CEN's IDEAL Program for Nonprofit Professionals

Online (via Zoom) | 9am-4pm PST

About the Program

As the world around us demands changes and shifts that ensure equity and inclusion, it can be difficult for nonprofits and nonprofit leaders to know where to begin. This full day program is a genuine, candid space to explore the principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Liberation (IDEAL) and the effect of these principles on the community you serve and the organization as a whole. We understand that there are multiple forms of oppression, such as sexism, heterosexism, ableism, ageism, etc., and we are explicitly, though not exclusively, centering on racism. It is our approach that centering race creates a ripple effect that leads to practices and outcomes that address pervasive structural and institutional oppression within the nonprofit sector and the communities which we serve. This workshop is intended to provide a respectful, nonjudgmental space and opportunity for growth and thought-partnership. Because we will deeply and authentically discuss IDEAL topics in this course, it will require vulnerability and courage. We’re asking everyone to commit to being present for the entire course and to engage in behaviors that demonstrate a commitment and genuine respect for the work and one another. You will receive additional materials prior to the course, including a foundational group agreement. We must also be clear that what may seem normal or un-triggering for some may be triggering or harmful to others. As such, the facilitators will call upon the tools at their disposal to disengage, intervene, end a conversation, and - as appropriate or necessary - remove participants from the session. The goal of this course is not for participants to leave as "experts" in IDEAL, but rather for this to be another key building block that helps you and/or your organization move forward with expanded knowledge, strategies, and the beginning of an action plan as you engage in this critical work.

How we define IDEAL principles...

Inclusion: CEN believes it is a universal human right. It moves beyond diversity and toward creating an equitable environment, where the richness of ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives are harnessed. Inclusion is the act of creating space where each person is authentically valued, respected, and supported.

Diversity: Our different identities such as age, race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, physical/mental ability, sexual orientation, spiritual practice/beliefs, employment status, geographic location, or other characteristics.

Equity: When a person or group receives the unique opportunities needed to reduce or eliminate barriers, equity is demonstrated. It is a process that begins by acknowledging an unequal starting place and works to correct and address imbalance. Equity ensure that people have the opportunity to grow, contribute, and develop, regardless of their identity.

Access: Also referred to as accessibility, this refers to the equitable right, engagement, or entry for everyone, regardless of human ability and experience. For organizations, it refers to how they encompass and celebrate characteristics and talents that each individual brings. It is about representation for all.

Liberation: The gaining of equal rights or full social or economic opportunities for a particular group, including the protection from abuse or exploitation. It is ultimately freedom from oppression, allowing one to be their whole self.

Intended Audience

Nonprofit executives, board members, senior staff, and emerging leaders. We also encourage volunteers to attend (please contact information@cen.org to discuss further before signing up).

IDEAL Pre-Work Requirement: Attendees of CEN's IDEAL Program are required to submit a pre-program survey (approximately 15 minutes) by the Friday before the program start date. Our team of Leadership Development Specialists will assess each participant's responses prior to the program to gauge the group's current level of understanding and commitment. Registrants who do not submit the survey by this deadline will be offered a transfer credit to the next-scheduled IDEAL program, minus a $25 administrative fee for CEN's efforts in communicating with you.

Special Cancellation/Refund Policy for IDEAL Program: CEN will accommodate cancellation/transfer requests up to one week prior to the start of the IDEAL Program. Approved refunds - requested before the 1-week cutoff – will be issued through the original form of payment. A registered attendee who has been billed or invoiced but is a “No Show” on the day of the event will still be billed for the event. Thank you!

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➤ Workshop Policies

➤ Discounts Available