As many nonprofit organizations face increasing pressures—financial challenges, public accountability, workforce shortages—there is growing concern about the future of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) efforts. Instead of advancing meaningful change, some organizations may revert to old practices or resist ongoing DEIB work, compromising the progress made toward inclusivity and equity. Whether caused by internal or external factors (or just plain apathy), we must come together to help preserve the important advances made.

This five-session cohort is designed to help nonprofit leaders and DEIB advocates identify and address pushback against DEIB initiatives. Through shared learning and collaborative dialogue, participants will explore the current landscape of DEIB in nonprofits, understand the pressures that prevent continued progress, and develop strategies to sustain momentum in their organizations.

Space is limited. Interested participants must register by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 11.

Cohort Guidelines:

• This cohort is limited to 15 individuals with no more than two representatives from one organization.
• Participants make a commitment to attend all sessions so we can collectively work together and build a network of support. 
• Conversations will be held as confidential to allow for depth and breadth of exploration. Cohort sessions will not be recorded.
• Participants will help guide the sessions and materials to meet their priorities.

[accordion title="Outline"]

[accordion-item title="Understanding Retrenchment: The Current State of DEIB in Nonprofits" info="November 12"]

• Define retrenchment in the DEIB context and examine why and how it happens.
• Analyze the broader social, economic, and organizational factors contributing to the rollback of DEIB efforts.

[/accordion-item]

[accordion-item title="Recognizing the Signs: Identifying Retrenchment in Your Organization" info="November 19"]

• Learn how to spot subtle and overt signs of retrenchment.
• Discuss how organizational culture, leadership resistance, or external pressures can contribute to stagnation in DEIB work.

[/accordion-item]

[accordion-item title="Counteracting Retrenchment: Strategies for Sustaining DEIB" info="December 3"]

• Explore practical strategies to combat retrenchment, from leadership engagement to revising internal policies.
• Identify ways to keep DEIB top of mind even in challenging organizational climates.

[/accordion-item]

[accordion-item title="Building Collective Commitment: Engaging Stakeholders and Allies" info="December 10"]

• Learn how to build widespread commitment to DEIB across your organization by engaging staff, board members, volunteers, and external partners.
• Focus on fostering a culture of accountability and shared ownership of DEIB goals.

[/accordion-item]

[accordion-item title="Moving Forward: Reigniting Momentum for Long-Term DEIB Success" info="December 17"]

• Create actionable plans to reinvigorate DEIB efforts and push through the forces of retrenchment.
• Understand how to advocate for DEIB both internally and in the communities you serve, ensuring that progress remains a core organizational priority.

[/accordion-item]

[/accordion]

Cost

$175 for NAO Members
$235 for Nonmembers

You will receive a registration confirmation email. The Cohort Facilitator will send participants a Zoom link to access the sessions at least two days before the cohort begins.

If you have questions or trouble registering, contact [email protected].

[sponsors title="Thank You Funders"]                                                              [/sponsors]