Online Group Course

*** TUITION WILL BE PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN TO OFFSET THE IMPACT OF TARIFFS, DEFUNDING AND INCREASED PRICES! ***

How do we steer forward diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work in this era defined by democracy-destroying political divisions, massive wealth gaps and a climate tipping point where gaps in access and opportunity are only widening? How do we continue our efforts when human rights and justice work are under attack on a scale we’ve not seen in generations?  How do we create more inclusion when disagreements are seen as dangerous?

While incredibly challenging, this chaotic time is also an opportunity to rethink how we do DEI work, holding onto what is effective and letting go of what is not.  We are being called into a new kind of bridge-building leadership where strategy and discernment matter as much as care and compassion. The new Anima Summer Institute (ASI) will offer just this: a framework of the kind of leadership required now and the path forward for the future, gathered through our research collaborations and work with clients over the last two decades.    

We will identify the two main strategies that have traditionally resulted in poor DEI results: the “performative”, check-the-box approach and the “righteous”, shame-and-blame one. Neither approach is based on helping people or organizations learn and take the necessary steps forward. Instead, at the ASI we will introduce a new framework for DEI work called Just Compassion, an approach based on kindness and justice, fairness and forgiveness to support DEI and justice in whatever context you’re in. This approach is one developed through a year-long conversation with social justice leaders from Canada and the US. 

Whether you are a veteran DEI professional or new to the field, you are invited to join these rich discussions and curriculum at the ASI 2025 virtual gathering, where we will explore: 

• How to politic-proof your DEI strategy so it is impactful and sustainable; 
• How to create leadership buy-in using a systems-thinking approach to DEI with proven, data-backed strategies;
• How to manage stress and anxiety on work teams from the ongoing political chaos and uncertainty; 
• How leaders can respond when global crises impact employees, spilling into the organization;
• How to be a non-polarized leader, avoiding binary choices or the false trap of “neutrality” in order to lead during a politically divisive era; 
• The need for psychological safety on work teams rather than “safe space”;
• What bridge-building leadership skills look like in a polarized context.

There will also be a high-level review of key concepts from the award-winning Deep Diversity® training that is essential in helping leaders understand how systemic discrimination threatens fairness and morale in both overt and subtle ways.  This trauma-informed training process has been helping leaders develop key knowledge and skills to support workplace inclusion and equity, as outlined in Shakil Choudhury’s book, Deep Diversity: A Compassionate, Scientific Approach to Racial Justice. To cover this ambitious curriculum, there is an expectation for pre-work, which will be outlined in post-registration emails.

As part of Anima Leadership’s commitment to support community and accessibility, the tuition for the ASI will be PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN , to help both organizations and individuals offset the impact of tariffs, defunding and increased prices! 

The Anima Summer Institute 2025 will be an outstanding opportunity to gather and network with like-minded leaders across Canada and the US. You will leave feeling rejuvenated while also having developed a special set of organizational leadership skills using systems thinking to navigate uncertain times, helping nurture an inclusive and democratic future for all.  Your voice and your work are essential, and we look forward to you joining us.

“In the darkest times, the most luminous souls arise!”– Imam Timothy Gianotti

Dates/Time: August 19, 20, 21 + 22, 2025 | Noon-4pm EST
Format: Four interactive modules each including a live webinar and pre-online video content
Length: Each webinar = 3 hours and pre-online video = 1 hour
Cost: Pay What You Can