Decolonizing the Boardroom - Charity Village

The concept of “Decolonizing the Boardroom” involves a critical examination of conventional governance frameworks and an exploration of their historical underpinnings. National

Engaging communities that have historically been marginalized poses a prevalent challenge for numerous organizations. This challenge often stems from the reluctance of a significant portion of these communities to participate. This reluctance is rooted in longstanding disparities and injustices that have become deeply embedded within an organization’s structures due to historical colonial practices.

This process allows us to discern how colonial legacies have significantly influenced these frameworks over time, often sidelining Indigenous perspectives in the decision-making process. Decolonizing the boardroom is an essential endeavour aimed at rectifying these historical wrongs and ensuring that decisions are reached equitably and inclusively.

In this course, we courageously challenge you to reimagine the current colonial systems and structures, and work towards ensuring that all voices are not only heard but genuinely included in their processes.  We encourage you to embark on a profound exploration of why decolonization is essential in the light of equity.   The course equips you with the knowledge, tools, and strategies essential for championing Indigenous perspectives in the boardroom. As Alroy Baker wisely noted, “Indigenous perspective is not just for Indigenous People; it is for everyone because it’s about being a good human.” Throughout this course, you are invited to leave behind the fear of making mistakes, as growth is a journey that welcomes imperfections. We encourage you to adopt a fluid and adaptable approach, recognizing that equity and inclusion are ongoing processes, rather than fixed destinations.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand Indigenous Perspectives

• Situate oneself through Positionality

• Demystify “Decolonization” and the understanding of Indigenization

• Step into the shoes of Indigenous voices in the boardroom

• Understand the dimensions of diversity within Indigenous communities across Canada

To register: Charity Village - DB

DEI Best Practices for Nonprofits - Charity Village

Whether you find yourself in the role of a nonprofit leader, a dedicated community advocate, or standing as a beacon for social advancement, this course is designed to equip you with the foundational knowledge of nonprofit Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) best practices. National

In the constantly evolving and dynamic landscape of nonprofit organizations today, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts have transcended mere trendy catch phrases and diversity statements.

When done properly, DEI efforts provide fundamental elements that are the cornerstone of a brighter, inclusive and more equitable future. This course will empower you to adeptly address the shifting societal complexity and needs.

This course will provide you with the knowledge, insights, and tools necessary to make meaningful changes. Our program serves as your guide to comprehending, implementing, and advocating for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in your nonprofit organization. It represents the solution you’ve been seeking, the “Eureka!” moment that will empower you to lead with assurance.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Gain a solid understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Explore the different dimensions of diversity, seen and unseen.

• Decipher the evolving DEI nomenclature to align with your organization.

• Uncover the key reasons why nonprofits should prioritize DEI.

• Discover the link between morality, ethics, and DEI.

• Learn to create psychologically and physically safe and brave spaces.

• Understand the meaning of cultural competence and its application.

• How to apply the “hope-action theory” framework to your DEI work.

To register: Charity Village - DEPBPN

Diversity, Sensitivity, and Inclusion Training: Promoting Anti-Discrimination and Equity in the Workplace - Charity Village

To successfully deliver on an organization’s mission and work collaboratively in a nonprofit workplace that is truly inclusive, we must be particularly mindful of and sensitive to the people around us. National

It’s critical to have the knowledge and awareness of global, racial, religious, gender, sexual orientation, cultural differences, local diversity, and individual sensitivities so that we can consistently recognize the values and contributions of every human being.

This important goal can only be achieved through a process of deep self-reflection that leads to personal awareness about the way we have been shaped to see both ourselves and others who are different from us.

This interactive and engaging course will educate you about the individual rights and responsibilities we all have when it comes to anti-discrimination, diversity, sensitivity, and inclusion in the workplace and will set the foundation for creating an inclusive, respectful work culture where every person can rise to their potential.

In this course, you will learn to:

• Understand basic human rights of people in the workplace

• Build knowledge of and demonstrate tolerance and respect for diversity at work

• Become self-aware about your perceptions and behaviour toward others

• Use language that is non-discriminatory, inclusive, sensitive, and respectful to everyone

To register: Charity Village - DSIPADEW

Introduction to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion for Nonprofits - Charity Village

This course will introduce you to the elements of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and why they are important to your nonprofit organization, to Canada, and to you as an individual.

Canada’s diversity landscape is changing, and nonprofits need to be prepared to change with it. This course is intended to provide basic knowledge on EDI, its application, and provoke thought.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the growing diversity in the marketplace and its implications for nonprofits

• Understand the reasons why equity, diversity and inclusion are important to nonprofits

• Recognize the challenges faced by diverse groups

• Define key concepts of equity, diversity and inclusion

• Understand the steps in moving EDI forward in the workplace

• Demonstrate your knowledge of key concepts and examples of how they are effectively applied

To register: Charity Village - IEDIN

Introduction to Unconscious Bias - Charity Village

This course explores one of the most pervasive barriers to inclusion in the workplace and society – unconscious bias.

You will examine types of bias and their impacts on experiences in life and the workplace. Bias can not be eliminated but it can be managed, so you will learn to identify strategies to increase awareness and mitigate the impact of bias in the workplace.

We explore the sources and mechanics of bias as well as its impact in the workplace. We then provide participants with various strategies that they can use to increase awareness and mitigate the impact of bias in the workplace.By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Differentiate bias, stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination.

• Evaluate your reliable sources of bias.

• Recognize workplace behaviours and decisions that bias may influence.

• Apply strategies to manage the effects of unconscious bias in the workplace.

• Reflect on your own biases.

To register: Charity Village - IUB

Mini CSS Course - Cultivating Safe Spaces

A perfect starting point for those new to the CSS framework, this introductory mini course covers the basics of emotionally safe spaces. Explore the CSS framework’s Indigenous roots, learn why safety and belonging are critical, and discover your decision-making style using the Four Perspectives Temperament Model.

Who It’s For:
Anyone seeking a quick, accessible introduction to CSS concepts.

To register: CSS – Online Courses

Indigenous Awareness Training – Ben Calf Robe

Awareness training focused on Indigenous culture before and after colonization, residential schools, and the history of Indigenous peoples in Alberta and western Canada. Local

In this training, participants will engage on topics such as:

• Knowledge of pre and post European Contact

• Impact of Residential Schools

• Spiritual Practices

• Significance, Symbolism, and Application of the Medicine Wheel

• Treaties/ Bill C-31

• The history of Indigenous Peoples in Alberta and in Western Provinces

An Indigenous Awareness Certificate will be presented upon completing the course.

There are numerous amenities within walking distance for participants to have lunch at.

The cost of the course is $100.00

To register please call 780-477-6648

To view the training page, click here: Ben Calf Robe - IAT

Talking About the Difficult Parts of Your Child's History - Creating a Family Adoption and Foster Care Education

Learn how to share difficult news with your child.

Should you tell your child that her birth father is in jail or that her birth mother is addicted to drugs, or that she was conceived by rape? If so, how in the world do you share this news. In this course, we talk with Lesli Johnson, an EMDR therapist who specializes in adoption and foster care and an adult adoptee; and Susan Myers, a licensed Master Social Worker with Adoptions from the Heart Adoption Agency.

This course covers the following learning objectives:

• List 3 reasons why parents should tell their adopted or foster child about the hard parts of their story.

• Identify at about what age parents should have shared all the information that they know.

• Explain what a Lifebook is.

• List 2 reasons why parents should not share with others the personal parts of their child's adoption/foster story.

To register: Creating a Family - TADPYCH

Suicide Awareness and Prevention - Creating a Family Adoption and Foster Care Education

In this course we cover the risk factors and warning signs of suicide and what can be done to prevent it.International

The instructor is Dr. Angela Tunno, a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor at Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science. One of her areas of specialty is trauma-informed suicide prevention.

This course covers the following learning objectives:

• List 3 protective factors that caregivers can do to support the youth in their home.

• List 3 ways that caregivers can safeguard their home if they suspect an acute risk for self-harm or suicide.

• Define and provide an example of a precipitant factor.

• List 2 societal inequities that contribute to increased risk for suicide.

• List 3 symptoms of depression.

To register: Creating a Family - SAP

Raising a LGBTQ+ Child or Youth - Creating a Family Adoption and Foster Care Education

Learn how to provide a supportive and nurturing home for 2SLGBTQ+ youth.

There is a huge need for foster and adoptive homes for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in foster care. In this course, Holly Harridan and Dr. Shelly Ronen help caregivers understand how to support and provide nurturing homes for 2SLGBTQ+ children and youth. Holly is a Senior User Experience Researcher at Bloom Works and an applied Anthropologist with a background in queer and feminist studies. She lived with an informal kinship caregiver as a queer youth. Dr. Shelly Ronen is a Senior User Experience Researcher at Bloom Works. She has a PhD is in Sociology, and specializes in gender and sexuality.

This course covers the following learning objectives:

• Explain what it means to be an "affirming" home for 2SLGBTQ+ youth.

• Explain why 2SLGBTQ+ youth are more likely to have a foster placement failure.

• List 3 resources for guidance on how to be affirming of 2SLGBTQ+ youth.

To register: Creating a Family - R2SLGBTQ+CY

Practical Tips for Disciplining While Maintaining Attachment - Creating a Family Adoption and Foster Care Education

In this course we talk with Amanda Purvis, a Training Specialist at the Karyn Purvis Center for Child Development, about practical tips for disciplining while maintaining attachment.

Amanda is a social worker, and a mom of five, some of whom have experienced early life trauma.

This course covers the following learning objectives:

• List 2 reasons why spanking, shaming, and time-outs are not effective disciplinary techniques for children who have experienced trauma.

• Explain what the acronym IDEAL means as far as an approach to disciplining children.

• Identify two reasons to allow children to have a do-over when they have misbehaved.

• List two ways to handle triangulation.

To register: Creating a Family - PTDWMA

Practical Tips for Disciplining Children Who Have Experienced Trauma - Creating a Family Adoption and Foster Care Education

How do you discipline kids who have experienced trauma? We provide 5 tips and then discuss 5 challenging parenting situations.

Our expert is Karen Doyle Buckwalter, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor, and co-author of "Raising the Challenging Child".

This course covers the following learning objectives:

• List 5 tips for addressing challenging parent situations.

• List 3 parenting techniques to help respond to challenging behavior.

• Understand how and why to set realistic expectations of the adopted child.

To register: Creating a Family - PTDCWHET

Practical Solutions to Typical Food Issues - Creating a Family Adoption and Foster Care Education

Learn ways to address food issues that your children may have. International

Food issues are very common with adopted and foster children and are one of the most frequent concerns adoptive and foster parents have. This course will discuss common feeding and food issues, including picky eating and overeating. The instructor will be Dr. Katja Rowell, a family doctor and author of Love Me, Feed Me, 2nd edition and Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating. She has a special interest in supporting foster and adoptive parents.

This course covers the following learning objectives:

• Explain how trauma impacts feeding.

• Explain what is meant by "felt safety."

• List 5 tips for overcoming eating issues with children.

To register: Creating a Family - PSTFI

Parenting Toolkit for Harder to Parent Kids - Creating a Family Adoption and Foster Care Education

In this course, Sarah Naish, the CEO of the Center of Excellence in Child Trauma and founder of the National Association of Therapeutic Parents discusses therapeutic parenting strategies for parenting harder to parent kids.International

She is the author of "The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting" and "The A-Z of Survival Strategies for Therapeutic Parents." She is the adoptive mom to a sibling group of 5 who are now adults and she has fostered over 40 kids.

This course includes the following learning objectives:

• List 5 ways to establish a secure base for our children who have experienced trauma.

• Explain the steps to use when handling an incident in the heat of the moment.

• Explain the use of natural or logical consequences and give two reasons why they are important.

• List 3 other tools for parenting harder to parent kids.

To register: Creating a Family - PTHPK

Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma - Creating a Family Adoption and Foster Care Education

How can we parent our children who have experienced trauma?

How can we discipline them in a way that will help them learn and grow? In this course, The instructor will be Dafna Lender, a LCSW and a certified trainer and supervisor/consultant in both Theraplay and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy. She is also an EMDR therapist. She is the author of Theraplay® – The Practitioner’s Guide and Integrative Attachment Family Therapy: A Clinical Guide to Heal and Strengthen the Parent-Child Relationship.

This course includes the following learning objectives:

• List 3 ways that trauma impacts a child.

• Explain typical coping strategies sen in children who have experienced trauma.

• List 3 ways that parents can help resolve conflicts with children who have experienced trauma.

• Explain how parents can mitigate the impact of trauma on their child.

To register: Creating a Family - PCWHET

How a Parent's History with Attachment and Trauma Impacts Adoption and Fostering - Creating a Family Adoption and Foster Care Education

Learn how a parent’s own experiences with relationships can impact the ones they have with their child.

Have you ever wondered why a specific behavior by your child drives you crazy? What do we as parents bring to the relationship that could be part of the problem? In this course, we talk with Dr. Patrice Berry, a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in adoption and foster care and over 15 years of clinical experience, about how a parent's history with attachment and trauma impacts our parenting.

This course covers the following learning objectives:

• Explain why a parents history of trauma and their attachment style impacts how they parent.

• List the four attachment styles.

• List two ways we can move towards a more secure style of attachment in adulthood.

To register: Creating a Family - HPHATIAF

Helping Internationally Adopted Children Develop a Healthy Cultural & Racial Identity - Creating a Family Adoption and Foster Care Education

In this course, we interview Dr. Hollee McGinnis, an Assistant Professor in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work who focuses on mental health and identity for international adopted people. International

She is also an intercountry adoptee from South Korea. 

This course includes these learning objectives:

• Explain why racial, ethnic, or cultural identification is important for the emotional development of a child adopted internationally.

• Explain what a healthy cultural identity looks like for an internationally adopted child.

• Explain what a healthy racial identity looks like for an internationally adopted child.

• List two tips for parents to help create a healthy racial and cultural identity.

To register: Creating a Family - HIACDHCRI

Helping Adopted Children Heal From Past Trauma and Loss - Creating a Family Adoption and Foster Care Education

In this course we will talk about the impact of trauma and loss on adopted kids and what parents can do to help them heal.

The instructor is Dr. Amanda Baden, a Professor and the Doctoral Program Director at Montclair State University in the graduate counseling program and a licensed psychologist in private practice in Manhattan. She is an adult adoptee from Hong Kong and an adoptive parent of a daughter from China.

This course covers the following learning objectives:

• Explain what trauma is.

• Explain why neglect can be a type of trauma.

• List 3 things adoptive parent can do to help their child heal.

To register: Creating a Family - HACHPTL

Helping Children Heal from Sexual Abuse - Creating a Family Adoption and Foster Care Education

In this course we will cover the long-term impacts of sexual abuse and how to help children heal. International

The instructor will be Dr. Eliana Gil is the founder of the Gill Institute for Trauma Recovery. She specializes in the assessment and treatment of trauma in children, especially those who have been sexually abused. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and a Registered Art Therapist.

Course objectives:

• Describe the types of abuse considered "sexual abuse."

• Describe common behaviors of a child that indicate that child has been sexually abused.

• Describe the safeguards to have in place when accepting placement of a child who may have been sexually abused.

• Describe what parents can do to help children heal from sexual abuse.

To register: Creating a Family - HCHSA

Health, Emotional, and Developmental Issues Common to Children Adopted Internationally - Creating a Family Adoption and Foster Care Education

In this course, we will talk about the process of adoption and the common health, developmental, and emotional issues in children being adopted through intercountry adoption.

The instructor will be Dr. Kimara Gustafson, M.D., M.P.H., an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Medical School, a Faculty Member in the Division of Clinical Behavioral Neuroscience, and a pediatrician at the Adoption Medicine Clinic at the University of Minnesota.

Our second instructor is Dr. Katie Stone, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Pediatrics at The University of Minnesota Medical School. She is part of the Psychology team at the Adoption Medicine Clinic providing expertise on mental and behavioral health, attachment, and social-emotional development. Her Ph.D. is in Clinical Child Psychology.

This course includes the following learning objectives:

• Understand the factors that lead to children around the world to be in state care and to need adoptive families.

• Understand the intercountry adoption process.

• Understand the common emotional, developmental, and health issues for children adopted internationally.

• Understand the common assimilation issues for internationally adopted children.

To register: Creating a Family - HEDICCAI