Online Training Course Offers Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit for North Country Businesses
In a significant move to foster inclusivity in the Adirondack North Country, the Adirondack Diversity Initiative (ADI) has launched a groundbreaking online course titled the “Welcoming and Belonging Micro-credential.” This initiative, developed over four years with community feedback, targets local businesses and nonprofits, aiming to create more inclusive environments and attract a diverse clientele.
A Community-Driven Initiative
The North Country Community College hosts this innovative course, structured into five self-paced modules. Its curriculum emphasizes practical skills such as nonviolent communication and root cause problem-solving to help businesses build trust with diverse employees and customers. The course design reflects ADI’s commitment to addressing disparities in the Adirondacks, where over 90% of visitors are white, as reported by a regional leisure travel study.
Tiffany Rea-Fisher, Director of ADI, underscores the importance of this program: “We want local businesses to be able to attract and cater to a broader audience, especially from urban New York areas. This program is not a mere checklist but an ongoing journey toward inclusivity.”
Empowering Local Businesses
With a course fee of $360, ADI has committed to making this resource accessible, offering discounts when cost impedes participation. Additionally, members of the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce completing the course by 2025 are eligible for partial reimbursement, highlighting the community’s investment in fostering equitable business practices.
Josef Smith, a local business owner who participated in the pilot program, shares his experience: “This course challenged us to rethink our approach. It’s provided valuable tools to engage with a wider community, reflecting the diversity of our state.”
The Local Impact of Inclusive Practices
The introduction of the “Welcoming and Belonging Micro-credential” has potential implications for the region, particularly in attracting a more varied demographic to the Adirondacks. By elevating the level of hospitality and inclusiveness, businesses can expect changes in customer demographics and possibly in sales, directly tying inclusivity to economic benefit.
Samantha Doe, who runs a local café, notes the tangible changes since she adopted the program’s principles. “We’ve already seen a more diverse customer base. It’s not just good ethics; it’s good business,” she remarks.
Connection to Ongoing Local Development
This initiative is aligned with other regional advancements, such as the rise of the Adirondacks as a sought-after ice climbing destination, spotlighting the area’s potential to draw a wider array of visitors should inclusivity become a norm. Furthermore, the program reflects a broader trend toward community inclusivity seen in other trials, like those aiming for state prison reforms discussed recently in the region.
Looking Ahead: Future Implications
The ADI plans to engage with course participants in follow-up communications to assess changes. They aim to collect data on sales and demographic shifts in clientele, using this feedback to refine future offerings. “It’s all about continuously improving,” says Rea-Fisher, “and we believe this program can serve as a model for other regions.”
However, as with any initiative, challenges remain. Some community members question the program’s ability to address deep-seated issues effectively. Balancing enthusiasm is the need for comprehensive, measurable outcomes that demonstrate the return on investment for participating businesses and the broader community.
Encouraging Community Contribution
As the North Country Public Radio (NCPR) backs stories like this that shape regional discourse, it emphasizes the necessity of public support to sustain such initiatives. Highlighting the critical role of donations, NCPR urges community involvement to ensure continued reporting and the fostering of community interest stories.
In conclusion, the “Welcoming and Belonging Micro-credential” represents a pivotal step toward inclusivity and economic growth in the North Country. Through collaboration and genuine commitment to diversity, the businesses of the Adirondacks can flourish—bringing new opportunities for prosperity to the community.
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For more information or to enroll in the course, interested parties can visit the North Country Community College’s website. Residents are urged to engage with these resources, paving the path toward a flourishing local economy that mirrors the diverse fabric of New York.
