ADI's Cultural Consciousness Program

Standard diversity trainings might make participants feel good, but they do little to expose structural racism or change behaviors. In fact, diversity training can have the unintended effect of obscuring and thus reproducing structural racism.  ADI’s Cultural Consciousness program uses a cognitive-behavioral approach to deepen understandings of culture, socialization, race and racism so that participants can become aware of why and how they think and act in certain ways, and then effect positive behavioral changes. Cognitive journaling and reflection are key components of this work- this is not passive learning! Building cultural consciousness is a necessary first step to building critical consciousness, which is a precondition for meaningful action against oppression. 

The training is made up of a An a Welcomeness Audit and the following:

1. Introductions – What is Culture and Cultural Background Stories

2. Danger of the Single Story, Intercultural Spectrum & the Cycle of Socialization

3. Social Identity, Power, Privilege, and Oppression

4. The Ladder of Inference

5. What Now??

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Time Commitment:

Each course consists of either 4 two-hour online or in-person sessions for the Introduction to Cultural Consciousness or one 4hr session for all other courses. Participants should also be prepared to complete  reflective journaling assignments in between each session (ICC Only) - this can be tailored to the unique needs of your organization.

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 *Other Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion trainings may also be available depending on needs.