Workplace Inclusion Network (WIN)

Through the Workplace Inclusion Network (WIN), the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities convenes professionals who support or lead diversity and inclusion efforts within their organizations. These gatherings provide a unique opportunity for DEI leaders to hear from experts in the field and share best practices with one another while networking with professionals from across the region.

2023 WIN PROGRAM CALENDAR
“WIN 10 Years – Past, Present, Future”

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Workplace Inclusion Network, the 2023 WIN program series will focus on the evolution of work around specific social identities. The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities and partners will facilitate sessions focused on the past, present, and future of age, disabilities, race, religion, and sexual orientation/gender identity in the workplace. Participants will have the opportunity to explore social identities, connect with others across various industries, and learn about best practices they can apply within their organizations.

• 2023 Registration Form
• Register Online

Session 1: February 22, 2023 | 12:00pm-1:30pm
Exploring Age
Ageism is all around us, from advertisements to comments to perceptions of ourselves and others. As workplaces include employees from multiple generations, it is increasingly important to understand and address ageism. This session will examine ways for organizations to include age as a part of their inclusion strategy and ways to maximize efforts and potential across varying generations.

Session 2: April 26, 2023 | 12:00pm-1:30pm
Exploring Sexual Orientation & Gender
While workplaces have made progress in their inclusion of LGBTQ employees in recent years, there are still overt and subtle ways that LGBTQ employees may feel excluded or marginalized. These experiences can relate to organizational policies, employee benefits, or even interpersonal exchanges. This workshop will introduce strategies involving factors such as policies and training that workplaces can implement to foster climates that are LGBTQ-inclusive.

Session 3: July 26, 2023 | 9:30am-4:00pm
Exploring Race | Bus Trip to the Robert Russa Moton Museum
Understanding race in today’s workplace is an essential tool to creating inclusive environments where all employees can thrive and flourish. During this workshop, we will explore the history of race, particularly in the United States, and its impact on workplace policies, procedures, and practices. Participants will have an opportunity to reflect on their own workplace experiences around race and hear about the perspectives and lived experiences of others. Participants will also explore frameworks that help us understand how race plays a factor in the workplace.

Session 4: October 25, 2023 | 12:00pm-1:30pm
Exploring Disability
Including people with disabilities in the workplace goes beyond the law; it is a clear way to express your values and doing so has been shown to improve a company’s bottom line. In this workshop, participants will consider proactive steps that can be taken to foster an environment that is inclusive for people with disabilities. Resources and strategies that organizations can utilize to make their workplaces more inclusive will also be highlighted.

Session 5: December 13, 2023 | 12:00pm-1:30pm
Exploring Religion
Religion shows up in the workplace in overt and subtle ways on a regular basis, from observed holidays, to employee attire and jewelry, to office decorations and foods, and even to informal discussions among colleagues. These expressions of faith can be opportunities to come together, or they can create deep divisions that impact employee satisfaction and retention. This session will consider strategies to promote respectful religious pluralism in the workplace.

*all 2023 session will be held virtually, other than the July Session 

2024 WIN PROGRAM CALENDAR
“Constructive & Inclusive Dialogue”

• Registration Coming Soon. If you are interested in being added to our WIN mailing list, please contact VCIC.

Session 1: February 28, 2024 | Virtual
Tools for Effective Dialogue

Session 2: April 17, 2024 | Virtual
Processing Key Moments

Session 3: Select your in-person session:
June 26, 2024 | In-person (for Richmond area organizations)
July 10, 2024 | In-person (for Hampton Roads area organizations)
Inclusive Facilitation Skills

Session 4: September 24, 2024 | In-Person
Virginia Inclusion Summit

Session 5: November 20, 2024 | Virtual
Building Inclusive Teams