
Virtual ERG Leader Development Program 2021
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
FLOURISH is an entirely new four-session virtual program that will develop the skills required for LGBTQ2+ Employee Resource Group (ERG*) leaders to be effective and successful in their roles. Those who lead LGBTQ2+ ERGs have an enormous opportunity to create change for queer and trans employees. They also face very specific challenges in Canadian workplaces. While session content will touch on the mechanics of ERGs, the primary focus of FLOURISH will be developing individual competency in four areas:
- Domestic and international LGBTQ2+ economic issues
- Building business cases and generating buy-in for LGBTQ2+ inclusion
- Principles of governance and volunteer management
- Providing peer support to LGBTQ2+ people and their allies
- Through live Zoom sessions, virtual learning modules and self-directed work, our inaugural FLOURISH cohort will collectively unlock their potential as ERG leaders.
“This is not ERG 101, folks. There are lots of great general resources about what an effective ERG looks like. With this program, we’re taking aim at the courageous and committed people who want to lead their company’s LGBTQ2+ ERG with authenticity and intention. When our leaders succeed, our ERGs succeed.”
Colin Druhan, Executive Director, Pride at Work Canada
We are considering “ERG” to mean all kinds of internal groups: ERGs, Business Resource Groups, internal committees, working groups, etc.
COVID-19
The health and safety of our network are our top priority. Pride at Work Canada’s programming will be entirely digital through the 2021 calendar year. This includes all FLOURISH sessions.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
To support a positive learning environment and peer-to-peer learning the inaugural cohort of FLOURISH will be limited. The application process opens on August 26. The deadline for applications is September 24. Those selected for the inaugural cohort will pay a participation fee, due upon acceptance.
- Fee for employees of Pride at Work Canada’s Proud Partners: $1,000
- Fee for employees of other organizations: $1,500
WHO SHOULD APPLY
The primary goal of FLOURISH is to develop the specific skills required of LGBTQ2+ ERG leaders to succeed. Those who will receive the most benefit from attending will fit the following profile:
- Employed by a medium-to-large organization in Canada
- Currently leading an LGBTQ2+ Employee Resource Group OR…
- A member of an LGBTQ2+ Employee Resource Group, with leadership aspirations
Please note that FLOURISH is NOT a program about how to start or build an ERG.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
- Tuesday, October 12, from 6 pm to 8:30 pm EDT – Community Understanding
- Tuesday, October 26, from 6 pm to 8:30 pm EDT – Building Business Cases
- Tuesday, November 9, from 6 pm to 8:30 pm EST – Governance and Volunteer Management
- Tuesday, November 23, from 6 pm to 8:30 pm EST – Principles of Peer Support
Alternating weeks will feature guided study groups and supporting material for you to take back to your ERG on the following topics: Engaging Your Membership and Your Executive Sponsor, Leading Effective Meetings, Events Hosting, and Best Practices and Trends. We will close the program with a special bonus Braindate networking event* to facilitate ongoing relationships with fellow ERG leaders.
*Info from a past Braindate session to explain how this networking event works.
LEAD SPONSOR
EVENT SPONSOR
FAQ
Because the format of FLOURISH 2021 differs from conferences past, here are some questions you might be asking yourself when considering whether or not FLOURISH 2021 is right for you and associated answers:
APPLICATION
To support a positive learning experience the number of participants in FLOURISH 2021 will be limited. Please provide us with some information about who you are and why you’d like to participate. We’ll use this information to determine a FLOURISH 2021 cohort that represents the broad diversity of both the communities we serve and Canadian workplaces.
All submissions are private and confidential, reviewed only by Pride at Work Canada staff. If you would prefer to submit your application via email or other method please let us know by contacting our team at info@prideatwork.ca.
The deadline for applications is September 24, 2021.