Beyond Diversity 101 Train the Trainer Program

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

In the Fall of 2022, Washington County solicited applications for internal trainers to facilitate a three-hour DEI Foundational Training for all county employees titled Beyond Diversity 101: Micro-inequities, Implicit Bias, and Moving toward Equity. The county’s goals in deciding to enlist internal trainers was to build experience and depth for employees committed to the DEI vision in a visible DEI leadership role and mentor DEI champions in each department, shifting organization culture in positive directions. The 20 selected trainers participated in a Train-the-Trainer course in November 2022 to learn the material and hone facilitation skills. In pairs, the trainers began to co-present the new DEI Training to fellow employees 1-2 times a month over the next 16 months. The goal is to have 100% of county staff complete training. As of March 2023, 13 trainings have been held with almost 300 total participants. Train-the-Trainer programs empower staff to be allies and advance the County’s DEI efforts by making training more relatable & effective.