Workshops
The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion hosts a variety of workshops for the Western community. These workshops aim to deepen awareness within the community, equipping students, alumni, staff and faculty with vital tools to actively practice allyship and understand the core values of equity, diversity and inclusion.
Please note: To fulfill the workshop requirement when no workshops are scheduled, you may apply an educational event to our EDI Certificate Programs. We host educational events for the Western community throughout the year. To learn more, please visit our events webpage.
We will offer more workshops in Winter 2026. Please stay tuned to this page and to our social media for the latest information.
Workshop Offerings 2025:
Inclusion is a Verb: From Intention to Impact (Employee Workshop)
Wednesday, October 15, noon to 1:30 p.m.
This interactive workshop explores what it means to actively practice inclusion in everyday interactions. Grounded in the principles of psychological safety, participants will examine the small yet powerful behaviours that create a sense of belonging and trust in teams, classrooms, and communities. Whether you are a leader, educator or team member, this session offers tools to shift inclusion from a concept to a consistent, lived experience.
This workshop will take place in person. The location will be provided closer to the day.
Inclusion is a Verb: From Intention to Impact (Student Workshop)
Wednesday, October 22, noon to 1:30 p.m.
This interactive workshop explores what it means to actively practice inclusion in everyday interactions. Grounded in the principles of psychological safety, participants will examine the small yet powerful behaviours that create a sense of belonging and trust in teams, classrooms, and communities. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, this session offers tools to shift inclusion from a concept to a consistent, lived experience.
This workshop will take place in person. The location will be provided closer to the day.
Charting the Course: A Compass for Courageous Conversations (Student Webinar)
Wednesday, November 19, noon to 1 p.m.
Navigating conversations about race, identity, power and equity can be complex—but with the right tools, they can also be transformative. This workshop introduces the Courageous Conversations Compass, a powerful framework developed by Glenn Singleton that helps individuals and groups engage in deeper, more authentic dialogue across lines of difference. This workshop is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students who are committed to fostering more inclusive, reflective and equity-centred environments.
This workshop will take place online. The link will be provided closer to the day.
Charting the Course: A Compass for Courageous Conversations (Employee Webinar)
Wednesday, November 26, noon to 1 p.m.
Navigating conversations about race, identity, power and equity can be complex—but with the right tools, they can also be transformative. This workshop introduces the Courageous Conversations Compass, a powerful framework developed by Glenn Singleton that helps individuals and groups engage in deeper, more authentic dialogue across lines of difference. This workshop is ideal for educators, facilitators, team leads and anyone committed to fostering more inclusive, reflective and equity-centred environments.
This workshop will take place online. The link will be provided closer to the day.
EDIDA Strategic Planning Workshops
Using our EDIDA Strategic Plan Companion Guide, this engaging and collaborative workshop will help participants review the guide and understand how to help their committee move forward with planning and action items. Let's work together to create a more inclusive and equitable environment at Western where everyone feels empowered to achieve their full potential.
Who Should Attend: Members of EDIDA Strategic Planning Committees on our campus, faculty, staff, students, and leaders committed to advancing EDIDA principles.
Stay tuned for the next offering of this workshop.
Power and Privilege as Agents of Change
Registration is required as capacity is limited. Attending this workshop will count towards the completion of an EDIDA Certificate Program.
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to critically examine your positionality and privilege, identify the dynamics of power within organizations, and learn how to leverage your privilege to foster more inclusive and equitable spaces.
Stay tuned for the next offering of this workshop.
The Power of Inclusive Language
Registration is required as capacity is limited. Attending this workshop will count towards the completion of an EDIDA Certificate Program.
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to understand the core principles of inclusive language, explore its benefits in promoting equity and respect, and learn how to apply inclusive language in your daily interactions. Through practical examples and guided discussions, you will gain the tools to communicate more inclusively, fostering a sense of belonging in both personal and professional settings.
Stay tuned for the next offering of this workshop.
Bridging Divides: Fostering Courageous and Respectful Conversations
Registration is required as capacity is limited. Attending this workshop will count towards the completion of an EDIDA Certificate Program.
Effective communication is at the heart of inclusive and respectful environments. This workshop explores strategies for engaging in courageous conversations while fostering mutual understanding and respect. Attendees will build confidence in navigating difficult conversations while maintaining respect and empathy.
Stay tuned for the next offering of this workshop.
Sharing Islam
Registration is required as capacity is limited. Attending this workshop will count towards the completion of an EDIDA Certificate Program.
Join Shahin Pardhan for a thoughtful session on the elements of the Islamic faith that may impact the experiences of Muslim students and colleagues at university and in the workplace. Topics will include prayer, fasting, pilgrimages, dress, holidays, dietary guidelines, and investment rules, all aimed at fostering awareness and understanding. The interactive presentation will also share personal stories of microaggressions and experiences with Islamophobia, with the goal of promoting a more inclusive environment.
Stay tuned for the next offering of this workshop.
Unpacking and Addressing Microaggressions
Registration is required as capacity is limited. Attending this workshop will count towards the completion of an EDIDA Certificate Program.
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to recognize microaggressions and gain a deeper understanding of their harmful effects on equity-deserving communities. You will also engage in practical exercises to develop strategies for addressing and disrupting these microaggressions in meaningful ways.
Stay tuned for the next offering of this workshop.