GSBA Inclusion Training

Imagine a workplace where every employee feels seen, heard, and valued for who they are. That's the power of inclusive leadership – and it's within your reach. 

Start Your Journey

What is inclusion training?

GSBA’s expert-led LGBTQ+ focused inclusion training, led by our incandescent Business Training Specialist, River Teslar (she/her), is designed to bring your team together in understanding and empathy. Through thought-provoking sessions full of engaging conversations, we’ll navigate the complexities of gender, pronouns, privilege, and allyship, equipping your employees with the tools and awareness needed to create a culture of belonging. 

But it’s just business. Why does inclusion matter? It’s simple. Businesses that overlook the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion risk more than just falling behind competitors. They risk alienating their most valuable assets: their people. When your employees feel understood and seen for who they are, they’re more engaged, productive, and committed to your organization’s success.

What to expect from our inclusion training sessions

Our inclusion training isn’t your average boring workshop—they’re lively, interactive, and packed with practical insights to help propel your workplace forward.

Whether you join us for a webinar or an in-person session, which can accommodate up to 40 participants, get ready to participate in engaging discussions and interactive activities, and leave your leadership team and employees with actionable inclusion strategies you can implement immediately.

With a variety of comprehensive training modules, there’s something for everyone to learn. Start with our LGBTQ+ 101 module to lay a strong foundation or customize your session to address specific areas of interest. No matter where you are on your inclusion journey, River’s got you covered! So, why wait? Take the first step towards creating a more inclusive workplace today.

START YOUR INCLUSION JOURNEY

Inclusion Training Modules

1. LGBTQ+ 101: GENDER, PRONOUNS & WHAT

60-90mins

Learn the ABCs of gender, sexuality, and pronouns! We’ll discuss the importance of navigating the world empathetically and learn how understanding these diverse identities creates safer and more welcoming work environments. Then, you can take these skills with you and utilize them better to support your friends, family, and community!

2. LGBTQ+ 201: PRIVILEGE & ALLYSHIP

60-90mins

Oppression is a systemic issue that can manifest subtly or violently in our everyday lives. Learn to define and understand various privilege types and how to leverage your own to participate in active allyship. Join us as we dive deep and discuss how to step in for communities that most need it.

3. MICROAGGRESSIONS MACRO IMPACT

60-90mins

Communication is key in an ever-changing world. Relating to each other on an empathetic and human level is pivotal to cultivating long-lasting relationships. Learn how to identify various microaggressions and how commonly perpetuated stereotypes and turns of phrases can be deeply harmful, even when they seem innocuous.

4. CURRENT CLIMATE FOR LGBTQ+ FOLKS

60-90mins

The Supreme Court affirmed marriage equality in 2015, but how does this translate into our community? Bathroom bills never seem to stop trending, and what does gender X even mean? Explore the larger picture of LGBTQ+ issues and where we are going next.

5. INTERSECTIONALITY & WHERE YOU FIT

60-90mins

As we understand intersecting identities, how do we translate that into allowing others to show up as their whole selves in the workplace? Learn to see the bigger picture of how marginalized folks experience oppression and better understand your place in an ever-changing space.

ADD ON: ECONOMICS BEHIND INCLUSION

15mins

We live in a world where people demonstrate their political preferences with the value of their dollar. Why is inclusion important for a company’s sustainability and morale, and does it help in meeting the bottom line? This short module, while not a stand-alone training course, can be added to any other session.

Email River Today!

Ready to start?

CONTACT RIVER TESLAR (SHE/HER), GSBA BUSINESS TRAINING SPECIALIST TODAY!

Are you looking for a customized inclusion training for your organization? Have specific questions about pricing or content? Reach out to River at rivert@thegsba.org to discuss your unique DEI training needs.

 

I'm Ready to book!

Transgender & Non-Binary Affirming Employer Toolkit

GSBA is proud to have partnered with the Transgender Economic Empowerment Coalition (TEEC), a group of local nonprofit organizations who teamed together to increase economic opportunity and access for the trans community in King County, to create the Transgender & Non-Binary Affirming Employer Toolkit. This document provides employers and business leaders with training, policies, recommendations, and tips to create a workplace environment that is empowering and supportive of the needs of trans employees and clients.

Download the Toolkit

Testimonial

“It is with great enthusiasm I recommend River Teslar and the GSBA Business Academy. As part of our trade relationship, River presented to the WTC Seattle membership- along with members of the Seattle business community- about gender pronouns and how to be an ally in the workplace; it was a huge hit! The information was digestible, applicable, and River provided a safe and enjoyable environment for guests to ask questions. We laughed and we cried! We are excited for our next session in 2024.”

Alison Scott, Director of Memberships – World Trade Center Seattle