Real Roofing: A DEI Learning Journey
An initiative to provide education and training on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Here We Go!
Congrats on taking the first step on your DEI Learning Journey!
At the end of this course, you will be better able to:
- Ground yourself in the forms of identity that shape yourself and your colleagues
- Explore the levers that drive destructive social hierarchies in our workforce
- Understand why inclusion matters and foster team cohesion.
- Overcoming incorrect intuitions about others that are holding you back.
- Model a shared vocabulary for inclusive communication
Lesson 1: What is DEI?
Why it matters, what it means, and how we move forward together.
In this kick-off to your REAL Roofing learning journey, we’ll break down the big three—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—in a way that’s real, relatable, and relevant to the roofing industry.
You’ll learn how to:
- Understand and differentiate the core concepts of DEI
- Recognize why representation matters—and how to avoid tokenism
- Identify how DEI shows up in your team, culture, and leadership
Video length: 13 minutes
Watch Lesson 1
Download and/or print the Lesson 1 Worksheet:
Lesson 2: Making the Case for DEI
Why does DEI matter—especially in roofing? This lesson connects the dots between inclusion and innovation, equity and employee retention, diversity and decision-making.
Learning Objectives:
- Connect DEI to workplace performance, safety, and retention
- Dispel common myths and objections about DEI
- Define the business case and human case for inclusive practices
Video length: 10 minutes
Watch Lesson 2
Download and/or print the Lesson 2 Worksheet:
Lesson 3: Personal & Group Identities
This lesson explores the layers of identity—both personal and social—and how they influence belonging, perception, and experience.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify personal and social identities that shape workplace experience
- Explore how visible and invisible identities affect perception and belonging
- Reflect on ways to honor and respect diverse identities at work
Video length: 9 minutes
Watch Lesson 3
Download and/or print the Lesson 3 Worksheet:
Lesson 4: Common Social Group Characteristics
From race and gender to age and ability, this lesson breaks down the key social group traits that affect how we navigate the world of work.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand key social group characteristics (e.g., race, gender, ability)
- Reflect on how group membership impacts access and inclusion
- Apply awareness to promote equity across different groups at work
Video length: 12 minutes
Watch Lesson 4
Download and/or print the Lesson 4 Worksheet:
Lesson 5: Inclusive Language
This lesson teaches why language is one of the most powerful tools for inclusion—or exclusion. Learn how to communicate in ways that affirm identity, build trust, and reduce harm.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the impact of everyday language on inclusion
- Practice using updated, inclusive alternatives to outdated terms
- Build habits that promote belonging through communication
Video length: 11 minutes
Watch Lesson 5
Download and/or print the Lesson 5 Worksheet:
Lesson 6: Intersectionality
This lesson introduces the concept of intersectionality and how overlapping aspects of identity can impact how someone is treated.
Learning Objectives:
- Define intersectionality and its relevance to equity
- Explore how overlapping identities affect workplace experiences
- Apply intersectional thinking to leadership and decision-making
Video length: 14 minutes
Watch Lesson 6
Download and/or print the Lesson 6 Worksheet:
Lesson 7: Psychological Safety
This lesson explains how to foster psychological safety on teams so people feel respected, heard, and free to speak up.
Learning Objectives:
- Define psychological safety and why it matters in the workplace
- Assess your own team’s safety climate
- Apply strategies to support open communication and trust
Video length: 12 minutes
Watch Lesson 7
Download and/or print the Lesson 7 Worksheet:
Lesson 8: Beliefs, Values and Behavior
This lesson explores how what we believe shows up at work—often unconsciously—and how to align personal values with inclusive culture.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore the connection between beliefs, values, and behaviors
- Reflect on alignment between personal values and professional actions
- Model inclusive values through daily choices and leadership
Video length: 13 minutes
Watch Lesson 8
Download and/or print the Lesson 8 Worksheet:
Lesson 9: Conscious Bias
This lesson looks at conscious bias—when we know we’re stereotyping or making assumptions—and how it affects decisions, hiring, and culture.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify conscious bias in action and understand its roots
- Evaluate the impact of biased assumptions on workplace fairness
- Commit to actions that reduce harmful bias in decisions
Video length: 10 minutes
Watch Lesson 9
Download and/or print the Lesson 9 Worksheet:
Lesson 10: Unconscious Bias
This lesson unpacks unconscious bias—those automatic judgments we all make—and how they shape our interactions and outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
- Define unconscious bias and understand how it operates
- Spot where unconscious bias may be hiding in systems or behavior
- Use tools to increase awareness and accountability
Video length: 9 minutes
Watch Lesson 10
Download and/or print the Lesson 10 Worksheet:
You're Halfway There!
We hope your journey has been an enlightening one so far! You're learning new concepts and terminology as well as broadening your horizons both personally and professionally. Keep up the good work.
It's not about the destination, it's all about the journey. Keep on truckin’!
Lesson 11: Microaggressions
This lesson explains what microaggressions are, why they’re harmful, and how to respond if you witness or experience one.
Learning Objectives:
- Define microaggressions and understand their cumulative impact
- Recognize common types of microaggressions in the workplace
- Learn respectful, constructive ways to respond and intervene
Video length: 14 minutes
Watch Lesson 11
Download and/or print the Lesson 11 Worksheet:
Lesson 12: Biased Behavior at Work
This lesson helps you recognize biased actions in the workplace—and equips you with practical strategies to address them.
Learning Objectives:
- Distinguish between intent and impact in workplace behavior
- Identify common examples of biased behavior
- Apply inclusive alternatives and foster more equitable interactions
Video length: 12 minutes
Watch Lesson 12
Download and/or print the Lesson 12 Worksheet:
Lesson 13: Discrimination and Prejudice
This lesson explores the difference between prejudice and discrimination, and how both show up in the workplace.
Learning Objectives:
- Distinguish between prejudice (attitudes) and discrimination (behaviors)
- Recognize how bias can escalate into exclusionary practices
- Identify everyday examples of discrimination in the workplace
Video length: 15 minutes
Watch Lesson 13
Download and/or print the Lesson 13 Worksheet:
Lesson 14: Systemic Discrimination
This lesson uncovers how systems, structures, and policies can unintentionally (or intentionally) exclude people.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand how policies and structures can create inequity
- Spot systemic barriers that disproportionately impact marginalized groups
- Explore ways to challenge and change biased systems from within
Video length: 13 minutes
Watch Lesson 14
Download and/or print the Lesson 14 Worksheet:
Lesson 15: Racial and Ethnic Discrimination
This lesson names the patterns of racial and ethnic discrimination, explains the impact, and challenges us to create more equitable workplaces.
Learning Objectives:
- Define the roots and realities of racial and ethnic discrimination
- Examine the effects of implicit bias and racial stereotypes in the workplace
- Commit to actions that support racial equity and inclusion
Video length: 12 minutes
Watch Lesson 15
Download and/or print the Lesson 15 Worksheet:
Lesson 16: Ageism
This lesson explores ageism from both ends of the spectrum and challenges generational stereotypes.
Learning Objectives:
- Define ageism and recognize how it shows up in hiring, feedback, and advancement
- Challenge stereotypes about younger and older workers
- Foster age-diverse teams that value all stages of career growth
Video length: 11 minutes
Watch Lesson 16
Download and/or print the Lesson 16 Worksheet: Ageism
Lesson 17: Sexism
This lesson explores how gender bias—subtle or overt—shapes experiences at work, and how to build a culture where everyone’s potential is supported.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand how sexism affects opportunity, leadership, and safety
- Identify harmful gender-based assumptions and language
- Promote gender equity through inclusive practices and allyship
Video length: 13 minutes
Watch Lesson 17
Download and/or print the Lesson 17 Worksheet:
Lesson 18: Inclusive Leadership
This lesson shares what inclusive leadership looks like in action: listening deeply, sharing power, and leading with equity.
Learning Objectives:
- Define what it means to lead inclusively across all levels of a team or organization
- Practice core behaviors of inclusive leadership—listening, humility, and equity
- Create space for others to speak up, contribute, and thrive
Video length: 12 minutes
Watch Lesson 18
Download and/or print the Lesson 18 Worksheet:
Lesson 19: Hope Matters
This closing lesson invites reflection, reaffirms your “why,” and highlights the power of consistent small actions fueled by hope.
Learning Objectives:
- Reflect on the personal and collective impact of DEI progress
- Reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and connection
- Cultivate hope as a leadership tool and a long-term DEI strategy
Video length: 15 minutes
Watch Lesson 19
Download and/or print the Lesson 19 Worksheet:
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Click on the far right tab on the home page menu to give it a try!
Sponsor Spotlight
Special thanks to ABC Supply Co. for their 2026 Platinum-Level sponsorship.
