by Nadine Moone

DANA provides a lineup of thought-provoking diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) learning opportunities. Thanks to a generous grant from Barclay’s, most are available at little to no cost. Record registration levels affirm the interest in these learning opportunities.

January 2022 wrapped up the fourth installment of our four-part DEI Trauma series where participants were led on a DEI Journey by Njideka Wiggins and Dr. Amy Alexander, who are practitioners in the field of trauma. Through their teaching, participants were introduced to the complexities and intersectionality of trauma and its relationship to creating a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable work environment.

While we encourage and invite everyone to take part in these dynamic workshops, we recognize that the DEI journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Each organization has its own unique culture, and life stage and, thus may need different types of DEI support. We encourage all organizations to know in real time, what their organizational DEI needs are which can start with a comprehensive DEI organizational assessment.

DANA has partnered with the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) to provide a DEI organizational assessment at a discounted rate for DANA members. The assessment looks both at board and workplace practices and can aid leaders in developing their diversity, equity, and inclusion plan. If interested, please contact me as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at [email protected] to assist you with the registration process. I am also a resource if you are seeking assistance in developing policy or new strategies for enhancing your board and organizational culture. DANA offers sample policies and templates, provides custom workshops for your board, and can connect you with a consultant who specializes in facilitating and guiding boards and organizations with their DEI strategies.

We invite you to take full advantage of the workshops we provide and encourage you to go to our website at https://delawarenonprofit.org/ to register for our monthly DEI Webinars as well as our quarterly DEI Communities of Practice, a group of professionals from multiple organizations in Delaware who gather to share ideas, exchange best practices, and discuss ways that we can impact DEI change within our organizations.

Register for the next DEI Community of Practice at https://delawarenonprofit.org/. I look forward to assisting you on your DEI journey – please contact me at [email protected] to schedule a one-on-one meeting to discuss your organizational needs.