Why DEI

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a trending topic from the boardroom to the breakroom; but it's hard to keep up with the latest trends, language, and laws. You may have read the many studies that reveal diversity, equity, and inclusion is important to company culture, productivity, and ultimately, your bottom line. You might have even conducted diversity training at your organization or taken a course yourself, yet you are still not seeing the benefits that well-implemented programs promise.  

The truth is, many of us don’t know where to start. Developing a program is time consuming and hiring a diversity professional can often be cost prohibitive. It’s difficult to get buy-in from leadership and even more difficult to get them to commit resources to a DEI program.

Introducing Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox

Most diversity training programs are created for compliance, not for transformation. Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox is different. We don’t stop at what diversity is or why it's the right thing to do. We delve into specifics on achieving the business results organizations seek. We guide you in communicating effectively with employees, clients, and customers in our ever-evolving, and diverse world. 

Our mission was to create a comprehensive and engaging course that serves as a foundation for your diversity, equity, and inclusion education. Whether you are an individual looking to advance your career, or a company looking to foster an inclusive culture, we provide the knowledge and materials you need to achieve success.

 Even if you never realized that D&I is important to driving innovation, keeping up with industry and consumer trends, and retaining your best and brightest employees, this course will get you started on your journey toward a diverse, inclusive and thriving organization.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

  • 2

    Understanding Diversity

    • Introduction

      FREE PREVIEW
    • Learning Objectives

    • Defining Workplace Diversity

    • Types of Diversity

    • The Cultural Iceberg

    • Courageous Cultural Conversations

    • It's Not Just Compliance

    • Equal Employment Opportunity

    • Equal Employment Opportunity Continued

    • Affirmative Action

    • Differences Between EEO/Affirmative Action and D&I Initiatives

    • 5 Minute Break

    • Structural and Institutional Racism

    • What is Privilege?

    • Privilege and White Privilege

    • Grant Williard on White Privilege

    • Differentiating Diversity and Inclusion

    • Pretty Handbags Marketing

      FREE PREVIEW
    • Module 1 Key Terms

    • Module 1 Quiz

    • Module 1 References

  • 3

    The Business Case for Diversity and Inclusion

    • Introduction

    • Learning Objectives

    • Diversity is a Key Driver of Innovation

    • People with Disabilities are Problem Solvers

    • Innovative Inventions

    • Diversity and Innovation Continued

    • Gender and Ethnic Diversity in Leadership is Tied to Higher Returns

    • Gender and Ethnic Diversity in Leadership Continued

      FREE PREVIEW
    • Female Leaders

    • Diversity in Entrepreneurship

    • Intersectionality

    • 10 Minute Break

    • Diversity Makes Teams More Creative and Better Decision Makers

    • Diversity Attracts and Retains Top Talent

    • Sustainable Businesses Require Diversity and Inclusion

    • Module 2 Key Terms

    • Module 2 Quiz

    • How to Discuss The Business Case for D&I

    • One-Sheet

    • Module 2 References

  • 4

    Unconscious Bias - The Secret Disruptor

    • Introduction

    • Learning Objectives

    • If You Have a Brain, You Have a Bias

      FREE PREVIEW
    • Conscious Versus Unconscious Bias

    • What Are Your Unconscious Biases?

    • Biases in Business

    • Foundation of Unconscious Bias

    • Types of Bias

    • 10 Minute Break

    • Understanding Microaggression

    • Understanding Microaggression Continued

    • Examples of Microaggressions

    • Recognize Your Own Biases

    • Unconscious Bias Exercise

    • Strategies to Address Unconscious Bias

    • Increase Exposure to Biases

    • Conclusion

    • Module 3 Key Terms

    • Types of Bias Printout

    • Top Tips to Addressing Unconscious Bias

      FREE PREVIEW
    • Module 3 Quiz

    • Module 3 References

  • 5

    Implementing a Diversity and Inclusion Program

    • Introduction

    • Learning Objectives

    • Common Mistakes in Implementing Diversity Programs - Introduction

    • Common Mistakes in Implementing Diversity Programs

    • White Men as Diversity Allies

    • Majority Responsibility

    • The WIIFM Principle

    • The WIIFM Principle Continued

    • Selecting a Diversity Leader

      FREE PREVIEW
    • 5 Minute Break

    • Initiating and Implementing a Diversity Program

    • Phase 1: Preparation

    • Phase 2: Build Out a Diversity Implementation Plan

    • Phase 3: Get Started!

    • Diverse Investment Pipeline

    • Phase 4: Make Your Organization More Inclusive

    • Phase 5: Measure and Evaluate Progress

    • Phase 6: Redefine and Refocus Your Goals

    • Notes for Leaders

    • Conclusion

    • Module 4 Key Terms

    • Module 4 Quiz

    • Module 4 References

  • 6

    Business Communication in a Diverse World

    • Introduction

    • Learning Objectives

    • Principles of Effective Business Communication

    • Rules of Inclusive Language

    • Say This, Not That - Inclusive Language Guide

    • Communicating to Acquire Top Talent

    • Understanding Gen Z

    • Engaging Your “Only” Employees

    • 10 Minute Break

    • Multicultural Sales Skills

    • Marketing for Diverse Consumers

    • Diverse Marketing Materials

    • Marketing Missteps with Multicultural Audiences

      FREE PREVIEW
    • Enter the Disruptors

    • Six Steps to Developing a Multicultural Marketing Strategy

    • Celebrate Points of Progress

    • Conclusion

    • Module 5 Key Terms

    • Module 5 Quiz

    • Module 5 References

  • 7

    Course Handbook

    • Downloadable Course Handbook

    • Course Facilitator's Guide

    • End of Course Survey

Experts are Saying...

Impactful and Engaging

Won J You - Design Leader and Educator, WJY Studios

This diversity course delivers impactful content that uncovers the value of diversity and inclusion for all organizations. I've taken several D&I courses and training in the past, but this course still managed to surprise me with not only new and useful information, but also a delightfully unexpected multimedia experience.

Consumable and Applicable Content

John Murphy - International Executive Leadership Coach

Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox takes what is a highly topical and critical subject and breaks it down in such a way that it is so easily consumed online. The course really helps to understand the full meaning and implications of embracing diversity - from everyone's perspective. It also helps you to understand how to make it come alive and how it connects to bottom line performance of the business. I highly recommend this course.

Highly Recommended

Susanne Meyer - Employment Solutions Architect, Ablr

Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox offers a fresh and approachable course on Diversity & Inclusion. It is clear that the team really cares about the issue, and numerous videos and spotlights on different people and their experiences make it personal. Information is presented succinctly and is easy to grasp and absorb. I came away knowing – and understanding -- more than I did in the beginning. All around, I would highly recommend this course!

Accessible Array of Tools

Bri Hart - Assistant Director, Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), NC State University

As an educator and social justice advocate, I believe that it is everyone's role to ensure a more equitable and just world for everyone. "Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox" provides an accessible array of tools for anyone to use to promote diversity and inclusion not only at work, but in their personal lives as well. I think that anyone who takes part in this course will not only walk away more knowledgeable about diversity and inclusion, but also more confident in promoting diversity and inclusion.

Important to Gen Zers

Johnny Smith - Marketing Intern, Walk West

Before taking this course, I was not aware of the pros and cons of diversity in the workplace. This course laid out and explained Diversity and Inclusion in an engaging manner. The teachers knew what they were discussing and shared their own sense of diversity. I was surprised by how well the course taught technical terms and historic laws related to diversity in an engaging manner. This course was well produced and fun to take while being very informational. As a member of Gen Z, I’ll be entering the workforce fairly soon. Courses like these are very important for all workers because of how diverse Gen Z is.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is this course for?

    Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox was created by The Diversity Movement to give all learners, from students to CEOs, a fundamental cultural competency in diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and language. For diversity and inclusion practitioners, this course may help guide you in educating others and in later modules, assist you in implementing a robust diversity, equity, and inclusion practice and understanding more about multicultural business communication and marketing.

  • How long does it take to complete the course?

    On average, it takes students 5-6 hours to complete the course.