Western Alumni
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Anti-Racism Foundations Certificate

Brought to you by:
Western’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Western Alumni

Developed and taught by experts in anti-racism and equity, diversity, and inclusion, and in consultation with a broader community of experts, this complimentary Western program reflects the voices and experiences of equity-deserving group members.

Participants will examine the ongoing impact of racism in the Canadian context, focusing on equity-deserving groups including Indigenous Peoples and Black people. Learners will gain skills to address racism and be a better ally to equity-deserving group members.

Learning Objectives:

  • Recognize the relevance of the history of racism in Canada and its impact on equity-deserving groups.
  • Examine the invisibility of Whiteness and microaggressions, and the harmful impact that both can have on racialized individuals.
  • Identify strategies to address implicit bias and prevent microaggressions.
  • Implement strategies and actions to begin or continue an anti-racist journey to create a more equitable and inclusive community.

Format: Online, self-paced, four modules, one virtual workshop

Completion Time: Approximately 10 hours (7-8 hours for modules, 1 hour in a workshop)

Earn: Western Certificate of Completion and Digital Badge

Cost: Complimentary

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Anti-Racism Foundations Certificate

We are proud to welcome you to a community of alumni committed to creating more inclusive communities. Thank you for supporting this important initiative while enriching both your personal and professional development.

Have questions? A FAQ section at the bottom of this page provides further details you may be wondering about.

Step 1

Complete all 4 modules and quizzes

MODULE 1

Building Inclusivity through Anti-Racism

Build your understanding of internalized, interpersonal, systemic, and institutional racism while gaining the knowledge and skills to address these inequities. Explore actionable steps to redistribute power and engage in self-reflection. Identify microaggressions and their impact on equity-deserving group members and learn about interventions you can use to address them.

After completing this module you will be able to:

  • Define anti-racism and related keywords.
  • Examine racial microaggressions and the harmful impact they can have on racialized individuals.
  • Implement strategies and take action to begin or continue an anti-racist journey to create a more equitable and inclusive community.

Duration: 45 minutes


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Take the quiz!

MODULE 2

Historical Review of Racism in Canada

Learn and reflect on the history of racism towards equity-deserving groups including Indigenous Peoples and Black people. Understanding and acknowledging the history of these communities will allow us to honour, respect, and celebrate them.

After completing this module you will be able to:

  • Recognize the relevance of the history of racism in Canada.

Duration: 3 hours


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Take the quiz!

MODULE 3

Transforming Power and White Privilege

Participants will reflect on their positionality as social beings and learn about privilege and allyship, and explore strategies to transform privileges and power into tools that champion more equitable and inclusive interactions.

After completing this module you will:

  • Create and examine your social identity map to reflect on your positionality and relationship to Northern Turtle Island.
  • Distinguish privilege, White privilege, and the invisibility of Whiteness.
  • Reflect on strategies to make Whiteness visible.
  • Identify and reflect on strategies to be a better ally to equity-deserving groups.

Duration: 2 hours


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Take the quiz!

MODULE 4

Bias and Microaggressions: Impact, Prevention, and Intervention

Biases are mental shortcuts used to decide what is good and bad. Once we acknowledge our biases, we can take steps to eradicate them. Unconscious biases can create harmful environments where people are viewed negatively affecting our decision-making and hiring processes, ultimately contributing to more interpersonal, institutional, and systemic barriers. Similarly, microaggressions can also harm individuals bringing feelings of hopelessness and resentment, affecting the overall well-being of equity-deserving group members.

After completing this module you will:

  • Be aware of biases, microaggressions, and macroaggressions.
  • Build awareness around the impact of microaggressions.
  • Identify strategies to recognize and address implicit biases.
  • Consider intervention tactics to disarm microaggressions.

Duration: 1.5 hours


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Take the quiz!

Step 2

Register and participate in one virtual workshop

Power and Privilege as Agents of Change

Watch Pre-Recorded Workshop Here

NOTE: *If the event dates and time is not conducive to learning, please contact us.

Step 3

Upon completion of all four modules along with the corresponding quizzes, and one virtual workshop, request your certificate and digital badge.

Request Certificate & Badge

FAQ

How do I complete the modules?

All four modules are open to complete at any time at your own pace. You may complete each module all at once or complete each part in separate sittings. Please note: If you close your browser before reaching the end of the part you are working on, your spot will not be saved.

Can I participate in more than one virtual workshop even though it is not required?

Yes, we invite all participants to take as many workshops as they would like.

Quizzes

Once you complete each module, participants will complete a quiz. There are ten questions in each quiz. You need EIGHT correct answers are required to pass and be issued a certificate of completion for each module. Participants who do not pass the quiz with eight correct answers are able to take the quiz again.

Am I able to take a workshop before completing the modules?

Yes. Learners are able to register and complete a workshop at any time. In fact, we encourage you to register and complete it and work your way through the modules at your own pace. Workshops will be scheduled for the fall and winter.

When do I need to have all modules and workshops completed?

Sunday, October 6, 2024.

How do I register for a required virtual workshop?

Workshop dates are listed above. You can click on the box and it will direct you to the registration page. Workshops are listed on the alumni events page. There will be 4-5 options available between October 2023 and April 2024. Additional workshops may be scheduled.

What if there is not a workshop that works for my schedule?

Please contact us to arrange a time conducive to your schedule.

What’s the best way to share how this training has impacted me personally and/or professionally?

Please email us at alumni@uwo.ca and let us know how this training has had a positive impact on you. We would use your testimonial to inspire others to participate. You can also spread the word and invite other’s from the Western community to complete this certificate.

What technology is required?

  • A computer, laptop, tablet or phone using Windows or macOS.
  • The latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release).
  • A reliable internet connection.
  • Technology to watch videos, listen to audio, and download and read PDF files.
  • Access to a video camera and microphone for the virtual workshop(s). (Workshops are designed to be somewhat interactive, while use of your camera is encouraged, it is not compulsory)

Need help?

Any questions about this program or help with issues you encounter can be directed to alumni@uwo.ca. Or you can reach us by phone Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST at Toll-free: 1-800-258-6896.