Adirondack Diversity Initiative launches new virtual micro-credential

SARANAC LAKE | The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) and Adirondack Diversity Initiative (ADI) have announced the launch of a new, fully virtual micro-credential course for North Country businesses and nonprofits committed to making their businesses and workplaces more welcoming and inclusive for diverse staff and clientele. The online Welcoming and Belonging Micro-credential will be offered through North Country Community College (NCCC) starting later this month. By equipping participants with practical tools and strategies, the program highlights how embracing diversity and inclusion can lead to economic benefits for businesses and, by extension, the entire region. The self-paced course is tailored to meet the needs of the local business community, empowering participants to create spaces where all feel welcome and valued, thereby fostering growth and sustainability. The program officially launches at the beginning of NCCC's 2025 spring semester on Monday, Jan. 27, but registration is open now at www.nccc.edu/customized-training. "This is a unique opportunity for businesses and community leaders in our region to learn how inclusivity can drive economic growth and sustainability," said ADI Director Tiffany Rea-Fisher. "By making businesses more welcoming to a diverse audience, not only do we foster equity and belonging, but we also unlock significant economic benefits for individual businesses and the region as a whole. She added, "We are grateful to our partners at the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and North Country Community College for their dedication and collaboration in developing this impactful curriculum. After extensive planning, testing, and refining, we are proud to offer a resource that supports both economic prosperity and a stronger, more inclusive community." The Welcoming and Belonging Micro-credential aims to provide local businesses, chambers of commerce, and community groups with foundational knowledge and actionable best practices for cultivating inclusivity. By doing so, businesses can attract broader audiences, strengthen customer loyalty, and contribute to the economic vitality of the region. "This course is a wonderful starting point for the meaningful work of self-reflection and personal growth that we can each use to help spread inclusivity and connection within our communities," said ADI Community Initiatives Manager Tamara Jolly. "Participants will gain valuable tools for reflection and self-discovery while exploring practical strategies for making positive change and fostering a more supportive culture for everyone." The course consists of five core learning modules: Exploring Vulnerability, Building Trust & Relationships, Identifying Problems, Making Interventions, and Understanding Culture. Participants will also engage in discussion forums, journaling, interviews with experts, and applied learning activities to help them integrate the concepts into their businesses effectively. "NCCC shares the commitment of creating and maintaining a culture of belonging and inclusivity," said NCCC President Joe Keegan. "We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with ADI and ANCA on this important work." Sarah Maroun, NCCC Vice President for Academic Affairs, who led the College's efforts to develop the micro-credential, noted, "This is an exciting moment for our community and one that reflects the values we hold and share. We look forward to business and community leaders engaging with the course and the ideas within. It provides a great opportunity to highlight and explore the multiple perspectives and cultures located in the North Country as well as those from outside the region." The program allows participants to progress at their own pace and come away with achievable goals and an actionable plan that benefits their business. Each module is expected to take approximately 2-3 hours to complete, and group facilitation exercises may take an additional 1-2 hours. The course has been shaped by extensive feedback from local businesses, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community members, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) professionals, and educators. Insights from a 2021 pilot program helped refine the curriculum to ensure its relevance and effectiveness for North Country businesses. Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce member businesses are eligible to enroll for the micro-credential for a discounted rate. If they complete the course in the year 2025, they will receive a reimbursement of 80 percent of the total cost of registration. For more information or to register for the Welcoming and Belonging Micro-credential, visit the ANCA website at bit.ly/ADImicrocred or contact Tamara Jolly at tjolly@adirondack.org.

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Adirondack Diversity Initiative launches new virtual micro-credential

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