break down what it means to provide inclusive meetings vs. exclusive meetings. Participants will consider three big topics: power and privilege, unconscious bias, and microaggressions. Why talk about power? Because it decides who gets heard. So, we examine the relationship between social, systemic, and personal aspects of power. What does it mean to have it? Is it earned or given? Who actually has it? Is it more than just self-esteem and confidence? What role does power play in life and work? Participants will engage in a nuanced discussion that includes a primer on intersectionality. We expect participants to leave the workshop with a fuller understanding of how power is distributed in society and organizationally, what is structural change and redistribution of power, and how making little, daily changes and choices can have a big impact on one’s personal power that creates a more equitable workspace for all.
Okay, so how do we do the work? Hint: it involves mentorship, lived experience, and needs-based resources. We invite participants into an illuminating conversation about how to notice harmful power dynamics and recognize when to be an advocate to uplift others, embrace vulnerability and the variability that comes with a diverse workforce, and ensure people have what they need to succeed at work and in life.
We talk about bias and de-biasing, listening behind the lines, and having courageous conversations. Essential to this workshop is an openness to learn. We discuss four agreements: stay engaged, speak truthfully, experience discomfort, and expect and accept non-disclosure. Participants will learn how to ask practical, compassionate questions and develop better active listening skills and improved means of supporting others.
Unpack microaggressions and their impact, and gain strategies for avoiding and taking accountability for them
Learn techniques for “detour-spotting” to recognize and address avoidance behaviors in conversations about bias and accountability
Explore the spectrum of leadership styles and discuss their implications
Identify and apply strategies to transform outdated behaviors into more compassionate and constructive approaches
In this activity, your facilitator shows a series of people with varying degrees of power (e.g., systemic, personal, social). They will chat about how types of power are formed, and then challenge you to place yourself on the spectrum and to plot how your identity may afford you benefits/privileges in meetings and beyond.
In this activity, your facilitator will ask you a series of questions surrounding the ways meetings are run in general. They’ll ask questions related to power, agenda setting, tone and who is looked to for answers. After, they will guide participants through a scenario to better understand how to challenge pre-existing biases.
In Inclusive Leadership, our workshop tailored to leaders, managers and decision-makers dives deep into conversations about the ethical use of power. We talk about bias and de-biasing, listening behind the lines, and having courageous conversations. Essential to this part of the workshop is an openness to learn. Participants will learn how to ask practical, compassionate questions and develop better active listening skills and improved means of supporting others.
In this workshop, participants will consider three big topics: power, listening, and equity. But don’t worry, we break it down. Why talk about power? Because it decides who gets heard. So, we examine the relationship between social, systemic, and personal aspects of power. What does it mean to have it? Is it earned or given? Who actually has it? Is it more than just self-esteem and confidence? What role does power play in life and work? Participants will engage in a nuanced discussion that includes a primer on intersectionality. We expect participants to leave the workshop with a fuller understanding of how power is distributed in society and organizationally, what is structural change and redistribution of power, and how making little, daily changes and choices can have a big impact on one’s personal power that creates a more equitable workspace for all.
Okay, so how do we do the work? Hint: it involves communication and empathic listening. We invite participants into an illuminating conversation about the socially constructed and widely varied nature of communication. We talk about bias and de-biasing, listening behind the lines, and having courageous conversations. Essential to this part of the workshop is an openness to learn. We discuss four agreements: stay engaged, speak truthfully, experience discomfort, and expect and accept non-disclosure. Participants will learn how to ask practical, compassionate questions and develop better active listening skills and improved means of supporting others.
Gain insights on essential principles for making equitable decisions in diverse contexts
Explore the spectrum of leadership styles from autocratic (hands-on) to abdicratic (hands-off) and analyze their implications for equity
Reflect on personal reactions to confronting material and examine areas for growth
Identify strategies to transform outdated behaviors into more compassionate, effective approaches
In this activity, participants are invited to reflect on the experiences of three fictional colleagues who have varying levels of power and privilege. The activity invites participants to understand and visualize how power shows up for these individuals and how it impacts their everyday lives. This allows participants to reflect on their own experiences of power and how that may impact their team relationships.
In this activity, the facilitator shares a diagram regarding equitable decision making and invites participants to reflect on their own experiences and how decisions are made in their workplaces. Through these discussions participants reflect on the importance of equity, accountability and transparency in decision making and leadership.
In Bridging Differences, participants will enhance their understanding of conflict by exploring personal responses, uncovering the underlying causes, and building effective strategies for handling difficult conversations. Participants will develop practical skills to navigate conflict with confidence, including techniques such as curiosity, paraphrasing, summarizing, reframing, and non-violent communication.
Through interactive exercises and reflective practices, this session empowers individuals to transform conflict into opportunities for growth and connection.
Conflict is an inevitable part of life, but how we navigate it can make all the difference. This interactive workshop will help participants explore their relationship with conflict, understand its root causes, and develop practical strategies for engaging in difficult conversations. Through self-reflection, discussion, and scenario-based activities, participants will gain the tools to approach conflict with confidence, empathy, and a growth mindset.
Participants will learn how personal experiences, culture, identity, and upbringing shape their conflict responses. The workshop will also cover the mind-body experiences behind conflict to better understand the internal mechanisms that are activated during conflict and now to move through strong emotions with more ease. We will also explore power dynamics, the role of anger, and techniques for de-escalating tension.
By the end of the session, participants will have a deeper understanding of conflict as a neutral part of life that, when navigated effectively, can strengthen relationships and foster meaningful growth. Let us support your team in a supportive and engaging workshop for skill development in bridging differences!
Develop awareness of personal relationships with conflict.
Understand the root causes of conflict and strategies for emotional regulation.
Recognize physiological responses to conflict and strategies for emotional regulation.
Identify power dynamics and the role of anger in conflict.
Practice communication techniques to navigate conflict constructively.
In this exercise, participants will take a moment to consider their expectations for the session. They will identify their hopes — what they wish to gain, learn or experience — and their fears — any concerns or uncertainties they may have as they enter this space.
Throughout this session, participants will engage in multiple Reflection Moments to process key questions and deepen their understanding. These reflections will unlock personal insights about preconceptions and experiences of conflict. What comes up can be shared with the group to create space for collective learning and connection, or just kept as personal introspection. We encourage engagement whatever way feels most comfortable!
The reflection activities build on previous ones, guiding participants through a deeper journey of exploration. These moments will help uncover new insights, connect different ideas and encourage meaningful dialogue.
Pathways Through Pushback explores three essential elements for navigating a resistant system: Taking Care of Ourselves, Dealing with Resistance & Moving Towards System Change. By focusing on care as the foundation for sustainable transformation, participants will learn strategies to maintain their wellbeing within harmful systems while building the resilience needed to drive meaningful change. Through reflective practices and actionable insights, this session empowers participants to move through resistance towards transformation.
Change — no matter how positive — is not always welcomed without challenge. Whether pushing for organizational shifts, advocating for justice or simply standing up for our values, resistance can be part of the process. But resistance doesn’t have to be a roadblock, it can be an opportunity for even greater transformation.
This workshop is a dynamic and interactive workshop that explores why resistance emerges and how to navigate it at personal, interpersonal and organizational levels. Through guided reflections, skill-building exercises and group discussions, participants will learn how to sustain their goals in the face of pushback, engage others effectively and develop strategies to move toward meaningful change.
We will start by exploring personal experiences of resistance — how it shows up, the emotions it triggers and how we respond — while emphasizing self- and community care as essential tools for resilience. From there, we will take up interpersonal resistance where participants will practice a variety of proven strategies to navigate pushback effectively. Finally, we will take a broader view, looking at organizational resistance and engaging in activities that allow participants to develop strategies for shifting culture and actualizing the change they want to see.
Identify the underlying factors that contribute to pushback emerging at personal, interpersonal and organizational levels.
Develop strategies to sustain wellbeing and prevent burnout while navigating harmful or resistant systems.
Gain empathetic techniques and strategies for overcoming pushback and driving transformation.
Examine types of conflict, systemic barriers and power dynamics to identify areas of opportunity for change.
Power shapes every system we interact with. It influences who makes decisions, whose voices are heard, and what changes are possible. In this activity, participants will practice Mapping Power, a strategic tool for understanding the relationships, structure and forces that uphold resistance — and how to effectively challenge them.
By visually mapping power structure, participants will gain insight into how change can be progressed or roadblocks, as well as strategies that push for transformation.
Creating change requires a clear vision and strategic action. In this activity, participants will develop their own Theory of Change: a structured framework that outlines how change happens and what steps are needed to achieve it. This will cultivate a clearer understanding of how to move from resistance to transformation, as well as recognizing how detouring can arise and how to overcome it.