This program is one of the most impactful weekends of my life and I feel like it opens your eyes to a different way of thinking about the problems society and ourselves make unconsciously.
-Omaha North Student
As our community grows increasingly diverse and complex, there perhaps has never been a stronger need for programs and initiatives which promote tolerance, respect and inclusion through education and advocacy.
Inclusive Communities works with schools, businesses and throughout the community. We have a continuum of services to meet the needs of youth and adults. There are both positive and challenging aspects to living in a demographically changing global community. While diversity can enrich and strengthen an environment, it can also lead to exclusive and hurtful behaviors stemming from a lack of knowledge, along with negative bias, stereotypes and intolerance. We frequently collaborate with other organizations to meet critical social justice and human relations needs. Our programming builds leadership skills and strengthens our community. If you are interested in participating in our programming or collaborating with us, please contact Cammy Watkins at cammy@inclusive-communities.org.
Community & Business Programs
It has been Inclusive Communities’ long-held belief that organizations which embrace diversity – people from many different background – will benefit in multiple ways. Yet, we also acknowledge the impact of diversity is paradoxical. While diversity offers great benefits, a workforce representative of many backgrounds also presents challenges. Lack of knowledge and sensitivity, experience with and awareness of different values, attitudes, beliefs and traditions can lead to misunderstanding and tension among various groups.
However, rather than viewing these challenges as obstacles, Inclusive Communities seizes them as opportunities to strengthen our community through well-researched programs designed to examine and break down the stereotypes, myths and barriers among the divides of race, faith, gender and other diversities – a critical first step in the blueprint for building an inclusive workplace culture that reflects mutual trust, acceptance and respect of all its employees.
If you are interested in our adult programs, please view our Business Programming Brochure and/or contact Business Development Manager, Tena Hahn Rodriguez or call 402-391-4460.
Transformational Leadership Program - Partnership with Bellevue University
The Transformational Leadership program is a new virtual workshop series 
to train leaders in diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is developed and facilitated in partnership with Bellevue University.
It consists five 4-hour workshops running from July to November 2020, and covering a range of topics such as:
- Identity and authenticity
- Why and how diversity contributes significantly and powerfully to business results
- Coaching for performance and powerful communication
- Retention and talent strategy
- Operationalizing the value of diversity in the workforce
Costs: $799 for employees of non-profit organizations and members of CODE Omaha
$1,199 for employees of for-profit organizations and non-members
Select scholarship opportunities available based on financial need. Email Bellevue University for details
Application Deadline – July 16, 2020. Apply Today!
Youth Programs
As our community grows increasingly diverse and complex, so too, does the need for programs and initiatives which educate and promote respect and inclusion. Younger generations are especially vulnerable to fear and uncertainty and require strong role models and guidance as they work to understand human relations issues and discover their role and responsibilities in the classroom, community and workplace.
Through the examination and sharing of personal values, traditions and beliefs, Inclusive Communities’ youth participants begin to develop a healthy social balance as they learn about themselves and each other while developing strong self-esteem and group worth. With a deeper understanding and heightened awareness of issues of difference (i.e. race, culture, faith, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation and class), along with a new set of skills and confidence, participants are better able to identify and confront the biases and prejudices that may emerge in their student, personal and professional lives.
This process of social capital development allows youth to become informed leaders with a better understanding of collaboration and effective dialogue, critical to assessing community needs and capacities, and deciding jointly on actions that may solve identified problems.
If you are interested in our youth programs, please contact Continuity and Sustainability Manager, Robbie Summers at Robbie@inclusive-communities.org or call 402-391-4460.
Advocacy
Inclusive Communities believes in the rights of all people, not just some people. We currently collaborate with organizations & coalitions who are targeting legislation around: equal employment, voter identification, anti-bias, equal access to services and so much more. If you are interested in our advocacy work, please contact Maggie Wood at Maggie@inclusive-communities.org
