Module 1 - Lesson 1

1. Understanding Diversity, Equity,
Inclusion, & Belonging
DEIB
CREATED BY BETWEEN FRIENDS
“Love” in
American Sign Language
“Explain” in
American Sign Language

2. I work in our DEI
Department
I am on our workplace DEIB
committee
Most people have heard the acronym “DEI”
or “DEIB” in the workplace.
These acronyms refer to organizational
efforts aimed at "the fair treatment and full
participation of all people"(1), especially for
groups historically underrepresented or
discriminated against due to their identity or
disability.
(1) ""DEI" — on Dictionary.com". dictionary.com. Retrieved
2023-11-08.
What is DEI?

3. You may have also heard other acronyms like:
ADEI, DEIJ, DEB, D&I, JEDI, and more!
Accessibility(A) and Justice(J) hold their own
unique definitions and distinctions.
There is no right acronym, BUT we do need to
understand each term to know when and how
to use them. This also might help us
determine which acronym might fit your
organization.
What About...?

4. B
Belonging
A
Accessibility
Accessibility will be
addressed later in the
training course
DEI
Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion
(Most Common
Acronym)
J
Justice
Coming Soon!
Collaborative module on
justice and anti-racism with
a partner organization
DEIB
ADEI
JEDI
DEIJ
DEIBA
JDEIA
That’s A Lot of
Acronyms!
DI
At Between Friends, we center our work
for people with disabilities to “Connect,
Grow, & Belong”. We envision
communities where people with
disabilities can go anywhere and feel truly
embraced, knowing that they belong.

5. Let’s Break Down “DEIB”
WHY DEIB?
DEI is still the most common acronym but DEIB is
increasing in usage. While there is no “correct” acronym for
this type of work, we will focus on DEIB to break down the
key concepts and also showcase the concept of
“Belonging”.

6. Diversity
Variety of Identities - These can include: gender expression, ability, race, age, class, sexual
orientation, religious beliefs, etc.
Diversity refers to differences and variations in a group that encompass
a variety of identities and experiences.
Do you know which of these are “protected
grounds” under the Alberta Human Rights Act?
Click out the tools section at the end of this
module to find out
Let’s break down a working definition for workplaces and organizations.

7. Diversity
Variations in a Group - In the context of workplaces - diversity should be used to define the
composition of a group.
“When a group is diverse, leaders can value how every person contributes to the group
diversity, as opposed to adding one person who seems unlike the rest and calling them
diverse.”
- Lori Nishiura Mackenzie and Melissa V. Abad, Harvard Business Review
Diversity refers to differences and variations in a group that encompass
a variety of identities and experiences
Let’s break down a working definition for workplaces and organizations.

8. Equity vs. Equality

9. Photo Description - Equity
In this image, four people are given the same bicycle to ride.
From left to right, one person is unable to use the bike at all, for the next person, the bike is too small, for the
next person, the bike fits well, and for the last person, the bike is too big.
This image is a great example of equality - where each person is given the exact same thing; each person is
treated ‘equally’.

10. Photo Description - Equality
In this image, everyone is given a different bike that suits them uniquely. The image includes the use of an
adapted bicycle for the person who in the first image was unable to ride the bicycle, also showing accessible
design.
In this image, each single person is able to ride their bike comfortably, showing an equitable solution.

11. Inclusion
“Inclusion is valuing and incorporating the perspectives, contributions, needs, and
viewpoints of all people.”
-The Acacia Company
Diversity is a fact, inclusion is an act
Diversity reflects representation - it is who is at the table.
Inclusion refers to whether people feel valued, respected, safe, and welcomed when they
speak at the table.
Diversity is a good start but it is not enough on its own which is why you will see it paired
with equity, inclusion, and belonging.

12. Belonging
“Inclusion involves efforts and behaviors that can be fostered by the
organization or actually by the people in it.
Belonging is something that employees themselves feel
and results from your inclusion efforts.”
- Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR)
One Step Further

13. Belonging
A sense of belonging is a basic human need,
defined in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Did You Know?
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
may have been inspired by the
Siksika (Blackfoot) way of life.
Find an article at
the end of the
module to learn
more

14. The Business Case
Belonging
40% 5%
The 2021 Culture Report from the Achievers Workforce Institute found that having a strong
sense of belonging in the workplace is a key factor for organizational success.
Results from this report show belonging can: Increase Retention
I rarely think
about looking for
a job elsewhere.
Strong sense of belonging Low sense of belonging
vs.

15. The Business Case
Belonging
45% 6%
The 2021 Culture Report from the Achievers Workforce Institute found that having a strong
sense of belonging in the workplace is a key factor for organizational success.
Results from this report show belonging can: Boost Productivity
I am my most
productive self
at work.
Strong sense of belonging Low sense of belonging
vs.

16. The Business Case
Belonging
51% 4%
The 2021 Culture Report from the Achievers Workforce Institute found that having a strong
sense of belonging in the workplace is a key factor for organizational success.
Results from this report show belonging can: Benefit Employer Branding
I would
recommend this
company as a
great place to
work.
Strong sense of belonging Low sense of belonging
vs.

17. Diversity
Inclusion
Belonging
Diversity as “having a seat
at the table”,
Author Liz Fosslien differentiates DIB by describing:
Inclusion as “having a voice at
the table”,
Belonging as “having that voice being heard.”