Programs | Inclusive Communities

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.

LeadDIVERSITY

LeadDIVERSITY is a program of Inclusive Communities in partnership with OPPD, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and The Business Ethics Alliance. This year long program is designed to build a network of leaders dedicated to creating localized solutions to diversity and inclusion opportunities in Nebraska. During this program, leaders will engage in topics that will leave them well versed and experienced in anticipating diversity and inclusion needs in the workplace as well as the community.

LeadDIVERSITY participants (referred to as Advocates) receive exceptional skills training to move Nebraska workplaces and communities forward. They will work together on a diversity, equity and inclusion focused service project highlighting the imperative nature of implementing serious social change.

LeadDIVERSITY will redefine leadership both for the individuals who participate and the organizations and business they represent.

Learn More or Apply Online

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 contact Program Partner, Tena Hahn Rodriguez or call 402-391-4460.

Complete an application here!

Volunteer Program

Inclusive Communities’ Volunteer Program envisions a trained volunteer taskforce, able to provide comprehensive programming support, impactful experiences for participants, and assist in strengthening society through diversity, inclusion, respect and justice for all people.

As a 501(c)3, Inclusive Communities utilizes the generosity of volunteers to execute large scale programming including IncluCity Leadership Residential Program, Omaha Table Talk, and community engagements. Our unpaid, trained, social justice advocates are able to provide impactful and comprehensive programmatic support under the guidance of knowledgeable staff members.

Inclusive Communities values the ongoing services of our dedicated volunteers. Last year, more than 100 individuals helped us bring educational programs to over 5200 members of the community. We are always looking for committed and motivated individuals who would like to donate their time, energy, talents, or passions. Volunteers are responsible for supporting programming, facilitating conversations, providing administrative support in our office, and helping us bolster the mission of Inclusive Communities. Whether you have one hour a month or 81 hours to volunteer, we have opportunities for you!

Tena@inclusive-communities.org or 402-391-4460.

Omaha Table Talk

Omaha Table Talk is one of the first local human-relations programs to provide facilitated and structured, but informal gatherings of people of different ethnicities and cultures throughout our community, engaging in conversations about diversity & inclusion over dinner. Each month different themes and topics are highlighted for discussion. Such facilitated discussions lead to an understanding of differences and greater respect to help eliminate prejudice and inequities in our community. For more information, contact Kat MacHolmes at Katherine@inclusive-communities.org.

Monthly Omaha Table Talk Series & Schedule
Click to Download

Creating Inclusive Communities (CIC)

C.I.C. workshops are available in 90 minute to half or full day formats and designed for all ages and sectors of our community.

Current Clients and Partners include: Mutual of Omaha, Women’s Fund, FilmStreams, University of Nebraska (Kearney, Lincoln and Omaha), UNMC, ConAgra, Omaha Girls Rock, Nebraska Appleseed, City of Omaha Planning Department, City of Lincoln Commission on Human Rights, Cedars, Nebraska Offices of Probation and Courts Administration, Nebraska Alliance of Child Advocacy Centers, Benson High School, Blackburn High School, Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska, Bryan High School, College of Saint Mary, Creighton Preparatory Academy, Marian High School, Doane University, North High School, Northwest High School, Ralston High School, Lewis and Clark Middle School, Collective for Youth, Youth Leadership Council Bluffs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Greater Omaha Chamber, Joslyn Art Museum, Opera Omaha, Omaha Performing Arts, Durham Museum, Iowa State University, Bellevue Housing Authority, OPPD, Metro Community College and others.

Customized Business Solutions

If you have a customized need for training or facilitation in your business related to diversity, equity, inclusion, language, or cultural competence, please contact Tena Hahn Rodriguez at Tena@inclusive-communities.org or look through our Custom Diversity & Inclusion Business Solutions page.

Workshops and trainings can vary from 1-hour lunch & learns and community building, to full-day seminars and weekend retreats. All workshops and trainings come with free consultations to assist us in customizing solutions that fit your organization’s needs.

Check out our available Workplace Programs and partnerships!

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!

Download Flyer

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.

Volunteer for Event Sign-up

IncluCity Middle

IncluCity Middle is a year-long human relations, diversity awareness and leadership development program for middle school students designed to help them understand their role and responsibility in creating a school culture where all students can learn, work and play in peace and mutual respect.

Through a carefully planned curriculum, students and staff gain new insights, increased awareness and deeper understanding around issues such as appearance, class, race, faith, ability, and other diversities. Through a mixture of staff development trainings, experiential student leadership workshops, classroom dialogues and school-wide interactive educational campaigns, participants are challenged to leave their “comfort zone” and are empowered to become positive role models and future leaders.

For more information, please contact Robbie Summers at Robbie@inclusive-communities.org or 402.391.4460 x3.

Volunteer for Event Sign-up

IncluCity

IncluCity is a four-day, residential leadership and skill building experience that brings together a diverse group of 75 high school student delegates representing 3 to 5 schools at a time. With the guidance of a well-trained volunteer staff, IncluCity delegates learn skills to confront and challenge prejudice, bias and stereotypes and discover new ways to become allies for one another.

The program also works to reduce acts of school violence and bullying by challenging the assumptions, attitudes and beliefs around issues of difference (appearance, gender, race, faith, sexual orientation, ability, etc.) Along with students, two faculty members from each participating school are selected to take part as advisory staff in the program to further support delegates as they return to their schools and take personal responsibility in creating safe, welcoming and respectful communities.

The 2019-2020 IncluCity schedule is:

– October 18 – 21, 2019
– December 6-9, 2019
– January 24 – 27, 2020
– March 27-30, 2020

For more information about participating in IncluCity or purchasing the IncluCity Programming Package, please contact Robbie Summers at robbie@inclusive-communities.org or 402.391.4460.

Creating Inclusive Communities (CIC)

C.I.C. is a powerful interactive human relations program for students, educators, business professionals and members of the community interested in gaining a greater awareness and deeper understanding of our demographically changing community. Participants examine personal and societal stereotypes, biases and prejudices and gain the knowledge and skills to forge meaningful intergroup relationships.

C.I.C. workshops are available in half, full or multi-day formats and designed for all ages and sectors of our community.

Clients and Partners: Avenue Scholars Foundation, Benson High School, Beveridge Middle School, Blackburn High School, Bryan High School, Building Bright Futures, Burke High School, Central High School, Child Saving Institute, College of Saint Mary, Duschene Academy, Elkhorn High School, First National Bank, Middle School Learning Center Initiative, Millard North High School, North High School, Northwest High School, Neighborhood Center, Omaha Community Foundation, Doane University, South High School, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Westside High School, Westside Middle School.

For more information, please contact Robbie at robbie@inclusive-communities.org or 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