Workshops and Training
The National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) is an international nonprofit that provides training for various organizations, including schools and corporations. NCBI’s mission focuses on creating welcoming environments, healing individuals, fostering effective allyship, and building coalitions for systemic change.
The Lynchburg NCBI Team offers workshops and activities to promote these principles, helping participants understand biases, learn about a variety of experiences, and develop skills to address dishonoring behavior. To schedule workshops, complete the Education Request Form.
NCBI Sessions Offered:
- Welcoming Everyone Workshop: Full-day session.
- Addressing Controversial Issues: 2-2.5 hours session.
To learn more about Lynchburg’s NCBI Chapter, contact Dr. Robert Canida at [email protected].
NCBI Facilitators
The Lynchburg NCBI Team’s mission is to develop a culture of inclusive excellence by creating coalitions around cultural differences within the University of Lynchburg community.
- Robert L. Canida II, PhD, Chief Inclusive Excellence Officer
- Tasha Gillum, Director of Leadership Development
- Ghislaine Lewis, PhD, Associate Professor of Communication Studies
- Tracy McCray, Manager of Westover Grill
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Anthony Slaughter, Shift Supervisor (Dining Services)
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John Barker, Sous Chef (Dining Services)
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William Hounsell, Service Supervisor (Dining Services)
Grant Opportunities
Through the advancement of inclusive excellence, we are pleased to announce the annual Promoting Inclusion and Innovation Grant (PIIG) Program.
Grants
We welcome proposals for projects and/or programs that advance justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and/or belonging in one or more of the following areas:
- Recruitment and retention
- Sense of Belonging
- Inclusive Pedagogy
- Dialogue and civil discourse for social equity
- Curricular/co-curricular collaborations
- Enhanced student learning within and beyond the classroom
- Integration of local/global diversity
- Faculty research and teaching in the area of diversity and inclusion
- Workplace Inclusion
- Social Justice
- Equity
- Students’ understanding of collaboration and inclusion
- Faculty, student, and staff partnerships
- Other related topics
Instructions
All University of Lynchburg students and employees in good standing are eligible to submit a proposal as individuals or as members of a group, team, office, or department. There is no limit on the number of people from the same student organization or department who can submit proposals, nor is there any restriction on the number of individuals who can be included in a single proposal.
To submit your proposal, complete the Promoting Inclusion and Innovation Grant (PIIG) Application. Questions or inquiries about the proposal process can be forwarded to [email protected]. If you need assistance with the proposal process, please email Dr. Robert L. Canida, II, chief inclusive excellence officer, at [email protected] or call 434.544.8540.
Important Dates
- Application Due Date: Oct. 17, 2025
- Award Notification: Nov. 14, 2025
- Award Period: Feb. 2 — April 30, 2026
Applications must include:
- A CV or resumé for all members participating in the project
- A statement of support from the appropriate unit chair or supervisor, vice president (or designee), faculty/staff advisor, or current professor
- A proposal that includes a detailed description of the project, objectives and outcomes, a timeline, and a breakdown of expected costs. All recipients of PIIG funds are expected to compile and share the results of their outcomes through a presentation, podcast, or poster. Funding will be provided via a reimbursement process.
Award/Grant
Up to $1,000 will be awarded for research project resources, professional development, or conference presentations. The total number of grants awarded will be one per classification (i.e., faculty, staff, student, or student group). If funds are awarded, the University of Lynchburg and the PII Grant Program must be recognized in any resulting research publication or presentation.
Mission
The mission of the Promoting Inclusion and Innovation Grant is to foster a campus culture that values diverse perspectives, inclusion, belonging and respect by supporting creative initiatives that engage the University community in meaningful, sustainable change.
Purpose
The purpose of this grant is to provide financial support for projects, programs, and research that:
- Promote inclusive excellence and innovation within the University community.
- Encourage collaboration across departments, disciplines, and perspectives.
- Enhance the sense of belonging for students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds.
- Inspire new approaches to teaching, learning, leadership, and community engagement that reflect the University’s commitment to inclusion and belonging.
Employee Affinity Groups
The African American Affinity Group at the University of Lynchburg provides an organized support system that fosters a collegial campus climate and a culture of unity, equity, respect, and mutual support among African American and Black faculty and staff.
Contact: [email protected]
The Asian American Pacific Islander Affinity Group brings faculty and staff together to appreciate and bolster Asian American Pacific Islander culture on campus while finding ways to support and encourage AAPI students at the University of Lynchburg.
Contact: [email protected]
The Hispanic/Latinx Affinity Group brings faculty and staff together to celebrate Hispanic and Latin American culture on campus while providing a supportive platform for Lynchburg students who identify as part of this community.
Contact: [email protected]
Lynchburg Q is a safe space for LGBTQIA+ faculty and staff to celebrate their identities while simultaneously finding ways to uplift LGBTQIA+ students on campus.
Contact: [email protected]
