DEI Certificate Program: Decolonizing Leadership

Ceres Policy Research is partnering with Voice and Vision to create this unique certificate program. Using the “SOCIAL Change” framework developed by Tara Phillips, participants will be led through the theory, practice, and measurement of DEI work.

Program Overview

The “SOCIAL Change” framework developed by Tara Phillips covers six essential components of organizational health. Facilitators from both Voice and Vision and Ceres will guide participants through this framework and then co-develop an organizational assessment tool that will for the basis for a strategic plan.  Class topics include:

  • Introduction. This session covers how inequality is rooted in ideology, institutional structures, interpersonal relationships, and internalized oppression.

  • Understanding self.  This session will guide participants through self reflection exercise about where they fit into their organization.

  • Connecting to others. This session will cover the importance of conflict resolution and shifting power structures.

  • Shifting organizational culture. This session will cover how white supremacy invades every aspect of hiring, retention and promotion.

  • Redesigning institutions. This session will cover how institutions might be redesigned in a way where all employees can thrive.

  • Ensuring accountability. This session will cover how to track DEI outcome measures.

  • Leaving a legacy. This session will cover succession plans.

  • Developing an assessment. In this session, participants will work with Ceres to develop an organizational assessment.

  • Assessing your organization. This session will teach participants how to collect and analyze their assessment data.

  • Sharing findings. In this session, participants will share the preliminary findings from their assessment

  • Identifying priorities. In this session, participants will identify their top priorities for change.

  • Developing a DEI strategic plan for your board and funders. In this session, participants will present a powerpoint with their DEI strategic plan.

  • Participants will leave the class with the following:

    • 48 hours of instruction

    • 24 hours of individualized assignment review

    • 14 hours of office hours and coaching

    • A checklist for effective job postings and outreach.

    • A model applicant review matrix.

    • A model personnel review matrix.

    • A checklist for an affirming organizational culture that supports staff retention.

    • A model salary and promotion ladder.

    • An organizational assessment that can be completed annually to track progress.

    • A strategic plan to decolonize leadership that participants can share with their boards and funders.

    • A certificate from the Ceres Institute

  • This class is taught in two formats. The first is an intensive three month class that combines online sessions with an intensive 7-day course in Portugal each summer. The second format is an online seven-month class from September through March each year. Click on the “Apply” button above to contact the Institute staff. We will set up a call to answer questions and explain the application process.