300 Main Street, Suite 200, Dubuque, IA 52001
Mon – Thurs 8 am – 5 pm, Fri 8 am – 12 pm
Join the Dubuque Area Chamber and The Fountain of Youth Program for the S.M.A.R.T. Series (Strengthening Multi-cultural Awareness with Real Talk), a program aimed at empowering businesses through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Discover the missing puzzle piece for an effective business model and unlock the potential of a diverse workforce.
The S.M.A.R.T. Series taks place at the NICC Town Clock Center from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm once a month. The cost is $20 per session, all proceeds go to benefit The Fountain of Youth Program.
Upcoming Dates and Topics
May 7, 2024: Second Chance Hiring | We will be discussing subjects from generational poverty, untapped potential in the workplace, the win/win aspect of second chance hiring, we will be diving into increasing diversity and inclusion through second chance hiring, and the hidden benefits of second chance hiring presented by IowaWorks.
June 4, 2024: Open Hiring: What is Opening Hiring and Should I Consider it | Open hiring is a hiring practice where companies hire employees without consideration of their background. We will discuss what open hiring is from a real-life lens, understanding the benefits and risk, and discuss how this increases diversity within the company.
July 9, 2024: How to Have Difficult Conversations in the Workplace | Talk about facilitating difficult conversations in the workplace whether they’re performance related, delivering bad news, or conflict related. We will discuss effective communication, the right time and place, handling emotions, etc.
August 6, 2024: Creating Inclusive Environments in the Workplace | We will discuss the importance of promoting diversity, actively recruiting those with diverse backgrounds, hold diversity training, encourage open communication, establish inclusive policies, and how you can lead by example.
September 3, 2024: Intentional Inclusion Understanding and Addressing Micro-aggressions in the Workplace | Inclusive Communication Strategies are essential for all employees to feel valued. We will discuss using inclusive language, active listening, encouraging diverse voices, providing feedback using multiple communication channels, using cultural sensitivity, training, and education. Educate and raise awareness about what microaggressions are and how to navigate them promptly and directly. We will provide support that may need to be provided. We will offer resources available to the area.
October 1, 2024: Unconscious Bias | Raising awareness, implementing bias training, using objective criteria, and how you can lead by example to promote a culture of inclusivity. We will discuss how to take proactive steps to have a more inclusive environment.
November 5, 2024: Cross Cultural Training and Inclusive Communications Strategies | We will discuss cultural awareness that would help develop an understanding of other cultures, cultural intelligence, and conflict management that may arise due to cultural differences, and tools to improve communication across culturally diverse teams.
December 3, 2024: Disability Awareness and Diversity Authentic and Workplace Cultures | Discuss disability awareness and why it is important to keep an equitable workplace. Discuss different disabilities to ensure your company is accessible physically and technologically, discuss potential barriers for those with disabilities, discuss the importance of talking about disabilities. We will discuss the importance of authentic workplace culture including values alignment, transparency, open communication, empowerment, autonomy, employee wellbeing, recognition, appreciation, and continuous learning and growth, along with adaptability and resilience.
For more information please contact the Dubuque Area Chamber at 563.557.9200.
