A two-session accelerated course for leaders working towards an equitable and just profession.

Limited seats available. Please register by February 23

Animal welfare leaders increasingly recognize the importance of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in their organizations, yet often face challenges figuring out where to start the journey or how to maintain momentum and measure progress.

This program will offer senior leaders the tools to guide their organizations through the complex challenges of embedding DEI principles and practices into their animal welfare organizations. Leaders will:

• Reflect on their individual identity-based lenses, perceptions, and biases
• Learn techniques for engaging in healthy dialogues and handling conflicts
• Understand how to make DEI a part of day-to-day organizational life.

Participants will have a unique opportunity to engage with a cohort of leaders from across animal welfare to share common challenges and promising practices, to collectively support their respective organizations and the overall animal welfare profession. 

Workshop Objectives

• Define concepts of DEI and impact on animal welfare
• Examine our DEI Journey Maps and share with others
• Practice calling in conversations and how to foster open communication 
• Strategize new ways to incorporate DEI practices throughout your organization 
• Craft a 90-day action plan for the top three things you can do that would advance DEI in your organization

While we recognize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion from multiple levels of an organization, this course is specifically designed to support senior leaders, including executives, C-level staff, directors of municipal animal services, and board members.

This program takes place across 2 online workshops: 3pm - 5pm ET on Monday, March 23, and Monday, March 30

March 23: Session One will have two parts. Part one will discuss  the individual role leaders play in creating an inclusive work environment. This session focuses on introspection and how leaders have developed their individual DEI journey. Part two focuses on the interpersonal skills needed to model a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through their communication and foster an inclusion environment for all. Leaders will practice calling in conversations to ensure accountability and mutual respect. 

March 30: Session Two focuses on organizational strategy and implementation of DEI practices. Leaders will learn about common challenges and tactics to address resistance to change. During this session, leaders will begin to craft a 90-day action plan that is uniquely focused on the diversity, equity, and inclusion needs of their organization.

• These Zoom experiences will not be recorded.
• Virtual break rooms will be used for small group activities and reflection.
• This course requires pre-work and homework between sessions. Additional details will be provided after registration, however, we ask that leaders interested in this course commit to up to 3 hours of pre-work before each of our two sessions. 
• Participants who complete the course will receive a printable certificate of completion and access to office hours from Maria Morukian.

Course Facilitator: Maria Morukian, Founder & President, MSM Global Consulting

Low-cost registration fees have been made possible thanks to the generosity of our sponsors.

• $25 for Professional and Student members of The Association 
• $50 for Learning Non-Members

Become a member of The Association and save big.

If your organization has a financial hardship that makes paying for this training difficult, please contact us at learning@theaawa.org to inquire about scholarships.

This online workshop has been pre-approved for:

• 4 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator continuing education credits
• 4 NACA CEs