Initial outcomes and lessons learned from implementation of an online diversity & inclusion community.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is an opportunity to build online communities and digitize inclusive excellence such that all students, staff, and faculty can benefit. However, literature illustrating actionable strategies for creating online communities and mitigating barriers related to engagement is limited. PURPOSE: We evaluated the feasibility, functionality, and usage of a college of nursing's (CON) online diversity and inclusion communication platform (i.e., D&I Community). METHODS: From survey and college-wide discussion, we found that CON members are interested in employing opportunities for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) discussions and engaging with DEI resources, but lack of time, competing priorities, and lack of awareness of the D&I Community were barriers to participation. DISCUSSION: We are prepared to modify processes to improve engagement and promote a sense of belonging for all CON members. CONCLUSION: Implementation and sustainability of this D&I Community require continual resource investment. Scalability can be considered once processes have been fully refined.