Diversity and Inclusion for Business

Webinar Description:

Niagara Pride will be presenting LGBTQ+ Diversity and Inclusion training, created for local businesses, organizations, and agencies.  The Diversity and Inclusion Training is designed to provide employers, organizations, and community service providers with knowledge of the following areas: key LGBTQ+ terms; the distinction between sexual orientation and gender identity; pronoun usage; the difference between diversity, inclusion, and equity; social and political context for why LGBTQ+ diversity is important; best practices that can be implemented by organizations for promoting LGBTQ+ diversity; and finally, LGBTQ+ Diversity toolkit for employers/organizations.   

About the Presenters:

Ronald Piaseczny and Susan Frawley will be representing Niagara Pride, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving LGBTQ+ individuals and families in Niagara County and WNY.  We offer educational programming, engage in charitable works, and offer social programming to create safe and welcoming environment for all those who identify as LGBTQQI+ living throughout WNY.  We receive no State or Federal Grants…we completely funded by donations.  We have no paid staff…only volunteers.  Some of the services Niagara Pride offers include:

• Know Your Status campaign to help provide sexual health and wellness materials for free to individuals as well as share information about HIV and STI testing in all 8 counties of WNY
• WNY LGBTQ+ Community Needs Survey – a comprehensive survey which looks at challenges and barriers faced by the LGBTQ+ community when accessing health care, housing services, legal services, and other community providers throughout the 8 counties of WNY
• Niagara County High School GSA Grants – money for GSAs to create LGBTQ+ affirming programming in their schools
• The Jean Hopkins Memorial Scholarship for LGBTQ+ high school seniors pursuing higher education
• Diversity and Inclusion Trainings – Niagara Pride offers trainings to local businesses, agencies, and organizations for a nominal fee
• WNY Shopping with Pride – a yearly event designed to promote and encourage patronage of WNY LGBTQ+ and ally owned businesses during the month of June
• WNY Pride 5k – our yearly run/walk fundraiser
• Niagara Falls Pride, Newfane Pride, North Tonawanda Pride (in partnership with the Oliver Street Merchants Association…and coming in 2023, Lockport Pride – community based Pride celebrations
• And in partnership with other agencies, Niagara Pride has been able to offer groups/services for addictions and housing discrimination assistance.