The OICD's Flagship online, instructor-led, course

Secure your place on the course

Upon payment you will receive an email with all relevant info, links to the class zoom room, and your course facilitator's email address.

Why Identity and Culture?

Identity is a root cause of division and psychological and physical violence. To make lasting positive change in the world we need tools that can help reverse the efforts of those that set out to divide our societies and communities. This course provides the frameworks and techniques to counter identity-based conflict and build lasting cohesion. Limited to no more than 12 participants, the course has no formal entry requirements and is ideal for public-facing professionals and practitioners from sectors such as education, health and human services, social care, humanitarian aid, community development, diplomacy, hospitality, impact assessment and social policy.

The Course Syllabus & Benefits

Session One

In the first part of the course we explore how identities help to fulfill human needs such as the need to feel connected to each other, free from fear and valid in the world. Through team exercises, we will examine the relationship between violence, hatred and identity.

Session Two

In the second interactive session, participants will learn some key ways to become better observers and interpreters of identity. We will learn techniques to help unpack the deeper meaning of behaviour and discourse and use roleplay to investigate how identities are produced to suit certain contexts.

Session Three

Putting what we have learnt into practice, the final session will concentrate on understanding how to build strategies and interventions to make some real world change. Concentrating on maximising effectiveness and ethnical standards we will explore the many options available to a variety of professions and sectors.

Full Course Features and Benefits

Here's a break-down of the full features of the OICD instructor-led course.

  • Nine hours of online tuition with an OICD expert, facilitator, and a small group of like-minded participants
  • 12 Guided and interactive modules (4 per session) covering a wide range of content with case studies
  • A slack group to discuss class themes outside of the instructor learning hours
  • A variety of activities and exercises, including role-play, group work and mini-lectures
  • A certificate of completion issued by the Organization for Identity and Cultural Development (OICD)
  • Access to supporting course materials
  • A foundation level competency in understanding and combating identity-based divisions
  • Priority access to OICD professional education and project services upon completion

Identity is a core issue for peacebuilding work, but also a very complex one. What I found interesting and relevant about the OICD's approach is the way it combines a high level conceptual model with practical application.

Phil Vernon, former Director of Programmes
Phil Vernon, former Director of Programmes International Alert, London, UK (2004-2017)

With an interest in conflict prevention and resolution, I was looking for an opportunity to apply my academic knowledge to real-world projects. The interdisciplinary approach and unique methodology of conflict management that OICD applies is unparalleled.

Dr. Aliya Tskhay, Research Associate
Dr. Aliya Tskhay, Research Associate University of St. Andrews

How does it work?

One three hour session per week for three weeks, Online

The course is conducted online with all sessions led by a qualified expert OICD instructor and facilitator. Over three weekly sessions of three hours per session, the class will explore the topics through small-group discussion, roleplay, problem-solving exercises, multimedia content and mini-lectures. Upon enrollment, you will be sent a welcome email with the links to the video conference location and Slack workspace. You will be sent a reminder email prior to the start of the course cohort. The course operates on a first-come-first-served basis until full. There are no formal requirements for entry other than an enthusiasm for the topics, and a desire to learn and participate in the learning process. Refunds for course enrollments are possible up to two weeks prior to the start of your cohort class.