A Deep Dive Into Racial Equity E-Learning – Module 1
In February 2023, you read about our racial equity e-learning offering (and if you missed it, check it out here).
This e-learning explores some important topics that many learners are curious about, including:
Power
Prejudice
Oppression
In order to help learners become champions of belonging and inclusion, this e-learning probes the myths, realities, and complex behaviors around addressing race in the workplace, including:
Interpersonal Racism
Internalized Racism
Institutional Racism
Systemic Racism
Finally, learners are ready to address the topic Racism in Action – what does it look like?
At IBIS, we deliver interactive and engaging lessons, whether in-person, live online, or in an e-learnings taken when convenient. Our Interactive Theater format enables learners to explore racism and bias by watching true-to-life scenarios connected to their own workplace, such as meetings, interviews, and career-development conversations, portrayed by professional actors who stay in character after each scene to answer questions. In person, a facilitator helps support lasting, meaningful dialogue between the characters and audience members.
In our e-learning, learners engage with our theater offerings through video by hearing directly from our characters and watching scenes and conversations that place the ideas they’ve just learned about into real-life workplace contexts.
For example, in Module 1, learners observe a conversation with manager Rob and his direct report Fami. Rob is a white man who has struggled to overcome poverty and other limitations to achieve his success. Fami is a Black woman who has also overcome challenges to be in her role. The conversation between them serves as an example of how racial inequities may show up in the workplace and have an impact on sense of belonging for employees of color.
Fami approaches Rob to discuss the possibility of taking on additional responsibilities in her role.
Rob has some feedback to give her about how she is perceived by her peers. “They say," he explains, "that you have an attitude.”
After a long talk, Fami says, “I feel like I’m going to have to put on a suit of armor before I come to work.”
Learners explore an important question: What is the difference between equality and equity?
Equality means treating everyone the same, whereas equity means giving people what they need to succeed.
For example, Fami may have different needs than some of her colleagues.
Those taking our e-learning have the chance to consider what differences might surface during collaboration – and what responsibility a manager has to address them.
Module 1 also offers an overview of history and current events, starting in 1662 with the U.S.’s ‘one-drop’ rule and continuing through the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
With that grounding in history, learners are engaged once again in Interactive Theater as they are given a deep dive into an important concept: Intent vs. Impact
“People don’t always have to be badly intentioned to uphold racist systems…”
The e-learning wraps up by presenting a tool-based framework for positive action, and provides each learner an opportunity for reflection.
Can your organization benefit from an exciting, engaging and robust e-learning that deepens understanding of racial equity? Contact IBIS today to learn more.
