racial equity social learning

racial equity social learning

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I consulted with a large non-profit organization to transform in-person learning programs into an online social learning platform experience for its new and existing staff. The platform aimed to align the whole organization around its philosophy on racial equity and racial healing.

Challenge

The organization faced several challenges in getting all the staff aligned. 

  1. The organization has a unique and complex mission of advancing racial equity and racial healing, developing leaders, and engaging communities, which requires a deep understanding and commitment from the staff. 
  2. The organization operates in a diverse and dynamic context, where racism and its effects were pervasive and persistent, and where community engagement is essential for creating meaningful and enduring change. 
  3. The organization has limited resources and time to provide face-to-face or cohort-based training for its staff.

Solution

I developed an online self-paced learning program that consisted of the following components:

  • A simplified framework for racial equity and racial healing: This was a framework that emerged from the engagement, wisdom, and contributions of 176 community leaders from throughout the United States. The framework defined the key concepts and principles of racial equity and racial healing and provided a guide for how to apply them in the organization and in the communities.
  • A social learning platform: This used learning models that allowed the staff to access and complete the program at their own pace and convenience, while also learning from each other in a social learning environment.

My Role

I was responsible for the following roles:

  • Video Editor: I edited large videos into smaller modules for more application and reflection by the learners.
  • Learning Design Consultant: I designed the style guides, content blueprints, and new practice and application activities that would replace traditional assessment tools.
  • Learning Strategist: I suggested tools, methods, and content strategies for delivering the program to optimize learner experience and satisfaction on the social learning platform.
  • Platform Expert: I configured and customized the platform to support the self-paced social learning model, and integrated various tools such as discussion prompts, knowledge management resourcing, and creative assignment submissions.
  • Project Manager: I managed the project scope, timeline, budget, and resources, and coordinated with stakeholders, instructors, and technology teams.

Impact

  • Aligns the organization around its philosophy on racial equity and racial healing and creates a common language and understanding for the staff.
  • Increases the awareness, knowledge, and skills of the staff on racial equity and racial healing, leadership development, and community engagement, and prepares them for their roles and responsibilities in the organization and in the communities.
  • Improves the consistency, quality, and efficiency of the onboarding process for the new staff, and reduces the time and cost of providing face-to-face or cohort-based training.
  • Enhances the culture and reputation of the organization as an effective anti-racist organization that promotes racial equity and racial healing in its work and in its partnerships.