This workshop will provide a safe and sensitive space to converse about subjects that can sometimes be difficult to understand or discuss, like diversity, equity, and inclusion—terms that are more frequently appearing in our workplaces and personal spaces. The focus of this program is to equip employees in attorney general offices to gain knowledge, become more comfortable with these concepts, and understand how they may influence office dynamics.

Moreover, as attorney general offices struggle with attrition and attracting talent, the conversation sometimes turns to recognizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles as part of an overall human resources, talent management, and operational practices strategy. Or, often, attorney general staff are simply curious or may want to have conversations and build relationships with their colleagues but are uncomfortable for fear of saying the wrong thing or offending someone unintentionally. An attorney general office’s culture can greatly impact employee success and determine whether it may meet the needs of the community it serves and protects, as more frequent interaction may be occurring due to demographic shifts and increased contact with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Former and existing attorney general staff will facilitate this discussion-based and interactive workshop to promote an honest discussion with persons who understand an attorney general office’s mandate, in addition to hearing from experts in the DEI space. This workshop will include varying modes of instruction and discussion, such as roundtables, breakouts, and engaged presentations discussing the aforementioned topics.