DE&I Activator Series returns
Success in first year leads to a second set of workshops
The DE&I Activator Series, which trained participants on implementing diversity, equity and inclusion practices within the workplace, will return in November with seven new sessions featuring all new content.
Changing demographics in the Sioux Falls area, coupled with aspirations for continued economic growth for our region, lead employers to recognize DE&I practices as a success driver. A commitment to DE&I is a workforce development solution, economic development strategy and community brand differentiator.
In the spring of 2021, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Pathways to Inclusive and Equitable Workplaces, launched the DE&I Activator series. The first set of 11 sessions deepened participants understanding of the value of DE&I in the workplace and offered concrete application strategies to help a workplace envision and implement goals.
The first series drew participation from 266 companies and 372 individuals. Demand for ongoing training led the Chamber and Pathways to offer a follow-up series.
The second year of the DE&I Activator Series will be seven sessions running from November 2022 through May 2023. All sessions are free and open to all Chamber members. The topic of the first session is inclusive recruitment, retention and engagement strategies. This will be an in-person training on November 9 at the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.
Each session will take place on the second Wednesday of the month at 8:15 a.m. Sessions will alternate between in-person 90 minute workshops and virtual 60 minute learning sessions. Attendees at the in-person workshops can expect to learn from other businesses, build community and participate in interactive exercises.
Those who plan to attend all seven sessions can complete a single registration online through November 8. Registration for single sessions will be made available on a rolling basis at siouxfallschamber.com.
It is recommended that participants watch the first Activator series webinar, though it is not a requirement. SHRM CEUs will be available for participants.
Schedule and Topics
| Nov. 9 | Inclusive recruitment, retention & engagement strategies |
| Dec. 14 | Multi-generational workforce dynamics |
| Jan. 11 | Empathy building, psychological safety & cultural humility |
| Feb. 8 | Understanding gender identity & sexuality |
| March 8 | Language matters: Responding to micro-aggressions |
| April 12 | Mental health & well-being through a DE&I lens |
| May 10 | Strategies for disrupting unconscious bias at work |