Course Description
This course focuses on the art of inclusive communications. Participants will identify barriers to effective inclusive communications, exploring how it can bridge differences and support organizational goals for advancing diversity and inclusion.
Course Outline
- Module 1: Inclusive Communications: What do we mean by “Inclusive” Communications
- Module 2: Inclusive Communication Essentials: Key Considerations
- Module 3: Changing the Conversation: Strategies and Ideas for Integrating Inclusive Communication Practices
What You Will Learn
- The characteristics of an inclusive organization culture
- How to use appropriate language when discussing or referring to diverse groups
- How to identify barriers to inclusive communications
- Best practices on responding to communication conflicts through courageous conversations
- Strategies to promote inclusive communications
Microcredential
This course provides learners with the opportunity to earn a microcredential. A microcredential is evidence of a skill or competency that is employment related. Dalhousie microcredentials are developed in collaboration with employers, industries, and/or organizations that relate to the content. A microcredential can be displayed on social media pages, digital resumes, personal webpages, and in email signatures. To earn the 
microcredential in this course, learners will need to successfully complete a competency-based assessment.
To learn more about microcredentials and how they can enhance your learning portfolio, watch this 30-second YouTube video (video opens in a new window).
Notes
By enrolling in this course, you will be automatically enrolled in the Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. This certificate consists of four courses. You are not required to take the courses in order, but it is recommended that you take OLCD-IDEA0004 after completing the first three courses in the certificate (OLCD-IDEA0001, 0002, 0003).
For assistance or more information, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.
The Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development recommends an intermediate level of English language proficiency for the most effective learning and participation in our online and face-to-face courses. A list of minimum recommended scores on some common English tests can be found on our website. If you have questions about your English language proficiency and ability to succeed in this course, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.
Recommended For
- Anyone interested in learning how to advance the agenda on diversity and inclusion within their respective organization.
Testimonials
"I highly recommend this course to others. The course instructor, Crystal, has amazing enthusiasm for the subject matter and is so welcoming and inclusive of everyone in the course. Everyone had a chance to share and participate in discussions in a safe space capacity.
The Read, Watch, Listen materials that were part of the course were very relevant, topical, thought-provoking and engaging. The other classmates in this course also made the course experience for me. It was clear that everyone wants to be there and is truly interested in the subject matter and improving their knowledge of how to better their skills in inclusive communications. We all, the classmates and instructor, worked so well together. The 90-minute live sessions each week would fly by. I'm already looking forward to the next course as I continue in the Certificate in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion."
~ Genevieve MacIntryre, Manager of Student Recruitment, Communications and Marketing, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, Dalhousie University
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Certificate in Building Positive Workplace Cultures : Electives
- Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion : Required courses
- Certificate in Police Supervisory Skills : Electives
Deanna has worked in the field of education for 20 years, starting her career as an African Nova Scotian Student Support Worker. Deanna has been with NSCC for 15 years and works as the Student Services Advisor & African Canadian Support at the Pictou Campus.
Shakira Weatherdon is an experienced leader of complex and institution wide initiatives, ensuring genuine and intentional collaboration, and responsiveness to organizational needs; particularly those that meet current and future needs of equity-deserving persons. She is a skilled change manager who strategically and collaboratively leads organizations towards evidence-based policy decision making to ensure equitable and inclusive public service. She is the founder of Black Girls Gather, a non-profit with a mission to equip young, Black women entrepreneurs with the tools, strategies and networks they need to build and scale up successful ventures and attaching new Black women graduates to meaningful employment opportunities. Her passions include supporting organizations to create safer, more welcoming, and inclusive environments and cultivating Black Girl Magic and Black Boy Joy. Shakira received her MA in Gender and Peacebuilding from the United Nations mandated University for Peace and her Honors Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Development Studies from the University of Toronto.
Jude was born in Sheet Harbour, NS and is a member of the Millbrook First Nation. He has worked for several federal departments including the RCMP, Correctional Services Canada, and Veteran’s Affairs. He has also worked for many departments within the Nova Scotia public service, including Education and Early Childhood Education, (where he helped established Treaty Education in Nova Scotia) Communities Culture and Heritage, the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, and currently is the Senior Engagement Advisor for the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives. Jude has worked at a number of Post Secondary Institutions in Nova Scotia and served on the National Indigenous Education Advisory Committee for Colleges and Institutions Canada. Jude has been a speaker at national and international conferences on systemic oppression and racial identity. He was the first Canadian to be trained as a facilitator in Beyond Diversity2, Courageous Conversations about Race, and received an Award of Recognition from the Pacific Educational Group for his work in reducing the achievement gap for First Nation and African Canadian students. Most recently he received his Certified Diversity Executive designation from the Institute for Diversity Certification in Indianapolis, Indiana and was the first Mi’kmaq employee to be awarded the NS Premier’s Award of Excellence.