THE LEARNING INSTITUTE AT THE CENTER
Cultural competency, as defined by the National Center for Cultural Competence, “is having the capacity to value diversity, conduct self-assessment, manage the dynamics of difference, acquire and institutionalize cultural knowledge, and adapt to diversity and the cultural contexts of communities they serve.”
The Learning Institute offers a variety of professional development educational lessons that help bring a better understanding of the LGBTQ community to the workplace. Each training lesson is an hour in length and designed to build off of each other which makes them ideal for ongoing learning.
Contact Gulnar Feerasta at [email protected] or 216.651.5428 to reserve training today and check out our demo video above.
By attending a training, participants are presented with information that provides a fundamental understanding of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender community. Part of this understanding is also raising awareness of the issues that affect those that identify as part of the larger LGBT community. This awareness should translate into increasing sensitivity and efficacy in working with a vulnerable population. Upon completion, the individual will be well-equipped to be a support to a member of the LGBTQ community. The aim of the program is to accomplish the following objectives;
INCREASE KNOWLEDGE
Professionals will gain valuable information on the LGBTQ community, including; who the members of this population are; how this population is affected by various systems; appropriate terms and general cultural competency; and an understanding of the various problems they face and the strengths they use to face them.
RAISE AWARENESS
In order to effectively implement change, participants should self-reflect on their own pre-existing knowledge, experiences, and biases. This primarily should center on the pertinent risk factors of working with a vulnerable population and how that may guide their own actions, as well as how they view the individuals they interact with.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Participation will not only encourage insight into personal experiences with the LGBTQ community, but also an exploration into potential pre-existing stereotypes and assumptions. By gaining a deeper awareness of personal ideas and biases related to LGBTQ community members, the individual can work to eliminate or compartmentalize these thought patterns and provide more quality services to their consumers.
BUILDING ALLY SKILLS
Each individual will leave with a general understanding and skills to turn their work environment into a place that is safe and inclusive for the population at large. Additionally, professionals stand to gain an increased comfort level in addressing concepts and language regarding LGBTQ communities as well as the services and organizations that support them. Attendance will ensure that the participant is more capable to not only provide direct service to members of the LGBT community, but to act as an ally in their work environments and the communities that they exist in.
COURSE OFFERINGS
These courses begin with the LGBTQ 101: Allyship lesson. This training covers introductory level topics of the community. It is an ideal way to gain foundation building knowledge of the LGBTQ community through understanding terminology and definitions, and the importance of gender pronouns. Participants will learn about supporting LGBTQ folks through allyship.
Once the foundational LGBTQ 101: Allyship lesson is completed, participants can build up their knowledge base be adding additional courses. This listing of courses includes:
LGBTQ 101: Allyship
Allyship is the practice of emphasizing social justice, inclusion, and human rights by members of an ingroup, to advance the interests of an oppressed or marginalized outgroup. Allyship is part of the anti-oppression or anti-racist conversation, which puts into use social justice theories and ideals.
This training covers introductory level topics of the community. It is an ideal way to gain knowledge of the LGBTQ community through understanding terminology and definitions, and the importance of gender pronouns. Participants will learn about supporting LGBTQ folks through allyship.
LGBTQ 101: Service Providers
LGBTQ people face unique stressors that can contribute to poor health outcomes. Additionally, experiences of discrimination discourage many from seeking care, which can contribute to the development of preventable conditions. Even though certain providers are willing to treat LGBTQ patients, few have formal training in addressing the needs of this vulnerable population. Professionals trained in LGBTQ sensitivity stand out to LGBT people and are likely to see improved patient/client satisfaction.
This is where the LGBTQ 101 for Service Providers comes in! This hour long lesson delves into the impact that discrimination plays in the lives of the LGBTQ community by looking at health disparities and other barriers that negatively affect the community as well as looking at ways to address microaggressions.
LGBTQ 101: Educators
Bullying, harassment, and violence are not conducive to a learning environment. Yet a majority of LGBTQ youths face this, including at the hands of teachers and staff. Sensitivity training prepares
educators to address the needs of LGBTQ individuals, creating a space where students can thrive academically and socially.
This lesson delves into the impact that discrimination plays in the lives of LGBTQ youth by looking at family rejection and other barriers as well as looking at ways to address microaggressions
LGBTQ 101: Employers
(This is not going to be available at the time of the launch, although it is part of phase I roll out. Additional info to come…)
Employers have a responsibility to protect the rights of workers. LGBTQ people who face discrimination in the workplace have difficulty concentrating and may end up leaving their jobs. Sensitivity training benefits both businesses and their employees, fostering stronger relationships within the workplace.
The LGBTQ 101: Employers lesson delves into the impact that discrimination plays in the lives of the LGBTQ community by looking at workplace policies and other potential barriers as well as looking at ways to address microaggressions.
